The Ways That Therapists Help Patients

How Therapists Can Help

Therapists use a variety of approaches to help people who are struggling with hard times, or with chronic mental illness, to overcome difficulty and to create a sustainable, lasting plan for positive change. In the case of mental illness, they usually work in concert with a pharmaceutical treatment (medication designed for the particular disorder) or a natural therapy like biofeedback.

Here is a quick rundown of the most common approaches therapists take when attempting to help patients, and a little information about each of them:

1.       Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This therapy has proven to be very effective for people who are suffering from depression. It consists of two major components: cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation. Cognitive restructuring helps a patient to change negative patterns of thinking that their disorder sometimes "traps" them into, helping them to force a more positive perspective and prevent themselves from spiraling into depression. Behavioral activation is centered on using activities that an individual enjoys in order to help them learn how to overcome emotional and mental difficulties in their life.

2.       Functional Analytic Psychotherapy. This is often used on its own or in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy. It has shown to be particularly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapists start with what they perceive as clinically relevant behavior, such as the problem the patient presents while in session with them, and through a variety of methods, works to form a strong therapeutic alliance with the patient. The patient usually learns verbal processes to help them develop a new or more stable concept of themselves, and through behavioral analysis, learn why they feel compelled to behave in certain negative or destructive manners, and how they can curb or curtail those behaviors in the future.

3.       Jungian Psychotherapy. Also known as analytical psychology, this is a school that one of Freud's students, Carl Jung, developed in the 20^th century. It focuses on helping a patient live a meaningful life through personality development, self-awareness, transformation, and self-actualization. By helping patients change their views, understand their environments and their relationships to it, as well as their perspective or attitude, the patients gain the ability to take satisfaction from contributing to society. Jungian psychotherapy is heavily associated with mythology and symbolism, and the popular Myers-Briggs personality type test is based on Jungian principles.

4.       Process Psychology. This is described as a transpersonal psychology that often emphasizes mystical and spiritual concerns in patients who are seeking help. Process psychology is heavily influenced by Jungian psychology and the principles of systems thinking, a theory that states thought is a product of a system, so all parts of the system must be in good working order to produce positive mental health. 

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Managing Hyperactivity in Children

Neurofeedback therapy for managing hyperactivity in children

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. 

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR ADHD

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.

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

Weighing Alternative Treatments for ADHD

Sifting Through the ADHD Treatment Muck

With medication and therapy coming at high costs – monetarily and health-wise – many people are wondering if alternative treatments for ADHD are viable options that can actually help treat and control the problem. Though many of these treatments have been written off as hokey or impractical, they have actually experienced some degree of success if administered correctly. At the very least, they are at least worth looking into and considering.

Dietary Changes Lack Proof

When speaking about alternative treatments for ADHD, one of the first things that comes to mind is dietary modification. Historically, there was always thought to be a link between ADHD and sugar intake. This hypothesis has been researched extensively over the last several decades, and it has never once been conclusively shown to be true. Alternatively, in recent years, the thinking has shifted to adding more high-fiber and whole foods into a child’s diet may subdue ADHD symptoms or defeat the disorder altogether. While promoting a healthy and balanced diet in the lives of our children is certainly of paramount important, unfortunately research has again debunked this as a worthwhile combatant for ADHD.

Is the Answer in Your Back?

One really interesting theory that has surfaced amongst alternative treatments for ADHD has been that the disorder can be controlled through chiropractic medicine. Doctors have utilized several methodologies, including the correction of spinal imbalances and the realigning of cranial bones. Where the first method might have a little validity (although research has been inconclusive), the second one has been laughed off by most doctors, who are quick to point out that cranial bones do not move and therefore cannot be realigned.

Neurofeedback: The Last Treatment Standing

While most of the alternative treatments for ADHD have been debunked both here and elsewhere, there are some interesting new methods that actually are backed up by scientific research. One such method is called neurofeedback, a painless and noninvasive process in which the brain is taught to regulate dysfunctional patterns that may in fact be at the root of ADHD and its symptoms. After a comprehensive assessment, patients are taken through a series of guided brain exercises over the course of their treatment sessions. These exercises slowly but surely retrain the brain to vigilantly police its own activity, and thereby quelling the more problematic symptoms of ADHD.

Now that you have sorted through the various alternative treatments for ADHD, it is time to embrace BrainCore’s dynamic and transformative neurofeedback therapy; to learn more click here today.

