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

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

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

Taking Control of Attention Deficit Disorder

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder, also called ADD, is a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is characterized by inattentiveness, rather than impulsiveness. Children and adults afflicted with ADD have great difficulty focusing and sustaining concentration, but are not hyperactive in the same way that those with ADHD can be. Current estimates state that about 5% of children worldwide suffer from this disorder. .

The Inherent Difficulties

It almost goes without saying that sufferers of attention deficit disorder struggle with productivity issues. Beyond being very frustrating for the individual who is afflicted, the lack of attentiveness can also jeopardize learning, grades, and workplace efficiency. For the adults who do not grow out of their ADD, this can greatly affect job security, and therefore absolutely must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Treatment Options

Traditionally, treatment for attention deficit disorder is under one of two umbrellas: medication, and non-medication. There is no way to cure ADD, but a successful treatment regimen will vastly improve symptoms to the point where they may even be entirely negligible.

Medications for attention deficit disorder are primarily stimulants. These drugs carry significant possible side effects and can often make children (and adults) feel poorly overall. Non-medication treatment for attention deficit disorder typically involves psychotherapy (called psychosocial therapy), behavioral training, or specialized learning programs specifically designed for the disability. In general it is recommended that when treating ADD you use these two methods, in conjunction with each other, to ensure best results. The problem is, beyond possible side effects, this can be a burdensome commitment with no real end in sight. A constant adherence to this regiment requires a great deal of time, money, and patience, as there is no real guarantee any particular treatment will work for any individual.

It is for the reasons above that some of the newer therapies for attention deficit disorder hold such promise. One of these innovative options is called neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a drug and side effect free therapy for addressing the disorder, and it is designed to give children and adults the long-term tools they need to to overcome ADD. This is all accomplished by retraining the brain through guided brain exercises that are constantly monitored by a doctor. The professional who is administering this treatment reads feedback from your brain through painless sensors, thus the name “neurofeedback.” The therapy is completely noninvasive and designed so that there is light at the end of the tunnel: one day, you should be able to handle the disorder all on your own, free of drugs, therapy, or worries about productivity.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

Major Medications for ADD

Knowing the Brands

While there are seemingly countless options, it is most important that you have a basic knowledge of the more commonly prescribed medications for ADD. In addition, because everyone’s body is different, you should also be aware of the potential side effects of each one. Before listing different options, it must be noted that there are two major categories of medications for ADD: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants typically utilize some sort of amphetamine or methylphenidate, whereas non-stimulants can be anything from an antidepressant to a blood pressure medication. This dichotomy is something that you need to contemplate – a great aversion to stimulants is pretty common. Without further ado, here are some of the more most-prescribed medications for ADD:

·         Adderall: An amphetamine stimulant, it is fast-acting unless you opt for extended release. Fast-acting will probably mean you take the pill more than once daily. Probably the most common ADD medication out there. Side effects include weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, and loss of appetite.

·         Wellbutrin: Very popular amongst non-stimulant medications for ADD. Comes in any measure of release up to 24 hours. Side effects include increased risk of seizure, headaches, and sleep problems.

·         Vyvanse: Another amphetamine stimulant. Vyvanse is actually a prodrug, which means that it is completely inactive until your body metabolizes it, improving the way it is absorbed and distributed. It lasts about twice as long as Adderall. Side effects include: loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, and sleep deprivation.

·         Concerta: A methylphenidate stimulant, which aids attentiveness by increasing dopamine levels in the brain rather than heart rate and blood pressure, like an amphetamine. It lasts 10-12 hours and side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep issues, and irritability.

·         Clonidine: Another non-stimulant, this is one of the blood pressure pills used as medications for ADD. Tablets last 4 to 6 hours on average, and side effects include dizziness, irritability, behavior problems, low blood pressure, and dry mouth.

·         Strattera: Non-stimulant that is extremely long-acting (up to 24 hours). Side effects include anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, sleep problems, and rarely liver damage or suicidal thoughts.

·         Ritalin: Although it is not as commonly prescribed any longer, we could not list medications without including Ritalin – which was one of the first market entrants. Ritalin is still used, however, and is a short-acting methylphenidate stimulant lasting between 3 and 4 hours. This will likely require re-dosing, and common side effects include loss of appetite, irritability, sleep problems, and weight loss.

Beyond Pharmaceuticals

Now being familiar with some of the more common medications for ADD, it is time you also became aware of some alternative treatments on the periphery that are actually quite successful. One, in particular, is quite dynamic: Neurofeedback. A form of biofeedback specifically dealing with the brain, neurofeedback is a way for doctors and patients to learn about the problem individually and systemically then use this information to defeat the disorder. Designed to set up patients for long-term success against ADD, everything is done noninvasively and painlessly. The ultimate goal of neurofeedback is to teach the brain to self-regulate by sensing and normalizing brainwave patterns that have gotten out of whack. This, in turn, should exponentially improve concentration and focus, along with some other undesirable behaviorisms. This lofty goal is accomplished through a series of guided brain exercises, usually taking the form of a movie or video game. Best of all, unlike some of our “wonder drugs” even, the research is there to back it up: neurofeedback has shown to be an effective intervention against ADD and has been declared totally safe by the FDA.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR ADD

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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.