What to Ask About ADD Medications

Suffering with attention deficit disorder, ADD, symptoms can be incredibly difficult and can also have a negative effect on your relationships, your productivity, and your overall quality of life. To bring relief from those symptoms, most physicians have a full line of medications available to prescribe. Which one of the medications chosen can depend upon factors such as the patient’s age and other medical conditions present.

Before you begin taking medication for your ADD symptoms, there are several questions you may want to ask your doctor. One very important thing to know is, “What are the long-term side effects of this medication?” Another crucial question to ask is, “Will I have to take this medication for the rest of my life, or is it intended to be a short-term therapy, and how is this determined?” Another question that is being asked with increasing frequency as more people seek the safest, least invasive therapies possible is, “Are there other methods for relieving these symptoms without using ADD medications?” Your doctor may or may not be familiar with alternative therapies such as biofeedback training, specialized diets, and supplement use that are showing positive results in managing ADD symptoms. If you’re interested in those possibilities, you may have to do your homework before you meet with your physician.

One more group of questions that may arise when faced with a new medical regimen begins with, “What restrictions will this place on my life?” Following that should be, “What foods, activities, or other medications should I avoid?” And it’s always important to ask, “What side effects should I report?”

Working together with your healthcare provider, it’s possible to create a safe, sensible protocol for managing your ADD symptoms. Make a list of the questions you would like answered prior to beginning a new medication, if that’s the prescribed therapy. By all means, explore the complementary and alternative medicine therapies for alleviating your symptoms, and ask your doctor about them. The final goal should be to find the answers that are the best fit for you.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

Five Common Drugs for ADD

Millions of people have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD symptoms and are seeking relief through medication. Before you begin taking one of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, arm yourself with information about their potential side effects. Do your own research, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and stay alert for side effects once a medication has been prescribed.

The following is a highly-condensed list of five of the most common drugs for ADD and the side effects most often reported for each:

·         Strattera  - A non-stimulant used to treat ADD symptoms. Most commonly reported side effects include dizziness, irritability, headaches, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and nausea. This list is not exhaustive; all potential side effects should be explained by your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.

·         Adderall – An amphetamine-type stimulant frequently prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Common side effects for Adderall can include back pain, irregular heartbeat, and painful urination with bloody urine. Ask your doctor which underlying physical conditions might be exacerbated by taking Adderall.

·         Concerta – Another of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. You may experience some or none of the side effects commonly reported, including rash, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and fever.

·         Ritalin – This is an older generation stimulant, one of the first prescribed for ADD symptoms. Side effects reported from using Ritalin are similar to those reported for Concerta, including chest pain, rash, fever, joint pain, and rapid heartbeat.

·         Kapvay – One of the non-stimulant drugs for ADD, Kapvay, also known as Clonidine, is usually used to enhance the effect of another ADD medication in children ages six to seventeen. Some of the possible side effects of taking Kapvay are drowsiness, dizziness, loss of energy, and constipation.

As with any medication, common drugs for ADD have their pros and cons. In addition to potential side effects, you should also be aware of drug interactions that can occur. Work with your doctor to decide which possible side effects would be the least disruptive for you as you are getting your ADD symptoms under control.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

How to Research ADD Natural Remedies

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for your child may have you wondering if medication is the only answer. Many parents are concerned about the potential side effects and drug interactions of the most common medications given for ADD. If you aren’t sure how to start your research on ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, here are some suggestions:

1.       Talk to your child’s medical care provider about which natural remedies for managing your child’s ADD symptoms show promise. If he is up-to-date on research into alternative therapies, he may be able to suggest other things to try besides prescription medications.

2.       Ask your doctor if he can refer you to an alternative medicine practitioner in your area. These two disciplines sometimes work hand-in-glove to bring the greatest relief of symptoms to the patient.

3.       If you want to investigate how biofeedback training might help your child learn to manage his symptoms, look for a biofeedback/neurofeedback practitioner in your area. Many mental health professionals, doctors, and chiropractors now offer this type of treatment in conjunction with therapy to help in managing ADD symptoms.

4.       Contact your local mental health center for listings of ADD/ADHD parent support organizations. Parents often share helpful information on what has worked in the way of ADD natural remedies, as well as traditional medical protocols, for their child’s ADD. As with any alternative therapy, be sure to keep your child’s doctor in the loop when considering other ways of bringing your child relief.

