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

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

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

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.

Exploring ADHD Treatment Options

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Before exploring the various ADHD treatment options, we first must discuss the disorder itself, and what symptoms are most problematic. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders in this country, affecting over 8 million children aged 3 to 17. ADHD has three subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, or combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. As you can probably discern from the names, ADHD is characterized by inability to focus or pay attention, hyperactivity, difficulty controlling urges, and trouble communicating and interacting with others.

ADHD Medication: A Double-Edged Sword

Historically, all ADHD treatment options have begun with medication. ADHD medications, such as Adderall, are primarily stimulants designed to improve focus and enhance your child’s attention span. There are also non-stimulant prescriptions for the disorder out there, and medications such as antidepressants have also been used to combat ADHD. The problem with ADHD medication is twofold. First, you expose your child to a litany of side effects, ranging from mild (i.e. dry mouth) to serious (i.e. seizures). Beyond this, ADHD medication will often make your child simply not feel good, and this is heartbreaking when we are talking about young people. The second major issue with ADHD medication is that there is no conclusive link between prescription medication and better performance in school or society. ADHD medication is a short-term fix that should be no more than a part of a treatment plan designed at long-term alleviation of symptoms. The problem is, many parents – and even doctors – don’t realize this, and we end up with a bunch of overmedicated children who struggle with ADHD far beyond adolescence.

Therapy and Skills Training

Whether medication is among your chosen ADHD treatment options, a rigorous regiment of psychotherapy or skills training has provided much better results. Children are taught how to cope with their disorder and doctors have a chance to get to the root of the problem. The only issue here is that it can be very time-involved and also quite pricey when there is no potential end in sight.

Alternative Routes

Fortunately, when it comes to ADHD treatment options, we live in a great time. Studies have shown that moderate changes to diet, sleep and exercise all can have a dynamic impact on treating ADHD and the severity of its symptoms. Additionally, there are also some really innovative new therapies out there. One such method known as neurofeedback is certainly worth checking out because of the relative ease of the therapy and its potential long-term impact. Neurofeedback is designed to re-route brainwaves that have gotten off-track and are actually causing neurological disorders such as ADHD. The therapy is all painless and noninvasive, and over time will teach your child’s body to self-correct such issues, defeating the need other ADHD treatment options.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

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