Five Alternative and Natural Remedies for ADD

Beyond Prescriptions and Therapy

Alternative and natural remedies for ADD have never been more important. Pharmaceuticals have gotten more and more complicated over the years, and now we hardly even know what is going into our bodies or those of our children. Taking a doctor’s word for it is usually fine, but in this case, even they probably don’t know the intricacies of each pill and what the long-term effects could be. Here are five alternative and natural remedies for ADD that, when administered properly, should subdue symptoms in just the same manner but without the inherent risks:

·         Massage: This may sound hokey or altogether unrealistic, but massage is one of the most effective natural remedies for ADD. The long and short of it is this: children and adults with ADD or ADHD tend to be extremely over-stimulated, and this is reflected throughout their bodies, especially in their nervous system and muscles. Massage has an obvious soothing effect on these systems, as well as helping divert pent up energy elsewhere within the body. This has been shown to directly correlate to more productive behavior. Nighttime massage immediately prior to bed has proven particularly effective, especially in children.

·         Vitamins/Supplements: Fish oil, zinc, melatonin, magnesium, B and C vitamins, and probiotics have all shown measured success as natural remedies for ADD. When it comes to finding the right vitamins for you and suppressing ADD symptoms, find what works best for you by trying a few. Do not despair, however, as all of these can be healthy parts of your diet even outside of treating the disorder.

·         Yoga/Meditation/Relaxation Exercises: Finding your center, learning how to calm yourself, and taking active control of your body are incredibly useful tools in combating inattentiveness and other symptoms of ADD – each of these exercises focuses on instilling these concepts.

·         Diet and Exercise Modifications: This is not so much among the natural remedies for ADD, but is more of an alternative approach. Keeping diet simple, free of complex additives, caffeine, and unnecessary sugar is of absolute utmost importance. We do not truly know how some of these ingredients affect mood, behavior, and long-term health, so the best approach is to steer clear. In terms of exercise, as noted above, people with ADD often have very over-charged systems. Expend that energy, and do it in a healthy way through daily exercise.

·         Neurofeedback: This is a really exciting alternative approach to ADD treatment. The greatest part about neurofeedback is that it is designed to set up patients for long-term symptom suppression – a life without the frustration of ADD. Doctors first will identify what brainwave patterns have gone awry, causing the loss of focus and concentration characterized by ADD. After this, they will develop a treatment plan unique for each patient. All done noninvasively and without poking or prodding, neurofeedback is the ultimately serves to your brain to self-regulate through guided brain exercises.

To find out more about alternative and natural remedies for ADD such as BrainCore’s awe-inspiring neurofeedback therapy; read on and click here today.

Is EEG Biofeedback the Same as Neurofeedback?

Defining EEG Biofeedback 

As new and innovative medical treatments have gained notoriety over the last few years, many people have been confused about the distinction between EEG biofeedback and neurofeedback. Today we will put that misunderstanding to rest and then explain the treatment and how it works in depth. First off, there is no difference: EEG biofeedback and neurofeedback are different terms for an identical therapy. This is a pain-free and noninvasive procedure that delivers long-term results without the risk of any side effects – and no, it’s not too good to be true.

The concept behind EEG biofeedback is this: the human body is an amazing machine of functionality, and it wants to perform flawlessly. Having said this, things happen that can throw off our various body systems, and the brain is no exception. Where a normal brainwave pattern accomplishes its goals efficiently and without issue, when our brainwave patterns get off kilter, problems such as neurological disorders ensue. EEG biofeedback works to normalize these patterns, and to teach your body how to keep them normal for good. 

What Can Be Treated? 

EEG biofeedback has already been proven effective against an amazingly wide array of neurological disorders, including:

·         Anxiety

·         Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

·         Autism

·         Chronic Pain

·         Fibromyalgia

·         Insomnia

·         Memory Loss

·         Migraines/Tension Headaches

·         Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

·         Seizures

Embrace the Future of Medicine 

EEG biofeedback got its name because it relies on electrical signals delivered from your brain called EEG’s. Prior to beginning therapy, an assessment is performed and subsequently interpreted by doctors using high-tech reading devices. This information, in turn, is used to determine which brainwave patterns need to be corrected. Patients are guided through a series of brain exercises, usually in the form of a video or audio recording (the “feedback” part of EEG biofeedback), that teach the brain to self-regulate when brainwave patterns begin to deviate from the norm. After a certain amount of repetition, the brain will eventually learn how to perform these normalizing functions automatically, which should then help address the problem not only in the right now, but for the long-term. In this way, EEG biofeedback accomplishes what medication or therapy sets out to do without continually eating up your time, money, and patience.

To take the first step in changing your life forever with BrainCore’s incredible EEG biofeedback, click here today and get in touch with our team.