5.       Talk to your doctor about a referral to a dietician who can give you information on the best possible diet for your child with ADD. A proper diet supports not only your child’s body but also his brain function, making it one of the simplest ADD natural remedies to put in place.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADD for your child can be unsettling and the best answer isn’t always prescription medication. If you are interested in ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, use the steps above to get started with your research. It takes time to gather the information to advocate for your child’s best medical care, but there is truly no better use of a parent’s time.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ ADD

Exploring ADD Natural Remedies

Distraction, irritability, impulsivity, and difficulty connecting with others are only some of the frustrating symptoms of attention deficit disorder, ADD. The person seeking help to manage these symptoms may consult with their physician and be prescribed one, or a combination of, medications such as the amphetamine stimulant Adderall, the non-stimulant Strattera, or one of the older generation medications such as Ritalin; however there are a number of ADD natural remedies worth exploring.

Here are brief explanations of three of the categories of ADD natural remedies:

·         Specialized Diet for ADD – This is an area of some controversy, as little hard research has been performed on the actual impact of specific foods on ADD symptoms. It may be helpful to begin eliminating suspect foods and watching for an improvement of symptoms. There are reports of improved ADD symptoms in some people when such foods as sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, and artificial food additives are removed from the diet.  The overall goal, not only for those with ADD but anyone who wishes to live a healthier life, is to have the healthiest diet possible to support brain and body functions.

·         Biofeedback Therapy – Another of the ADD natural remedies gaining ground with those who hope to avoid extended medication use is biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback therapy involves training the person with ADD symptoms to self-regulate brain wave activity. By such innovative means as video games, the patient is taught to bring their brain waves back into normal rhythm. This may bring significant relief of ADD symptoms.

·         Supplement Therapy – A third area of ADD natural remedies worth exploring, by itself or in conjunction with the others mentioned, is the use of specific supplements. Supplement therapy for ADD symptoms is another area in need of solid research, but parents of children with ADD in particular, have reported positive outcomes when adding certain supplements to the diet. Those to explore include zinc, gingko biloba, and Omega 3 fish oil.  As with all therapies, they should be investigated with the assistance of the person’s health care provider.

The symptoms of attention deficit disorder can have serious negative impact on the life of the person suffering with them. For many ADD sufferers, a lifetime of medication use is not desirable. The abundance of ADD natural remedies to alleviate symptoms may offer those people the safe, medication-free relief they are seeking.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD/ ADHD

Determining The Best Course of Action for Your Child’s ADD/ADHD

When searching at Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment for a child, lots of people go right to prescription medicines. These pills could be advantageous in curbing ADHD and helping with the ability to concentrate and work, and they've enjoyed the support from the mainstream medical establishment. Regrettably, this support has brought to stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin being grossly over-recommended by doctors today.

You should keep in mind that despite their prevalence, stimulants are serious medicines. These drugs work by effecting chemicals within the brain. They are able to also include major unwanted effects, including: chance of dependence, mood changes, depression and potential withdrawal signs and symptoms. Make certain to think about the advantages and risks before putting your son or daughter on these medications.

Natural Remedies

For individuals searching for a way to stay away of medications, there also numerous natural and side-effect free ADHD treatments available. These remedies can function without resorting to medicines, or could be coupled with medicines to improve their effect. Probably the most effective natural Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder remedies include:

• Proper Diet - You will find a number of nutritional components that considerably affect Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder signs and symptoms. For instance, protein plays an important role in the way the brain processes chemical messengers to manage the sleep/wake cycle. Research has proven that individuals with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder function better on reduced carb, high protein diets. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder sufferers also are usually oversensitive to chemicals in food, so eating non-processed, organic meals can improve signs and symptoms too.

• Behavior Therapy - This type of therapy seeks to train children social, behavior, and academic abilities to assist them to manage the signs and symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavior therapy addresses specific problems in behavior and seeks to restructure a patient’s responses. So as to, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder sufferers can develop more foreseeable and positive programs.

