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

ADD Medications and Drug Interactions

Once a person has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD), they may be prescribed one or more medications to help with their symptoms. ADD medications vary greatly as to their potential side effects and drug interactions. To avoid dangerous drug interactions and side effects, it is important to know the possibility for both.

To research these potential negative impacts, you must first know the class of drug prescribed. Here are some of the common ADD medications by class and some possible drug interactions and side effects.

Stimulants – Potential drug interactions include increased effect of the stimulant when also taking diuretics, impact on blood levels of blood thinners, and anti-seizure meds and a potentially dangerous interaction with MAOI antidepressants. Possible side effects of stimulants include headaches, depression, feeling jittery, dizziness, and upset stomach. Stimulants prescribed as ADD medications may include: Adderall , Concerta, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Quillivant XR.

Non-Stimulants – The non-stimulant Strattera is being prescribed for patients who can’t tolerate the side effects of stimulant drugs. Potential drug interactions with Strattera include potentially dangerous reactions in combination with such drugs as Arava for rheumatoid arthritis, Eldepryl and Jumex for Parkinson’s disease symptoms and furazolidone for the treatment of diarrhea. This list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. The patient should discuss all other medications and supplements currently being used and contact their doctor before taking any other medication with Strattera. The common side effects of Strattera include sleepiness, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Antidepressants – A third class of ADD medications includes antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Elavil and Norpramin, although they are not officially recognized by the FDA as effective in treating ADD symptoms. Potential drug interactions for this class of drugs when taken with other antidepressants, pain relievers, or sleeping medications, in particular, can be serious. The patient should carefully discuss other drugs prescribed with their doctor or pharmacist when starting to take an antidepressant for ADD.

When a patient is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and is prescribed one or more medications to help manage symptoms, it is very important that they discuss potential drug interactions with their health care providers. Doing so can help ensure that the ADD medications they are prescribed will have a positive impact on their health.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY vs ADD MEDICATION: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

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

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

Approaches to ADHD Treatment for Children

They are words that every parent dreads hearing from a doctor's mouth: Your child has attention deficit hyperactive disorder, a malady that affects the executive function of the brain causing inattentiveness, impulse control problems, behavioral issues, and troubles with normal activities like school, and as they mature, trouble maintaining personal relationships and achieving professional success.

No one in the medical community fully understands ADHD yet, but doctors have found that psycho-stimulants, a powerful class of drugs including Adderall, Ritalin and Dexedrine, have helped many sufferers seeking ADHD treatment. In most meta-analyses of studies conducted on the effectiveness of these medications, seven out of ten people with ADHD experienced a reduction of their symptoms.

However, using stimulants can be dangerous with side effects including racing pulse, hypertension, anxiety, unwanted weight loss, and headaches to name a few. For this reason, many psycho-stimulants are considered an unsafe ADHD treatment for children.

There are other drugs, like Strattera, Intuniv, and Kapvay, that have been approved for use in children but they come with side effects of their own, including potential suicidal idealizations in teenagers and the risk of liver damage that causes jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Because of the risks of using drugs for ADHD treatment, many people want to find a safe, effective alternative that doesn't involve medication. Luckily, there is a safe, non-invasive, non-drug therapy available on the market: Biofeedback.

Essentially, a child suffering from the symptoms of ADHD can be "hooked up" with electrodes to a machine that plays back their brainwaves on a screen. They can then learn, usually through a video game, how to control their physiological reactions to certain spikes or dips in their neurological activity associated with their disorder, thus giving them the ability to control their responses and their symptoms.

In many cases, biofeedback has been proven just as effective in managing ADHD symptoms as 30 mg per day of Ritalin, but with one important distinction: with biofeedback there are no side effects, and it is completely safe. The technology used is over one hundred years old, and it has helped thousands of children in the decades it has been in use with this application.

Biofeedback offers children with ADHD the same chance at living, working, and loving as their peers that were lucky enough not to develop the disorder. That's all any parent wants for their children, and now it's possible without powerful, potentially dangerous drugs.

If your child presents symptoms of this disorder, or has already been diagnosed, consider seeking biofeedback as a way to manage his or her ADHD. Talk to your child's pediatrician today.

