ADD Is A Gift

Neurofeedback: Another

Treatment for ADHD

In just the last 20 years, Attention Deficit & Hyperactive Disorder, (ADHD) has

become America’s “leading childhood psychiatric disorder. Approximately 2% to 6% of school-age children are diagnosed with ADHD (Raz 2004).   According to Barkley (1998) the number of children affected by ADHD can vary from 1% to 20 %, depending on how one chooses to define it, the population studies, the geographic locale of the survey, etc. ADHD is characterized by the inability to self-regulate focused attention. Children with hyperactivity are impulsive and behaviorally disinherited. The condition is developmentally disabling which, if left uncontrolled persists into adolescence and adulthood (Edwards, 1995).

Frontal Lobe and ADHD

Research indicates a neurological basis for ADHD, specifically, frontal lobe dysfunction. Frontal lobe functions are executive in nature and are involved in developing plans and organizing resources. They also are critical in mediating inhibitory behaviors such as controlling motor behavior and inhibiting attentional focus on distracter or irrelevant stimuli. The evidence suggesting right frontal lobe dysfunction as the basis of attention deficit disorders is considerable (Chelune, Ferguson, Koon & Dickey, 1986; Gualteri & Hicks, 1985; Hynd, et.al 1990; Lou,et.al., 1989).

There has been increasing interest in the relationship between prefrontal cortex functioning and the ADHD. Children with frontal lobe lesions show impulsive hyperactive behavior (Grattan and Eslinger, 1991), and adolescents with ADHD show decreased anterior frontal lobe activity on positron emission tomography (Zametkin et al., 1993). Performance on neuropsychological tests purported to test frontal cortex functioning is deficient in children with ADHD (Barkley et al., 1992). In study examined frontal lobe functioning in adolescents with ADHD Schandler (2001) found a presence and magnitude reflect frontal lobe dysfunction in children with ADHD ages between 12 and 17. The results of the study conducted by Fredericksen et. al. (2002) was consistent with previous reports of reduced frontal lobe volumes associated with ADHD.  Schmidt’s study (1999) shows that boys with ADHD exhibited a less right-lateralized frontal activation pattern than normal control boys. Halperin (2006) found that the brain activation gradients in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex of ADHD adolescents. Recent research using advanced neuroimaging morphological procedures has shown that ADHD children fail to show the normal right-greater-than-left asymmetry in the mass of the frontal lobes (Hynd, Hem, Voeller & Marshall, 1991). Consistent with this finding, computerized quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis shows significantly greater slow wave (theta) activity and significantly less fast wave (beta) activity predominantly in the frontal regions for ADHD boys and girls when compared to age-and-sex-matched normal (Mann, et.al.,1992).

Neurofeedback Training for ADHD

The neurofeedback Training, also known as EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, uses an electroencephalograph (EEG), a device that detects and records the electrical activity in the brain, called brainwaves. An EEG can detect brainwaves and discern whether they are strong or weak (amplitude) or fast or slow (frequency). Scientists commonly identify brainwaves in four categories:-

Beta, the fastest brainwaves, 14-32 hertz, focused on day-to-day activities and on attentiveness & thinking activities.

Alpha, a slower brainwave, ranging from 8 to 12 hertz.  This rhythm is characteristic of a relaxed yet alert state of awareness.

Theta, the next slower waves range from 4 to 8 hertz. This rhythm is often associated with dreamlike imagery, sleepiness and deep relaxation.

Delta, the slowest waves, from 0 to 4 hertz, predominates during dreamless sleep.

EEG accepts the neurological basis of the ADHD (i.e. frontal lobe dysfunction).  Recognizing that the ADHD patients produce more theta waves activity and less beta waves activity, compared to non ADHD patients (Barabasz et al, 1993; Mann et al, 1992). The goal of EEG training is to alter these abnormal brain waves by decreasing theta waves, while simultaneously increasing beta waves. Proponents of this technique believe that bringing theta and beta brainwave closer to healthier patterns leads to a reduction of ADHD symptoms.The EEG monitors and records the different brainwaves of the patient, who learns how to increase or reduce certain types of brainwaves.  EEG training is intended to teach patients to normalize their brainwave responses to stimuli.