• Neurofeedback Therapy - This therapy continues to be proven to work in dealing with numerous nerve conditions. It functions by using computer led training to redirect wayward brainwaves. This enables the mind to consider in healthy, organized designs producing a more stable and functional cognitive activity. This therapy might help curb numerous signs and symptoms and it has had success in dealing with many patients with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Discover more about how exactly neurofeedback might help here.

What's the Smartest Choice in my Child?

How do we choose the best Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder strategy to your son or daughter? In the finish during the day, only your loved ones as well as your physician can figure out what treatment works well for the child’s particular signs and symptoms. It ought to be noted that although many prescription medicines can suppress the signs and symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they don't cure them. Thus it is crucial that you explore all the options, and thoroughly evaluating your child’s response, before selecting a particular protocol.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Catching Symptoms of ADD in Children Early

The Importance of Identifying Symptoms of ADD in Children

Most of us are familiar with the symptoms of ADD in children: inattentiveness, occasional hyperactivity, and a proclivity for losing personal items or struggling with organization. ADD is a prevalent learning disorder, affecting 3% to 5% of the population, and it can dramatically decrease a sufferer's chance at academic and professional success, as well as interfere with the formation and maintenance of personal and romantic relationships. However, there is another, even more pressing reason to quickly identify the symptoms of ADD in children. It is a concept called comorbidity, and it means that with some disorders, there is a high likelihood that other related disorders will also develop.

Symptoms of ADD in children are often comorbid with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. This isn't surprising when you realize that all three ailments affect the executive function of the brain. ADD, on its own, is a relatively easy disorder to treat and manage throughout one's life. Depression and anxiety, on the other hand, are very frightening illnesses.

Those who suffer from depression and anxiety are more likely to use tobacco products, abuse alcohol and other illegal substances, and struggle throughout their lives with various sleep disorders, which make them more likely to get sick and more prone to accidents, both on the road and on the job. Depression also greatly increases the risk of suicide, and a new study has even found that it increases the risk of heart failure by 40%. Depression and anxiety also greatly impact a person's quality of life. Since they often occur when symptoms of ADD in children go untreated, it's of the utmost importance to start therapy with a counselor, or to begin using natural approaches like diet changes and biofeedback, as soon as possible for children who are diagnosed with the disorder.

Another reason to identify symptoms of ADD in children early is that when a child is treated as soon as possible, they don't struggle with other behavioral and psychological effects that come along with the disorder. There is a large, pervasive social stigma around many of the behaviors of ADD, and an untreated child may develop major issues with their self-esteem and social skills because they believe that they are unable to function like everyone else and that there is something "wrong" with them. One ADD sufferer described her disorder as "being forced to crawl when everyone else is able to walk." A child that doesn't know they have a disorder grows into an adult who thinks they're just not as good as everyone else, and this will severely limit their potential for success, happiness, and positive social adjustment.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

A Mystery: Is ADHD Curable?

Is ADHD Curable? No, But It Is Treatable

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) affects more than 1 in 10 children and often carries on into adulthood. Its symptoms include hyperactivity, trouble focusing, being easily distracted, and struggling with time management. The disorder can have a major detrimental effect on both a person's relationships and career prospects; therefore it should be treated as soon as it’s detected.

There are a lot of people that want to know: is ADHD curable? Unfortunately, scientists are not even sure what causes ADHD, much less how to cure it. However, the good news is that although there is no cure, there are several treatment options that can alleviate its symptoms. Here are the most effective treatments for people suffering from ADHD:

1.       Stimulants. Many patients with ADHD are given drugs from the amphetamine family. What’s interesting is that these stimulants actually increase a person’s hyperactivity, but help them to channel it into productive tasks by increasing their focus. Stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, dextroamphetamine, and Focalin.

2.       Non-stimulant medication. Some medications, like Desipramine and Amitriptyline, are non-stimulant antidepressants that some people have found success with (depression, like ADHD, affects the executive function of the brain.) Another medicine doctors are using is Clonidine, which is usually used to treat high blood pressure and aggression.

3.       Biofeedback. A safe, non-medication therapy wherein a therapist uses a machine to display a patient's brain waves back to them, then uses that information to teach the patient how to control their own behavior in response to mental and physical stimuli. Usually presented in the form of a game, in some patients biofeedback has been shown to be every bit as effective as a daily regimen of 30mg of Ritalin.