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

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.

Is Neurofeedback for ADHD a Scientifically Proven Method?

With many patients and parents increasingly skeptical of the benefits of medications for ADHD, more and more people are seeking other possible methods of treating the symptoms of the disorder.

Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Stimulant medications address the problem on a neurochemical level. ADHD involves decreased levels of a key neurotransmitter, dopamine. Stimulants raise dopamine levels in order to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Unfortunately, stimulants can also have a range of potentially negative side effects, including appetite loss, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, and habit-forming potential.

Neurofeedback for ADHD is a relatively new alternative to pharmaceuticals. Whereas stimulant medications work on a chemical level, neurofeedback works on the level of electrical activity within the brain. Neurofeedback uses EEG feedback to help correct the abnormalities in brainwave frequency that have been found to distinguish ADHD individuals from normal individuals. Although research is not yet complete, what has been found to date has demonstrated that this is often an effective treatment for the symptoms of ADHD. 

Is Neurofeedback for ADHD Based on Proven Scientific Principles? 

The principles underlying the use of neurofeedback for ADHD are in fact scientifically substantiated. Beginning in the 1970s, scientific research has explored differences in EEG patterns that distinguish brain activity in people with ADHD from that of normal individuals. What they have consistently found is that people with ADHD have excess levels of the alpha and theta types of brainwave frequency, and deficient levels of beta brainwave activity. Beta wave activity is associated with focus, mental clarity, and concentration. Neurofeedback for ADHD is intended to stimulate beta wave production as a way of correcting the problems that underlie the symptoms of ADHD. 

Has Neurofeedback for ADHD Been Tested and Researched? 

Neurofeedback for ADHD is one of the most thoroughly scientifically researched applications of neurofeedback therapy. Peer-reviewed scientific journals have published numerous papers exploring the function and benefits of neurofeedback therapy for treating ADHD.

The results have been largely positive. In controlled trials, it has been demonstrated that there was significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in the experimental groups treated with neurofeedback.

Some clinicians do express concerns that more research is needed to establish the efficacy of neurofeedback for ADHD. However, as more research is performed, it has become increasingly apparent that neurofeedback can be highly efficacious as a treatment for ADHD, both on its own, and in combination with traditional ADHD drugs such as Ritalin. With more evidence, neurofeedback for ADHD could come to be accepted as what is called a “Level 5” treatment for ADHD, meaning it is universally accepted as effective. Neurofeedback therapy is also safe, and has no documented side effects. 

Research Does Demonstrate The Efficacy of Neurofeedback for ADHD

Rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific research has been conducted regarding the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy for ADHD; the results thus far have been very promising. A majority of participants in the experimental groups who underwent neurofeedback did exhibit clinically significant improvement in the symptoms that distinguish ADHD, including: impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity. To learn more about this revolutionary technique visit our website: www.braincoretherapy.com/how-it-works

Neurofeedback for ADHD

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.   

Is ADHD Real?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, has been recognized in the medical literature since 1902. However, beginning in the 1970s, the rate of diagnosis of ADHD in children has been increasing. This increase has sparked concern among the public about the legitimacy of ADHD. Is ADHD a real disease? Or is it something that is socially constructed; a product of the imagination of a modern society?

Media Controversy: Is ADHD Even a Real Disease?

There has been some controversy in the media about whether ADHD is even a real disease. Some people have become concerned about the possible overdiagnosis of ADHD, especially in children. Some have suggested that diagnosing a child with ADHD could be a way for parents to correct what is, in reality, a behavioral problem that could be solved with better parenting. Others have expressed concerns that ADHD may not be a "real" disease, but a way of pathologizing individuals who merely think differently, or who don't fit well enough into accepted social norms. There is also concern that ADHD may be an invention of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, not be a real disease, because selling more medications for the disease would be in the interest of the corporations that design and market drugs.

ADHD Is A Real Disease: The Scientific Viewpoint

This idea that ADHD is an invented disease is not held by the psychiatric community. Based on scientific research and evidence, the medical community has concluded that ADHD is in fact a real disease. ADHD is one of the most extensively researched psychiatric disorders. It is distinguished by a certain set of behavioral characteristics, as well as certain differences in brain structure which have been identified by recent research. 