In EEG neurofeedback training, the therapist explains to the patient the connection between what is happening in his/her cortex and what is recorded on the EEG. Then, the therapist helps the patient to learn how to gain control over his/her brain waves. The therapist places the EEG electrodes on the head detect the different types of brainwaves produced by the patient and send the information to a data recorder. Every time the desired brainwave is identified, the neurofeedback apparatus sends a signal to the patient - auditory or visual feedback - to encourage the production of similar brainwaves. The auditory or visual feedbacks vary from simple sounds to elaborate computer graphics made to resemble video games where generating the wanted brainwave adds excitement to the action and brings some kind of rewards. Neurofeedback training typically takes 30-40 sessions depending on the severity of the disorder and other comorbid symptoms present. The first six sessions are completed as quickly as possible and then the frequency of training reduces to two or three times per week. With regular attendance, total training can be completed in four to six months. Each training session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.

The procedure is based on an early study by Sterman and Friar (1972), who discovered that brainwave feedback made it possible to learn to inhibit epileptic seizures by enhancing low beta (12-16) which is referred to as sensory motor rhythm (SMR). As in current neurofeedback protocols for ADHD, Sterman and Friar’s patients were also trained to simultaneously minimize theta. The first preliminary case study application of this procedure to hyperkinetic children was by Lubar and Shouse (1977). The effects of neurofeedback appear to provide a change in performance without continual external intervention. Chartier and Kelly (1991) reviewed the effects of neurofeedback for ADHD on over 200 children treated by Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee, Dr. John Carter at the University of Texas and Dr. Michael Tansey of Sommerville, New Jersey. Chartier and Kelly found neurofeedback training to provide significant and sometimes “dramatic” clinical improvements in children with attention deficit disorder. Parents and teachers of children who receive EEG neurofeedback training have reported dramatic behavioral improvements such as:  finishing tasks, listening better, less impulsivity, greater motivation and focus, and higher self esteem. In some cases, medications are completely discontinued and in others they have been considerably reduced.

Although the review suggests that EEG neurofeedback approach is an effective intervention for addressing behavioral, listening, impulsivity, and attention problems in patients with ADHD, more research are needed to delineate optimal information for training sessions and follow up procedures Presently, limitations of neurofeedback include: 1) the need for additional controlled experimental studies demonstrating effects which are independent of developmental maturation and the potentially confounding effect of the therapists and parents’ attention during the course of treatments; and 2) the large number of sessions (up to 80; 6-8 months) required for permanent clinical and academic changes to occur.  While the field awaits additional research, however, the current EEG training  could be used either separately or can be combined with one or more than one of other traditional treatment approaches in order to eliminate or reduce some the possible drawbacks.

References

• Barabasz, A. (1993). Presidential Address: Antarctic isolation and attentional processes: Research implications for practitioners. Presented at the Fifth International Conference on REST, Seattle, WA, Feb. 26-28.
• Barkley, R. A., Anastopoulos, A. D., Guevremont, D. G., & Fletcher, K. F. (1992). Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mother–adolescent interactions, family beliefs and conflicts, and maternal psychopathology. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20, 263–288
• Barkley, R. A. (1998). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:  A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (2nd ed.).  New York: Guilford.
• Chartier, D., & Kelly, N. (1991). Neurofeedback treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Grand Rounds Presentation, Rex Hospital, Raleigh, N.C.
• Chelune, G. J., Ferguson, W., Koon, R., & Dickey, T. 0. (1986). Frontal lobe disinhibition in attention deficit disorder. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 16, 221-232.
• Edwards, R. (1995). Is the hyperactivity label applied too frequently? American Psychological Association Monitor, 26, 44-45.