4.       Diet. The current wisdom in the modern medical industry is that there is no established causal link between diet and ADHD, but many doctors are beginning to sit up and take notice of multiple studies showing that some food additives have the potential to exacerbate the condition. People who eat refined foods and foods with dyes and preservatives report more trouble with their ADHD than those without. Parents who have begun supplementing their children's diets with fish oil and B-vitamins also report that their ADHD children experience better mood stability and focus.

Someday when we ask the question, "Is ADHD curable?" we will be able to answer, "Yes!" Until then, it remains a troubling disorder that affects millions of people. Luckily, it is treatable – both with and without medication.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

A Safe Alternative to Attention Deficit Disorder Medication

Treating ADHD without Medication

                Anyone who lives with Attention Deficit Disorder – or lives with someone with Attention Deficit Disorder – knows how difficult it is to live with the disorder.  From basic household tasks to finding and keeping employment, Attention Deficit Disorder is at best a frustration to more than 1 in 13 Americans – and at worst, a debilitating mental condition that makes it nearly impossible to live a normal, happy life. 

Despite the many jokes on the Internet and television (and legions of naysayers who do not even believe that the condition exists) Attention Deficit Disorder is a very real and very serious condition that requires dedicated treatment.  In most cases, when a doctor makes a diagnosis, the first step is to prescribe a pill.

Unfortunately, Attention Deficit Disorder medication tends to come from a family of powerful stimulants called amphetamines.  Drugs like Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine help people achieve a normal level of focus and patience with repetitive or menial tasks, but they also increase the pulse, energy level and blood pressure – and often exacerbate a patient's already amped-up hyperactivity. 

Researchers have been searching for a long time for an alternative to Attention Deficit Disorder medication, and they have discovered several options, including those that have to do with nutrition and diet, and certain behavioral therapies that can help sufferers to succeed.  But nothing has proven as quick and effective as Attention Deficit Disorder medication as a procedure called neurofeedback, which is a form of biofeedback.  It is a treatment that records electrical activity and helps a therapist teach a patient to control their own brain activity – and it has been proven to be just as effective as 30 milligrams of Ritalin per day.

Neurofeedback also comes without side effects, and has been deemed perfectly safe by the American Association of Pediatricians – meaning it is a safe, non-drug treatment for children who are suffering from the disorder, as well.  It typically consists of a therapy regimen of between ten and twenty sessions, which last between a half an hour and an hour each.  After that, the patient has learned to control their own mental and physiological responses – and can adjust and function happily without having to live their life on Attention Deficit Disorder medication.

If you or a loved one are suffering from this lifelong disorder, but you do not want to treat it with the class of psychostimulants that makes up the bulk of Attention Deficit Disorder medication, it may be time to look into neurofeedback.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD/ADHD

Neurofeedback for ADHD - With Dr. Guy Annunziata

How can you use neurofeedback for ADHD? In this video, Stefan Georgi of Market Taffy interviews Dr. Guy Annunziata, the founder of BrainCore Therapy. Dr. Guy provides an excellent overview of what neurofeedback is, covers neurofeedback research, and explains specifically how it is used for ADHD. You can find out more about neurofeedback and BrainCore by visiting:http://www.braincoretherapy.com

What is ADD Like if Left Untreated?

Untreated ADD

What is ADD like if left untreated? If you are thinking about foregoing ADD treatment for your child in the hopes they will simply “grow out of it,” let’s examine that scenario.

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, affects over 8% of all children across the United States, making it a shockingly commonplace disorder. We’re talking about multiple children in almost every classroom being afflicted. So what is ADD going to put these children through if they don’t have a proper way to manage it? It’s going to place these children at a serious, and sometimes insurmountable, disadvantage. When left alone, the disorder is characterized by: the inability to focus, marked difficulties following directions, difficulty communicating and interacting with others, and serious impairments in school and the learning process that is so crucial in youth.

