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

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

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

What is ADD Like if Left Untreated?

Untreated ADD

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

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

Let’s Talk Management Options 

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

Neurofeedback? 

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

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

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ ADD

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

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

Recognizing Symptoms Early

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

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

Formulating a Management Plan

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

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER/ ADD

Changes in How to Treat ADHD

 Conventional Answers to ADHD

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

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

Subtle Changes Can Make a Big Difference

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

Thinking Outside the Box

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

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ADD

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.   

What to Know About Adult ADD Medication

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Before we talk about Adult ADD medication, let’s talk about Adult ADD. Adult Attention Deficit Disorder affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, with slightly more men than women being afflicted. The disorder is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, short attention span, difficulty focusing or concentrating, and inability to complete work or other tasks in a timely manner. The disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and while many children grow out of the problem as they grow older, some are saddled with the condition for life.

Concerns About Medication

Typically, Adult ADD is treated by a mix of Adult ADD medication and intensive therapy. The FDA has approved several drugs for Adult ADD, and these are either of the stimulant or non-stimulant variety. While these drugs can make a positive impact on the life of someone afflicted with Adult ADD, they also come with significant side effects that are not altogether uncommon:

·         Dry Mouth

·         Upset Stomach or Nausea

·         Dizziness

·         Shaking or Trembling

·         Tics

·         Headaches

·         Loss of Sleep

·         Lack of Appetite

Needless to say, if your Adult ADD medication is causing any of the aforementioned problems, the drug may simply be unacceptable to you and your quality of life. While correcting Adult ADD is extremely important, all of us must ask the question: at what cost?

You Have Other Options

Fortunately, there are now several ways to treat ADD without reliance on Adult ADD medication. A couple remarkable new treatments have come to the forefront in recent years, and scientific research has proven their efficacy. One such treatment is called neurofeedback. The principle behind neurofeedback is this: your body knows how to correct its own problems, and if shown the way, it will return to being a highly functioning whole. Neurofeedback uses painless and noninvasive EEG sensors to monitor brainwave activities that have become dysfunctional and are potentially at the root of the problem when it comes to Adult ADD. Utilizing these same sensors and a series of guided brain exercises, doctors can assist patients in actually retraining their brain how to self-regulate and get these patterns back on track. Over time, your brain will learn to correct these problems automatically, and when this happens, both Adult ADD and Adult ADD medication should be a thing of the past.

To learn more about getting yourself off adult ADD medication and gaining the tools to overcome the problem on your own, clickhere today and find out more about BrainCore’s incredible neurofeedback therapy.

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. 

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