• Fredericksen, K. A., Cutting, L. E., Kates, W. R., Mostofsky, S. H., Singer, H.S.,

Cooper, K. L., et al. (2002). Disproportionate increases of white mattering right

frontal lobe in Tourette  Syndrome. Neurology, 58, 85–89.

• Grattan LM, Eslinger PJ. (1991). Frontal lobe damage in children and adults: a

comparative review. Dev Neuropsychol; 7: 283–326.

• Gualteri, C. T., & Hicks, R. E. (1985). Neuropharmacology of methylphenidate and a neural substitute for childhood hyperactivity. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 8, 875-892.
• Halperin, J. M & Schulz, K. P. (2006). Revisiting the Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in the

Pathophysiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Psychological

Bulletin, 132, 560-581.

• Hynd, G. W. Hem, K. L., Voeller, K_ K_ & Marshall, R. M. (1991). Neurobiological basis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School Psychological Review, 20,174-186.
• Hynd, G. W., Semrud-Clikeman, M., Lorys, A., Novey, E. S., & Eliopulos, D. (1990). Brain morphology in developmental dyslexia and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Archives of Neurology, 47, 919-926.
• Lou, H. C., Henriksen, L., Bruhn, P., Bomer, H., & Nielsen, J. (1989). Striatal. dysfunction in attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorder. Archives of Neurology, 46, 48-52.
• Lubar, J. F. & Shouse~, M. N. (1977). Use of biofeedback and the treatment of seizure disorders and hyperactivity, Advances in Child Clinical Psychology. N.Y: Plenum, 1, 204-251.
• Mann,C. A., Lubar, J. F., Zimmerman, A. W. Miller, C. A., & Muenchen, R. A. (1992). Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:Controlled study with clinical implications.Pediatric Neurology, 8, 30-36.
• Raz, A.  (August, 2004). Brain Imaging Data of ADHD. Psychiatric Times.  Vol. XXI Issue 9.
• Schandler, S.  (2001). Frontal lobe functioning in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Statistical Data Included. Adolescence
• Schaughency, E. A., & Hynd, G. W. (1989). Attention and impulse control in attention deficit disorders (ADD). Learning and Individual Differences, 1, 423-449.
• Sterman, M. B., & Friar, L. (1972). Suppression of seizures in an epileptic following sensorimotor EEG feedback training. Electroencephalography & Clinical Neurophysiology, 33, 89-95.
• Zametkin AJ, Liebenauer LL, Fitzgerald GA, King AC, Minkunas DV, Herscovitch P, Yamada EM, Cohen RM (1993). Brain metabolism in teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 50:333-340.

Dr. Kamal SeSalem
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/electroencephalographic-eeg-neurofeedback-another-approach-to-treat-adhd-751914.html

If you are reading this article it means you’re not really sold on prescription drugs for your child. Just like you, I also did some research on alternative treatments for ADHD. I needed to know what treatment for ADHD was going to work and also be safe for my son.

Here is a brief summary on the alternative treatments for ADHD. Just remember though, that a combination of the following therapies will increase the success rate in treatment for ADHD.

Dietary Control:

A number of diets have been suggested for people with ADHD. Various studies have reported behavioral improvement with diets that restrict possible allergens in the diet.

There are many diets available for an ADHD child. Which one is chosen should be decided by discussing it with your child’s health care professional. That is because each child is different and foods affect children differently. I will tell you this though. Absolutely restrict junk food because of all the additives, food dyes, MSG, and Lord knows what else. Refined carbs is another one, such as white bread.

Behavioral Therapy:

This is one of the most popular methods for alternative treatments for ADHD. With the help of a trained health care professional, such as a child psychologist, behavior and thoughts can be modified so that a child can learn to relate well to others. My son went for therapy for two years and and very much benefited from this treatment for ADHD.

Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies:

I tried my son on a prescription drug at first but soon turned to herbal remedies as a treatment for ADHD. I just didn’t like having a zombie in the house! Besides that, herbal remedies can be just as effective as “Ritalin”, but way safer. Some of the effective herbs readily available are Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and melatonin. They are all good, safe alternative treatments for ADHD.