The ADHD diagnosis is only given to individuals who fit a certain set of established criteria, when other possible diagnoses have been ruled out. There may be other reasons for the individual's seeming inattentiveness. These could include undiagnosed hearing or vision problems, learning disabilities, or neurological problems that interfere with attention and learning. It is only when other possibilities are exhausted that a doctor can diagnose someone with ADHD.

What Determines An ADHD Diagnosis?

The DSM, the diagnostic manual for psychology and psychiatry, specifies a set of characteristics and behaviors typical of ADHD. To be diagnosed, an individual must meet a certain number of these criteria. The characteristics that define ADHD involve inattentiveness and hyperactivity, which goes beyond what could be considered normal for the individual's developmental level. Many children can be "hyper" at times, or unwilling to pay attention to something that they find uninteresting. In people with ADHD, these traits are overwhelming to the extent that they interfere with the activities of daily living. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention in school, to the point of having academic and social difficulties as a result. Just because a child is very physically active, or has trouble paying attention in some of their classes, does not mean they will automatically be diagnosed with ADHD. Some people may show one or two symptoms, but not enough to meet the criteria for ADHD. Physicians cannot diagnose just anybody with ADHD.

So Is ADHD Real?

According to what has been learned from scientific research, ADHD is a real disease. The extensive research that has been done into ADHD, especially since the 1960s, has indicated that ADHD is in fact a unified, discrete disorder, rather than a "blanket term" for any number of more mundane behavioral issues, or an imaginary construct of profiteering "Big Pharma" companies. Although some people have expressed concerns, via the media, that ADHD may not be real, or may be diagnosed too frequently or too easily, this is not rooted in scientific research. In light of the scientific evidence, nearly all medical professionals have come to the conclusion that ADHD is a legitimate medical concern. 

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What Causes ADHD?

Although ADHD was first identified over a century ago, and is one of the most extensively researched psychiatric disorders, scientists are still unsure what causes ADHD. Research indicates that ADHD is most likely caused by a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors, all of which combine to cause ADHD in a given person.

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. There is no one cause of ADHD. It is not one factor, but a combination of factors, that cause a person to have ADHD.

What Kind of Factors Cause ADHD?

Although there is no singular cause of ADHD, researchers have identified several factors that contribute to the disease. These include certain genes, differences in brain structure and function, and environmental and social factors.

Genetic Causes of ADHD

Research, including twin studies and studies of families with multiple members who have the disease, has shown that ADHD is highly heritable. The fact that ADHD can be shown to run in families suggests that there may be some kind of genetic basis to the disease. However, a complex syndrome like ADHD involves numerous factors, only some of which are genetic. No single distinct gene has been identified as the cause of ADHD.

Although there is no single "ADHD gene", several genetic factors have been strongly linked to ADHD. These include two specific genes called DRD4 and DRD5, and both are involved in the brain's dopamine circuits. Individuals with ADHD show differences in their brain's regulation of dopamine, an important neurochemical associated with pursuing goals and seeking rewards. Another key genetic component associated with ADHD is Chromosome 16. Genetics factors linked to ADHD generally are associated with dopamine regulation, as well as with the structure and function of brain areas important to attention and concentration.

Certain genetic factors, which are inherited, may not be the sole cause of ADHD. They can, however, be shown to predispose some individuals more strongly to developing the disease. While ADHD is not caused solely by genes, there is definitely a genetic component to the disease.

Prenatal and Perinatal Causes of ADHD

In addition to genetics, ADHD has also been linked to certain types of contamination during fetal development. Exposure to certain substances can interfere with brain development, and can affect areas of the brain associated with learning, cognition, attention, and impulse control, becoming a possible cause of ADHD.