Let’s Talk Management Options 

Now that we know symptoms, what are ADD management methods like? Historically, physicians or psychiatrists treating ADD have leaned heavily on medication. In effective scenarios, these meds are usually coupled with psychotherapy or behavior skills training. Even then, there are no guarantees of success, and your child is being exposed to harmful side effects, and you are continuing to have the expense of doctor’s visits. There are also holistic options out there that have experienced varied degrees of success such as herbal remedies, dietary alterations, mental exercises, exercise techniques, and even sleep modification. While all of these techniques are part of a wholesome lifestyle conducive to long-term mental health, asking for immediate results with these might be expecting a little too much. Fortunately, here in 2014, there are other, newer options available such as neurofeedback ADD therapy. 

Neurofeedback? 

So what is ADD neurofeedback therapy and are there any risks? Thankfully, unlike with medications – stimulants or otherwise – there are no risks. Neurofeedback therapy is a groundbreaking method that is actually all noninvasive and pain free. Simply put, neurofeedback allows patients to manage neurological disorders themselves. As unbelievable as that sounds, it’s completely true, and backed up by extensive scientific research. Using EEG sensors, the readings from your own brain, and guided mental exercises, neurofeedback teaches your brain to self-correct brainwave patterns which are at the root of neurological problems such as ADD. Additionally, the skill of self-regulation is not fleeting and does not require constant maintenance, such as therapy. Your brain will learn to autocorrect on its own after a remarkably quick amount of time – a true testament to the amazing human brain and its ability to overcome ailments.

What is ADD neurofeedback therapy and where can I enroll my child in a program? To learn more or to take the crucial first steps in beginning BrainCore’s life-changing neurofeedback therapy, contact us today.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ ADD

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

What is Attention Deficit Disorder? Although this neurological disorder is practically a household name, many of us are not familiar with how the disease actually works or the intricacies of living with this condition. Attention Deficit Disorder, more commonly referred to as ADD, affects over five million children in the United States alone, or over 8% of the child population. The disorder, which can often be outgrown, is characterized by the inability to focus, disorganization, difficulty communicating, and a very short attention span. ADD is actually an offshoot of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, but where the child demonstrates less impulsivity and more inattentiveness or disorganization.

Recognizing Symptoms Early

What is ADD like symptomatically? This is a very good question, because the earlier parents, teachers, or loved ones can identify symptoms of ADD, the better chance a child will have of being successfully treated and therefore faring better in school and society. Here are some common symptoms of ADD that could warrant a visit to a doctor or specialist:

•          Becomes quickly and unreasonably bored, often failing to complete simple undertakings
•          Constantly demonstrating a lack of care or attention to detail in performing tasks
•          Habitual disorganization
•          Difficulty listening or following instructions
•          Often loses or misplaces things
•          Inability to focus
•         Easily distracted

Formulating a Management Plan

What are ADD management methods like? This is a tricky question, because it varies greatly from patient to patient. Historically, doctors have prescribed medication for children as young as three years of age. These medications are often stimulants, although there are some non-stimulant options. Although these medications do have an established success rate, they also have an established track record of side effects, some of which can be very harmful – especially in young children. Doctors will typically recommend concurrent psychotherapy or behavioral skills training for children with ADD, and this greatly enhances the child’s chances at improvement. Aside from these two options, there are also more holistic management methods out there (i.e. dietary and exercise changes), as well as some newer-age methods. One such method, called neurofeedback, allows doctors to actually locate the brainwave patterns potentially causing ADD and then retrain these brainwave patterns with the goal of long-term alleviation of the disorder. Neurofeedback is optimal for children because it is drug-free, painless, and noninvasive. It has also achieved noted results that have been published recently in some prominent long-term research studies, so it is certainly worth looking into.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER/ ADD

Changes in How to Treat ADHD

 Conventional Answers to ADHD

Knowing how to treat ADHD is paramount to creating a positive learning environment for children afflicted by this disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is so prominent today that there are a lot of established treatment options available. Both traditionally and historically, doctors have used a two-pronged approach to treating ADHD: medication and therapy. It is important these are used in conjunction with one another, because while medication helps, it is not a long-term solution. Likewise, when it comes to therapy, results take a great deal of commitment and can be relatively far off on the horizon.

There is a flip side of the coin with these customary options in how to treat ADHD. First, medications come with well-known side effects ranging from minor nuisances to severe risks. Patients must consciously accept these side effects, because the common ones really can become part of everyday life. Furthermore, with regard to therapy, all may be for naught without the proper time, commitment, and financial resources.

Subtle Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Fortunately, the best course of action in how to treat ADHD is not limited to medication and therapy. In fact, you can make changes to your everyday life that can tangibly alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Dietary corrections, exercise regulation, sleep stability, and even certain herbs and supplements have been shown to help fight ADHD without subjecting yourself to prescriptions or the rigors of a therapy regimen.

Thinking Outside the Box

In addition to the aforementioned natural remedies that help with managing ADHD, there are some intriguing alternatives now on the market. One new and innovative treatment that has already proven successful in managing the disorder is neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback is a completely painless and noninvasive therapy that trains your brain to self-regulate the dysfunctional brainwave patterns at the root of ADHD. Not only are drugs out of the picture with neurofeedback, you won’t encounter the same commitment issues that accompany psychotherapy because the goal of neurofeedback is to set patients up for a future without neurological disorders by teaching their brains to self-correct automatically for the long-term.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ADD

Are Stimulants the Best Treatment for ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is a widely misunderstood brain disorder that affects 1 in 13 Americans of all ages. Due to the fact that many of the symptoms of ADHD causes individuals to make social and professional mistakes, such as having difficulty keeping appointments, maintaining punctuality, or effectively listening when someone is speaking to them, people with ADHD are often discriminated against. To make matters worse, there is a large contingent of people who believe that ADHD is not a "real" disorder, and that people who suffer from it just need some "self-discipline" or need to "grow up."

Those who have the disease – many of them successful professionals in all walks of life – know that overcoming the symptoms of ADHD is not simply a matter of summoning internal grit and willpower. For those that have a moderate or severe form of the disorder, medical treatment is often necessary. In most cases that treatment comes in the form of a powerful stimulant like Adderall, Focalin, or Dexedrine.

Stimulants work by affecting the way the brain regulates its impulses in deciding what to give attention to; they accomplish this task by increasing the availability of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They have proven to be effective over the long-term in helping people manage symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (the last being somewhat paradoxical, since stimulants provide more energy to the body; however, they help the brain direct that energy into productive ends).

Unfortunately, stimulants come with unpleasant – and occasionally dangerous – side effects. About four out of five people who take stimulants report that they experience a drastic loss in appetite and have difficulty sleeping at night, and a lack of proper nutrition and sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Others complain of stomachaches, headaches, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rates. Studies have shown that long-term use of stimulants are safe for most people, but there are some concerns about short-term use in people who accidentally take too much of their medication, which can cause serious discomfort and potential heart damage.

Many people who dislike taking stimulants have begun to seek out alternatives in managing ADHD, including a newer drug on the market called Strattera. There are also non-medication therapies rapidly emerging on the market, such as neurofeedback, which is 100% safe, non-invasive and has been shown in many cases to be just as effective as stimulants.

A Lesser Known Form of Attention Deficit Disorder

Most people are familiar with the hyperactive variant of attention deficit disorder, which is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inability to pay attention. What many people don’t know is that the hyperactive variant of ADHD is only one subtype of the disorder. The “hyper,” bouncing-off-the-walls stereotype of attention deficit disorder actually obscures the reality that there is a second subtype that is less frequently discussed. It’s called “inattentive attention deficit disorder,” and although it is less often recognized by parents and teachers, it is just as much an obstacle to one’s success.   

How Inattentive ADD Differs from ADHD 

It’s normally quite easy to identify children with the hyperactive form of attention deficit disorder because they tend to be disruptive in the classroom, can’t sit still, and have trouble following directions. In contrast, inattentive attention deficit disorder is quieter and subtler, making it more likely to be overlooked. Someone with inattentive attention deficit disorder is unlikely to draw attention to themselves by being loud and disruptive in a classroom environment. In fact, they are often rather quiet and tend to daydream or “stare out into space.” Although children with inattentive ADD generally present less of a behavioral and disciplinary challenge than ADHD children, they are just as likely to struggle in school because they cannot concentrate. This poor performance is often misattributed to boredom, disinterest, or unwillingness to learn. In reality, however, they are genuinely struggling because they cannot pay attention.

  

Symptoms of Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder 

The symptoms of inattentive attention deficit disorder are quite similar to the symptoms of classical ADHD. The major difference is that instead of being hyperactive and having too much energy, someone with the inattentive type of ADD actually has too little energy.

The DSM-V criteria for Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder include:

·         Poor attention to detail

·         Making careless mistakes in school or work

·         Has trouble sticking to a task or play activity

·         Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

·          Difficulty following instructions

·         Difficulty completing schoolwork, chores, or job tasks

·         Tendency to lose necessary objects, such as pens

·         Becoming easily distracted

·         Tendency to be forgetful in daily activities

Although the hyperactive component is missing, someone with inattentive ADD struggles to concentrate, pay attention, and remember details. 

Treating Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder

There are several approaches to treating inattentive ADD and they may be used individually or in combination depending on the particular patient and their needs. These include:

·         Prescription stimulant medications, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, and Concerta.               

·         Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior, and finding better approaches to handling situations in life.

·         Neurofeedback therapy, which uses EEG readouts of brainwave activity to train someone to learn to self-regulate these cognitive process. In turn, neurofeedback can correct the dysfunctions that contribute to the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.

Of these methods, neurofeedback therapy may be the safest and most effective treatment. It is a primarily neurophysiological approach to treatment, and doesn’t come with any of the negative side effects or long-term health risks associated with prescription stimulant pills.   

3 Signs of ADD

Diagnosing your child can be a challenging task, but there are some signs of ADD to look for that can make identifying the disorder easier. Some of these signs are normal to see in children who don’t have ADD, however they will occur in a child with ADD with a much greater frequency and in higher volume. Paying attention to your child and comparing him with his peers can help make it easier to identify abnormalities in behavior.

1. Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is one of the most well known signs of ADD to look for in your child. While many children are naturally very active, hyperactive children are constantly moving. They are more than just active, displaying an inability to curb their activity appropriately. This quality can manifest itself in many ways, affecting schoolwork, home life, and interpersonal relationships. Some of the most identifiable symptoms of hyperactivity include:

·         Fidgeting and Squirming

·         Inability to Sit Still

·         Restlessness

·         Difficulty Engaging in Quiet or Relaxing Activities

·         Excessive Talking

·         Leaving Seat, Moving or Running Around Inappropriately

2. Inattention

Inattention is another of the most commonly observed signs of ADD. Inattention can be difficult to identify in younger children, and usually becomes more apparent once children begin school. Children will often jump from activity to activity without completing them. It isn’t that they cannot pay attention under any circumstances, but people with ADD find it difficult to stay focused on repetitive or unstimulating activities. As they get older, inattention will often manifest itself during social situations or while at work. Some easy to recognize signs of inattention are:

·         Easy Distraction

·         Careless Mistakes

·         Trouble Focusing

·         Inattention to Details

·         Difficulty Listening When Spoken to

·         Inability to Sustain Tasks

·         Trouble Following Directions

·         Difficulty Remembering Things

3. Impulsivity

Impulsive behavior and decision-making can be one of the most destructive signs of ADD. Impulsivity can lead children with ADD into troublesome situations such as knocking into people or objects. It is also common for lack of foresight to land them in precarious positions, such as climbing too high in a tree or wandering too far from Mom. Impulsive behavior is to be expected in all children from time to time, but children with ADD will exhibit this behavior on a regular basis. Some common symptoms of impulsivity to look for include:

·         Lack of Patience

·         Acting With Little Thought

·         Blurting Out Inappropriately

·         Difficulty Waiting in Line or For One’s Turn

·         Frequently Interrupting

·         Guessing Rather Than Thinking Through a Problem

·         Inappropriate Responses

·         Inability to Control Emotions

Addressing Signs of ADD

If you are noticing signs of ADD in your child, it is important to address them as soon as possible. It is very common for children to be prescribed medications like Adderall or Ritalin, but these are not necessarily the safest or most effective treatments. Many children experience adverse side effects from these medications, and the risks should be carefully considered along with the benefits. There are also a number of natural treatments that have been shown to help treat ADD. For example, neurofeedback therapy is rapidly gaining popularity as a safe and efficient treatment option. This therapy works by redirecting wayward brainwave patterns that can cause a number of neurological conditions including anxiety, panic attacks, chronic pain and ADD. If you’d like to learn more about this noninvasive treatment option, clickhere.