There are homeopathic remedies which will decrease some, if not most, of the negative symptoms of ADHD and allow the child to focus more easily. Now that I have tried both with my son, natural remedies should be considered first instead of prescription drugs. When combined with dietary control/restrictions and behavior therapy, natural remedies have been show to be effective in helping to decrease the symptoms of ADHD.

As a Mom, I only want what is best for my son’s health in the long run. No one knows the long-term effects from prescription medication, so to be on the safe side I decided that alternative treatments for ADHD would be the route we would take. Do your research and make an informed decision because it’s your child’s health at risk.

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/are-alternative-treatments-for-adhd-right-for-your-child-725392.html

My 9 year old neighbor was diagnosed with ADHD after extensive testing when he was 5. He starts fires in the house at 2 AM when everyone’s asleep. He’s all scarred up from setting himself on fire. He’s mouthy, mean, violent and repeatedly calls the cops on his parents when they try to discipline him. He’s been on all the ADHD medications and behavioral therapy even now. Nothing helps. The police suggested reform school since the regular school can’t cope with him. His parents are seriously considering this.

I understand that he’s mentally ill, but there has to be a solution to his parent’s living hell. Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated.

The cops helpfully suggested something that does not exist: "reform school". There are boarding schools for children with severe behavioral issues, but they are tremendously expensive and in most cases are not covered by insurance. He does, however, sound like he is "a danger to himself or others", which is one criterion for admittance to a psychiatric hospital. In my state (Colorado) police can place a person of any age on a 72-hour "mental health hold" so the person can be assessed.

The cause of ADHD in your child can be traced back to the family. The condition is genetically based, which in simple terms, means your child may have inherited some of your nervous system genes. Even though conditions at home or school can contribute to it, they are not considered ADHD causes.

There have been many scientific studies that link physiological attributes to the cause of ADHD. These include gene makeup, absorbing toxic ingredients, trauma to the brain, and reactions to some food additives.

* The makeup of your genes:

Look at other members of your family. Did you know that even though three to five percent of kids are diagnosed with ADHD, twenty five percent of an ADHD child’s relatives will also have the condition. Scientific studies have even revealed the specific genes that have been linked to the cause of ADHD!

 * Toxic ingredients:

If you consumed alcohol or used tobacco products while you were pregnant, and you have an ADHD child, studies have indicated a possible link. A  fetus will absorb these toxic substances which certainly can’t be good. If your child has been around building structures that are old, he may have been exposed to lead poisoning. Some of these toxic ingredients have been labeled as potential ADHD causes. When I was growing up on a farm, my Dad exposed me to DDT which is now banned in the USA. Maybe that contributed to my ADHD, and then my son’s.

 * Brain trauma:

Most kids, thankfully, don’t fall into this category, but certain types of brain trauma can bring on ADHD symptoms. Scientific studies have shown that when an ADHD child and a NON-ADHD child had brain scans, or an MRI, there were some differences in certain areas of the brain. This would seem to show that the brain has something to do with the cause of ADHD.

 * Food additives:

About ten percent of ADHD children show reduced symptoms when their sugar and additive intake have been reduced. Now here is somewhat of a surprise. While most of us, including me, tend to associate sugar with hyperactivity, there was no difference when kids were given either sugar or a sugar substitute. That means that sugar doesn’t play a role in ADHD symptoms.

However, since a lot of people have it in their heads that sugar causes ADHD symptoms, they may see more symptoms after a child has some sugar. Studies show that parents who believe that their kids have been given sugar (when they have actually been given a substitute) are just as likely to say that ADHD symptoms have worsened as parents of children who are given actual sugar.

But even if it is only perceived, a reduction in sugar intake (or high fructose) can only be beneficial.

A very recent study has found that preservatives and food coloring, which can be found in soft drinks and junk food, greatly increase hyperactivity in children. So make sure you watch what they are putting into their bodies.

Remember, ADHD causes children to behave in unsatisfactory ways, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It is a highly treatable condition. There are prescription drugs that are effective for the symptoms, natural remedies which attack the root of the condition, dietary control, and behavioral therapy. Do your research and then do what is in your child’s best interest.

 

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/the-cause-of-adhd-may-be-closer-than-you-think-724035.html

If you think prescription drugs are the only solution for kids with ADHD, think again! There are many ADHD alternative options that are just as effective but much safer. Not only that, there are no side effects and, as an added bonus, way lighter on your wallet.

Alternative treatment for ADHD goes right to the root of the problem, whereas prescription drugs only treat the symptoms. Alternative methods treat the whole body (holistic) and will fight the condition from various points of the body.With an ADHD alternative treatment you’re going to need to incorporate some lifestyle changes because, even though it would be fantastic, there is no easy single solution when it comes to treating adhd. In order for there to be permanent results, you’ll need to combine dietary modification, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and behavioral therapy.

* Dietary Modification:

One of your first considerations in an alternative treatment for ADHD would be to watch what you eat (or in a parent’s case, watch what your child eats). Ingredients found in foods that commonly contribute to ADHD symptoms can be found in (you guessed it!) junk food. Don’t bring it in the home! Other foods include fried food and dairy products. Don’t eat food with MSG on the label.

Watch out for food coloring such as the dreaded yellow dye #2 or any of the other dyes they put in foods and drinks for added color. Do a little research on your own and then you might want to consult a nutritionist to come up with a diet for your child.

Although a dietary plan is very effective, and a must, it alone will not be enough to be considered an ADHD cure all. Remember, for permanent results, you must incorporate all three types of ADHD alternative holistic treatment. There are no short cuts.

* Behavioral Therapy:

No parent wants to medicate their kid so much that their creative personalities come to a halt. A kid needs to be a kid! That’s why behavioral therapy is a popular choice. My son saw a psychologist for two years in a group setting. It really helped him with his social skills. Before therapy he wouldn’t and couldn’t relate to anyone. Most insurances will cover the therapy.

* Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies:

Combined with dietary modification and behavioral therapy, herbal or homeopathic remedies will be just as effective, but safer, as prescription medicines. The combination of the three make for an attractive alternative treatment for ADHD. A good herbal or homeopathic remedy will eliminate symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, squirming, talking excessively, interrupting others, and more. None of them are habit forming and they also have no side effects. This is because all ingredients are natural and and work synergistically to restore balance to the body.

So now you know what you need to do for your child if you want to try an alternative treatment for ADHD. I went the natural way with my son because nobody knows what the long-term effects might be from prescription medicines. There was also concerns about all the negative side effects associated with the drugs. Besides that, I wanted to get to the root of the problem and not just cover it up with a prescribed medicated band aid. Just remember this. It’s all about your child’s health.

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/an-adhd-alternatve-treatment-is-better-for-your-childs-health-718516.html

I have an exam next wed, and I’m trying to answer a past exam paper question which asks:

"contrast behavioral methods of treatment for ADHD with those used for Autistic Spectrum Disorders"

Does anybody have any ideas that I could work from?

Thank you in advance x

Behavioral therapy and parent training is commonly used to treat ADHD (along with meds). Here’s an explanation of behavioral treatment:
http://www.help4adhd.org/en/treatment/behavioral/WWK7
http://www.medem.com/medlib/article/ZZZWWPFTXSC

Treatment for autism is very specialized. The most commonly used treatment is applied behavior analysis. There’s more info here:
http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_misc.jsp?pid=4761

Read through these articles and you’ll find your answer.

My son is sensitive to many foods(milk and all nuts) so we are trying to find new diets. We notice that when he is given something new from school his behavior changes dramatically.

I just put my daughter on the GFCF diet. She is also taking vitimins and supplements. It’s been a little more than a week and already I see a little bit of difference. It helps her eye contact and focus. Right now her behavior is about the same, it’s never been too much of a problem. The diet is used for a wide variety of things, not just behavior.
Try it, it’s not as hard as they say.

If you’re like me, you’re probably a little bit skeptical about natural treatments when you hear about them initially. After all, it sounds too good to be true to be able to cure an illness without any risk of side effects. However, it is actually possible, especially in the case of ADHD. Natural cures for ADHD are highly effective when combined with lifestyle change. They will cure your child’s ADHD, not just suppress its symptoms. Best of all, they do not have any risk of side effects.

The most popular natural treatments for ADHD are dietary therapy, behavioral therapy, and homeopathy. Natural treatments such as these often work best when used in combination. Natural cures work because they attack the problem from different directions and address all lifestyle factors that could be contributing to the problem.

Natural cures for ADHD are effective because they restore imbalances in your child that lead to illness. For example, many children who suffer from ADHD actually have nutritional deficiencies and other issues. The modern diet consists of too many processed foods, sugar, and fat. It’s no surprise that children suffer from diet-related symptoms.

Many parents have great success cutting allergens out of their children’s diet. Eggs, sugar, refined foods, corn, wheat, and chocolate are some of the most common culprits. If you cut these foods out of your child’s diet and see an improvement in your child’s behavior for two consecutive days, you can start adding the foods back in one by one to figure out which ones trigger the symptoms of ADHD. All natural treatments for ADHD that incorporate dietary therapy generally have great success.

When it comes to alleviating symptoms, natural cures for ADHD are highly effective because they restore balance at a cellular level. Studies show that homeopathic formulas are the most effective natural cures. They balance your child’s mood and alleviate behavioral problems. What’s great about homeopathy is that it is non-addictive and can be taken on a regular basis without risk of side effects.

It’s also important to make sure your child is leading a healthy lifestyle in addition to using natural treatments for ADHD. So many children today lead sedentary lifestyles, which when paired with an unhealthy diet they are certainly going to cause behavioral problems. It’s no surprise that ADHD is much more common today than it was 50 years ago.

Homeopathy and a healthy lifestyle are very effective natural cures for ADHD when they are combined with behavioral therapy. A therapist can help your child overcome social awkwardness and harmful behavioral patterns and thoughts so he can have better relationships with his peers and improve his coping mechanisms.

So there you have it. Harsh prescription drugs are certainly not the only treatment option available for ADHD. Drugs only suppress the symptoms of ADHD and do nothing to truly get rid of the disorder. Natural cures for ADHD on the other hand are 100% safe and will help your child overcome the disorder completely. It may take a little extra effort on your part but the dramatic results you will get are certainly worth it. Your child will be happier and healthier than you ever imagined possible.

Ann Matthews
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/natural-cures-for-adhd-do-they-really-work-750050.html

Despite what people think, ADD (an acronym for Attention Deficit Disorder) is not a catch all phrase for a bunch of common behaviors nor it is a pseudo ailment. The reality is, scientist have been able to link ADD with certain malfunctioning neurological responses that are lacking in individuals who do not have this disorder.

Also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) this condition affects a small population of children (roughly 8-10 percent) and a number of adults who may have missed being diagnosed when they were young.

Top symptoms of ADD/ADHD that can be found in both child and adult sufferers and often include:

- Trouble focusing
- Hyperactivity and inability to sit still
- Impaired social interaction
- Irresponsible behaviors
- Moody and insulting
- Extremely forgetfulness

There is a segment of society that believes that ADD/ADHD symptoms can be easily controlled through will power. What they don’t realize PET and CAT scans have uncovered circuitry abnormalities and lower metabolic activity in the part of the brain that controls our emotions and basic responses. The neurotransmitter dopamine is also severely lacking in the ADD brain.

Despite this knowledge, many parents refrain from seeking a diagnosis for their child and mature men and women feel ashamed and closet their impairment. This only serves to exacerbate the problem and clinical depression may even result.

Today, individuals with ADD need not suffer in silence.

Children and adults with ADD/ADHD can seek out the assistance of an experienced ADD doctor for analysis. The doctor will perform a series of diagnostic tests that will allow them to make an informed prognosis in regards to the condition and help them regulate it.

Once you are officially diagnosed with the disorder, there is a lot you can do about it.

1. Medication - slowed down and impaired neurons actually benefit from stimulants because they help to make the neurons fire correctly. Psychostimulants like Ritalin for children and amphetamines for adults are commonly prescribed to combat the many problems associated with ADD/ADHD.

2. Self management - this aspect may be a tab bit easier fro adults, but parents can help a child in this arena. Doing small things like making a to-do list, getting an organizer or planner, or planning to arrive someplace early as opposed to on-time may help you mitigate some of the more aggravating aspects of the disorder.

3. Talk with ADHD doctor - your doctor will be a veritable fountain of tips that can help you place you on the road to controlling your ADD symptoms. Be sure to ask lots of questions and take the acquired info to the internet for further study. Knowledge is power.

4. ADHD support Groups and behavioral therapy - At an ADHD support meeting you may learn valuable insights from people who know what it is like to deal with such a complex neurological problem. For instance, you could acquire from a host of dietary aids or holistic remedies that can help you get lower some of the more off putting aspects of your ADD behaviors. Behavioral therapy will also help as it can provide one-on-one counseling. A qualified therapist who understands ADD/ADHD psychology can retrain your thought processes so you recognize your ADD symptoms and learn how to control them.

Combating ADD will take a multi-pronged approach, but with due diligence and proper education you should be able to gain control of your disorder and feel more in control of your own destiny. If you suspect you have ADD/ADHD contact a reputable doctor in your neck of the woods to get evaluated so you can be well on your well to greater health and a even better life.

Amy Nutt
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/4-tips-on-managing-adhd-699389.html

My son was diagnosed with ADHD disorder when he was in first grade. It’s common for the diagnosis at this age because that’s when most of the symptoms appear. He was inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive. Did you know that this occurs in 3% - 5% of all children? It’s also more common in boys than girls. So if you suspect an ADHD disorder in your child, it’s time to gather some ADHD information.

ADHD can be broken down into three areas:

(1) Inattentive- earlier known as ADHD disorder. The child wasn’t very active and would seem to be a daydreamer. This was my son. I couldn’t get him to focus on anything!

(2) Hyperactive- This means the child is overly active and impulsive but can pay attention when needed.

(3) Combination- This is where most children fall into. They are hyperactive and inattentive and impulsive. Now you’ve got your hands full!

If your child has these traits , you might want to look in the mirror because ADHD disorder has been linked to heredity. It means the child may have inherited the inability to produce chemicals that can organize thoughts.

Some ADHD information you may not be aware of is that substance abuse or smoking during pregnancy can be linked to this disorder. Also a significantly low birth weight, postnatal injury to prefrontal regions of the brain and excessive levels of lead in the blood has also been linked to the occurrence of ADHD.

Some of the symptoms you should look for include:

* squirming and fidgeting a lot

* being in constant motion

* being easily distracted

* not finishing their tasks

* not listening

* interrupting

* talking too much

* not playing well with others

To diagnose ADHD in a child, American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a standard set of guidelines for children in the age group of six to twelve years. Below the age of six is just to difficult to administer the test. Although ADHD disorder is among the most mis-diagnosed ailments, the tests are strict. Your child has to show at least six of the symptoms for a period of six months. Your pediatrician will also want to interview family and caretakers to further assess the diagnosis.

Studies have show that the best treatment combines medication with behavioral therapy. Since this disorder may be diagnosed, many Moms and Dads consider natural remedies first because the prescription medicines can be addictive and alter your child’s creativity. You need to read all the ADHD information out there so that you can make an informed decision.

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/are-you-looking-for-some-adhd-information-718523.html