Factors during gestation and development that may contribute to causing ADHD include:

• Exposure to nicotine and other toxins from cigarettes, due to the mother smoking while pregnant
• Exposure to alcohol in utero
• Exposure to lead and other heavy metal toxins, either in utero or early in life
• Low birth weight, which can be caused by smoking as well as other factors

It is important that women avoid certain substances, including alcohol and cigarettes, during pregnancy. Exposure to these substances has lasting effects on the development of the child, including increasing susceptibility to ADHD.

Environmental and Social Causes of ADHD

Possible environmental and social causes of ADHD are not yet well understood. It is thought that environment does play a role in ADHD. Some have suggested that factors such as watching television, playing video games, and exposure to social stressors, could all contribute in some way to causing ADHD.

Studies have indicated a higher prevalence of ADHD in children from single-parent homes, from low-income households, or otherwise from family environments that may be stressful and inconsistent. Although the link is not yet well understood, this does indicate that the family environment may be a cause of ADHD.

One frequently suggested factor in in causing ADHD, has been television viewing among children. For the most part, television shows tend to feature many flashing, moving images, at a very fast pace. Some researchers have suggested that exposure to fast-paced TV images during early childhood could contribute to "rewiring" the brain to process brief information at a fast pace. This could interfere with ability to process more complex information over longer periods of time, such as the information in a textbook chapter or classroom lecture. It is not yet clear whether television causes ADHD, or whether children already disposed to ADHD are more likely to watch television. Still, many professionals advise that parents limit television viewing by children, especially very young children.

Along with television viewing, video games have also been proposed as a possible factor in causing ADHD. Like television, video games move at a fast pace. Video games also offer rewards-- getting to the next level or winning a new power-up-- in the short-term, a process which acts on the brain's dopamine circuits and results in feelings of pleasure. This may affect children's ability to handle situations, like learning in a classroom, that require longer periods of concentration, and which have delayed rewards.

The influence of social and environmental factors, including family environment and media exposure, on ADHD, is not entirely understood yet. Although watching television or playing video games are probably not, in themselves, enough to cause ADHD, there is evidence that these behaviors may contribute to the disorder.

So Does Anyone Know What Causes ADHD?

No one knows for sure what exactly causes ADHD. Scientific research has indicated a number of factors that appear to contribute to the disease. ADHD is most likely caused by a complex interplay of environmental, social, and genetic factors, which come together in certain ways to form the set of behaviors and characteristics that constitute ADHD.

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Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Getting to know ADHD

 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is neurological disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. Children can grow out of the disorder, but it is possible that it can continue well into adulthood. Current best estimates place Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in approximately 5% of children in the United States. Not only to ADHD children display hyperactivity and impulsiveness, they also have heightened difficulty when it comes to attentiveness or focus, making both academics and home life extremely challenging.

Recognizing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder early on is an extremely valuable tool. The earlier you can begin treating a child, the easier time they will have adjusting to school, social life, and everyday situations. Here are some typical symptoms of an ADHD youngster:

·         Restlessness/Cannot sit still

·         Constantly in motion

·         Very easily distracted

·         Extreme disorganization

·         Displays habitual forgetfulness

·         Difficulty listening or staying engaged in a conversation

·         Inability to share with other children or wait their turn

·         Continually acts impulsively or whimsically

Living with the Disorder

Fortunately, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is highly treatable. Each case is incredibly unique, so devising a thoughtful and calculated treatment plan is absolutely essential to one day being able to manage ADHD. Generally, both children and adults with the disorder will be prescribed medication. In most cases, this is not enough, however. A rigorous regimen of psychotherapy and even behavioral training will greatly improve treatment and enhance the sufferer’s chances at suppressing some of the more troublesome symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

For those of us seeking more forward-thinking approach to their Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there are some fantastic alternative therapies out there that are aimed at approaching the problem systemically. One such therapy is called neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is largely based upon the theory of homeostasis, which states that systems, especially the human body, wish to function as an efficient whole. The therapy itself is completely noninvasive, and consists of a doctor reading your brainwaves to locate patterns that have gotten “out of whack." Once these patterns are isolated, the patient is guided through a series of mental exercises in which the brain, in all its wonder, will self-correct. The really great part about this therapy is that it is designed to provide patients with a lasting solution to their problem by solving it innately, not keep them coming back for more when the bottle runs out.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD