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Many parents are puzzled about ADHD and ask ‘Is ADHD real?’ How could so many children suffer from it? Why is there no legitimate medical or clinical test which would clinch the diagnosis? There are so many questions and so few definite answers that you can understand why parents are still ask this question – is ADHD a legitimate disorder? As usual, there is no black and white answer but rather a grey one. Here are some questions and answers to clear the muddied waters a little, I hope!

What do the neurologists say? They should know something about the brain! Is ADHD real? Their studies DO show that some parts of the ADHD kids’ brains are less active than others and some parts are overactive, when compared to normal children. If scans are done, you can see this very clearly if you are qualified enough. Dr. Amen, the famous ADHD researcher is a controversial figure who says that scans reveal six different subtypes of ADHD. He says that doctors or paediatricians just do not know how to read the scans. The scans are expensive and given that doctors do not agree, it is better to focus on the three subtypes which are now established by mainstream medical research. Genetic research is still being carried out so we have no definite answers there yet.

What do you mean by mainstream? If I told you that the most prestigious medical bodies in the world now recognize ADHD as a mental health condition, then there must be some justification in answering the question ‘is ADHD a legitimate disorder?’ with a resounding yes. The bodies are WHO, National Institutes of Health, the American Medical Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). If the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Paediatrics are convinced then I do not think we can dismiss their research into the question ‘is ADHD real?’ with either indifference or suspicion.

How can diet influence the brain? Hundreds of tests have been done on kids and the most hyperactive and impulsive kids were found to have various vitamin/mineral deficiencies which seems to suggest that diet is important although it will not cure ADHD. Vitamin B groups, magnesium and fatty acids are all elements which have definite impact on our brains. The answer is to make sure our kids have a balanced diet and stay clear of processed foods whose additives and colourings have been found to negatively impact on kids’ behavior. The UK government and the European Parliament have passed legislation to that effect and food companies are being asked to reduce these additives in kids’ snack foods which would certainly suggest that the answer to the question ‘is ADHD a legitimate disorder?’ would be a definite yes.

What is the best treatment for ADHD? This is the most difficult question of all and that is why I have left it till last! Most of the experts in the bodies I mentioned above are now coming out strongly in favour of comprehensive treatment which will include some medication, ADHD behavioral therapy, diet, exercise and school support. But which medication? The psychostimulants used by many doctors to treat ADHD are now coming in for a lot of criticism in that nobody knows exactly how they work on the brain or indeed what the long term effects could be. Many parents have to decide what is best for their child and can read up on the side effects of these drugs. Natural remedies and homeopathic remedies are a valid alternative as there are no side effects or health risks. You can find out more from the link below.

The overall answer to the question ‘Is ADHD a legitmate disorder?’ is an unqualified yes although there are some uncertainties about the causes and the best treatment.

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children’s Health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what Natural ADHD treatment is available.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/is-adhd-a-legitimate-disorder-4-questions-parents-must-ask-946575.html

Cognitive Solutions Learning Center, Inc. (http://www.helpforld.com) announces Chicagoland’s premier Neurofeedback training center.

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback therapy involves the direct training of brain function, through which the brain learns to function more efficiently. At Cognitive Solutions, we observe the brain in action from moment to moment, and show that information back to the person. Through visual and auditory feedback, the brain is rewarded for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process, and applies to every aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is sometimes called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity (electroencephalogram or EEG). Neurofeedback is essentially training in self-regulation. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function, and self-regulation training allows the the central nervous system to function at optimal levels.

Who might benefit from Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback addresses most problems of brain disregulation. These happen to be numerous, and include the anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits and learning problems, behavior disorders, sleep disorders, migraines, as well as PMS and emotional disturbances. Neurofeedback is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy.

How does Neurofeedback work?

At Cognitive Solutions Learning Center, all incoming patients first undergo a Quantitative EEG (QEEG) in order to map out the electrical activity in each region of the brain. Following this diagnostic procedure, a thorough feedback and explanation of findings is provided. For the treatment itself, we apply electrodes to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. This information is processed by computer, and we then extract data about certain key brainwave frequencies. We show the ebb and flow of this activity back to the patient, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote, while others we wish to diminish. This information is presented to the person in the form of a video game or movie, and the patient is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brainwave activity is “shaped” toward more desirable, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target as well as the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain vary from patient to patient. The training is very specific to the conditions we are trying to address.

For additional information on Cognitive Solutions Learning Center and our Chicago Neurofeedback program, please contact Dr. Sam Effarah or visit us on the web at http://www.helpforld.com

About Cognitive Solutions Learning Center:
Dr. Ari Goldstein founded Cognitive Solutions Learning Center, Inc. in 2000 to address the need for better diagnostic and remediation services for individuals with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. We have successfully treated hundreds of children and adults in the Chicago area, and are widely praised for our services by parents and schools alike.

Dr. Ari Goldstein founded Cognitive Solutions Learning Center, Inc. in 2000 to address the need for better diagnostic and remediation services for individuals with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. We have successfully treated hundreds of children and adults in the Chicago area, and are widely praised for our services by parents and schools alike.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/neurofeedback-is-a-unique-tool-for-developing-cognitive-skills-and-enhancing-brain-performance-948898.html

Pros and Cons

Of ADHD Medication

On Children

 

 

 

 

 

By Mackenzie Quinn

 

 

June 1st 2009

           

Introduction

            As a parent of a child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) you are faced with deciding how to manage your child’s ADHD symptoms. One options for treating the symptoms of ADHD that is highly debated is medication; some people strongly believe it is the best options and other believe medication shouldn’t be used on children. Determining the best option for your child is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without sufficient information. Before you make this decision, you should know that there are pros and cons to ADHD medication and that medication may be right for one child but not another. This article may help you as a parent or caregiver decide if medication is the right treatment method for your child.

Cause of ADHD

            When treating ADHD, it is important to look at the cause. “Scientists now believe that the impulsivity, short attention span and other symptoms associated with ADHD are caused by a specific dysfunction in the brain that is often inherited” (Wilens, 2004, p10). ADHD is a medical diagnosis with a medical cause, and many times medication offers a “straight forward solution” (Wilsen, 2004, p12). Members of the medical community often compare the treatment of ADHD with medication to that of seizures or other health problems with a medical cause and believe that these medical symptoms can be managed with medication. 

Symptoms of ADHD

            The cause of ADHD is a dysfunction in the brain (Wilens, 2004) but parents and caregivers seek treatment to manage the hyperactivity, impulsivity, short attention span and other behaviors associated with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are behavioral and many think they should be treated in the same manner as other behavior problems. Stephen Flora writes in his book Taking America Off Drugs “ The best way to improve behavior is with behavior modification techniques” (Flora, 2007)

Overview of Treatment Options

            As mentioned earlier, one treatment method for ADHD symptoms is medication; these medications are prescribed to “diminish the inattention, distractibility, over activity, and impulsivity” caused by ADHD. These medications ideally allow students to perform to their fullest potential such as focus on their homework and listen to directions. For individuals who do not have ADHD and can focus on their work these medications may seen like performance enhancing drugs that are not necessary. As you know ADHD is more than just a little distractibility.

            Along with medication, there are other ways to treat ADHD symptoms such as behavior therapy. Behavior therapy is a form of psychological treatment method that stems from behaviorism and focuses on observable and measurable behaviors. When applying behavior therapy to students who have ADHD the family works with the counselor to increase the occurrence of positive behaviors through routines and a better understanding of what the student needs. Some students can be treated with behavior therapy but for many children their symptoms are severe enough that behavior therapy isn’t enough. Behavior therapy may not be enough because it treats the symptoms of ADHD not the cause of the problem. Students who have ADHD have aspects of their brains that are malfunctioning, these malfunctions cause the hyperactivity, inattention and other symptoms that behavior therapy attempts to control. For these students medication can help supplement the therapy or other forms of treatment being used.

Common Medications and Routines For Taking Medication

            There are a wide variety of medications that are prescribed for the treatment of ADHD symptoms and you should discuss the specifics with your health care provider. Briefly, three of the top brands of medication are Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall.

            Depending on the type of medication your child is taking they will have to take the medication anywhere from once a day to three or four times a day. Some medications are longer lasting and only need to be taken once a day while others are short term and must be taken more frequently. Both are safe and effective options.

Pros of Medication

            The most important pro to ADHD medication is the reduction or elimination of the behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD.  By reducing students hyperactivity and giving them the ability to focus, medication gives many students the ability to perform better in school, make friends and participate in extra curricular activities.

            Many parents worry that their children will become addicted to the ADHD medication. However, there is no physical way for children to become addicted to ADHD medication because addiction comes from a high or state of euphoria and the medications used to manage ADHD symptoms do not cause students to have a high.

            There have been numerous studies indicating that psychotropic drugs are safe, tolerable and useful for children. As of 2004 there have been “over 250 scientifically controlled studies of the stimulant medications for ADHD” (Wilen, 2004, p 91) These studies suggest that if children take the prescribed dosage indicated by their doctor, then the medication is safe and that the majority of the side effects are mild.

Cons of Medication

            Now that we have looked at some of the pros of ADHD medication lets examine some of the cons. One aspect of ADHD medication that should be of concern to parents is that there are very few studies done on the long-term affects of the medication. So, while we know that these medications are safe in the short term the prospect of giving students medication without knowing the long-term effects bring cause for hesitation.

            There are also mild side effects associated with many of the medications including loss of appetite, difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, moodiness and growth problems. These side effects should be monitored but for the most part are easily managed. For specific side effects consult your health care provider.

            And even though students cannot become physically addicted to these forms of medication, they can form a psychological dependency. This dependency can develop when students feel they need medication for everything or when they are afraid to go off their medication.

Decision Making

            When deciding whether medication is right for your child there are 4 things to consider; side effects, the severity of your child’s symptoms, if your child’s symptoms are being managed with other forms of treatment how your child feel about medication. Before you make this decision talk, with your child’s teacher, the school counselor or psychologist, your health care provider and most importantly your child. While this may seem overwhelming now, the more information you can gather the easier this decision will be.

Conclusion

            As you can see there are pros and cons to ADHD medication and what is right for one child and family will not necessarily be right for another. When choosing whether to try medication as a way to manage the symptoms of your child’s ADHD make sure to consider the pros and cons along with your child’s characteristics and the attitude of the school.

 

References

Flora, Stephen Ray. Taking America Off Drugs (2007) State University of New York Press, Albany

 

Wilens, Timothy E. Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medication For Kids, (2004) TheGuilford Press, New York

 

 

Appendix

Resources For Parents To Get More Information

• Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medication For Kids- This book was written for parents who have questions about the affects and risks of psychiatric medication on children. It is a basic guide for what parents need to know about a wide variety of psychiatric medications including ADHD medications.
  • Wilens, Timothy E. Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medication For Kids, (2004) TheGuilford Press, New York
• Taking America Off Drugs; Why Behavior Therapy is More Effeftive for Treating ADHD, OCD, Depression, And Other Psychological Problems- This books presents behavior therapy as an alternative treatment method for ADHD instead of medication. The book does a good job of showing the other side of treating psychological problems.
  • Flora, Stephen Ray. Taking America Off Drugs (2007) State University of New York Press, Albany
• CHADD- this website is a support system for parents of children with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
  • Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Retrieved May 12, 2009,  http://www.chadd.org/

 

             

 

 

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/pros-and-cons-of-adhd-medication-949287.html

Is there a difference between ADD and ADHD? ADD and ADHD disorders are usually lumped together as one disorder, the only difference being that ADD is sometimes used to distinguish those children who have the inattentive type while the hyper and impulsive kids usually get the ADHD label. In some of the older manuals used by doctors,ADD and ADHD disorders were one and the same thing.

If we are still using the ADD label or (ADHD Inattentive type) as it is most commonly called these days, these children frequently are spaced out and have a lot of problems in finishing a task and may flit from one task to another. These children are daydreaming types as well and often do not cause any behavior problems at school. It is for this reason that because they do not disturb the class, they are often neglected and never diagnosed at all with ADD ADHD disorder.

In many ways, the children with hyper and impulsive tendencies have more problems with behavior at home and at school because they are noisier and more intrusive in every sense. They often are diagnosed with a co -morbid disorder called OCD (obsessive Compulsive Disorder) or ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). The ADHD Inattentive type child is more likely to suffer from co-existing conditions such as depression and anxiety.

As regards treatment for ADD and ADHD disorders, here are some facts for parents. Using psychostimulants is full of unknowns and there are lots of uncertainties about their efficacy and the long term effects. It is true that ADHD drugs can work in as many as 70% of cases. But when we say ‘work’, we should be cautious. Certainly these drugs are great at calming children down and helping them to get focused but the behavior problems will remain.

The drugs themselves such as Ritlain, Adderall and Cylert, to name the most popular ones, are quite powerful mind altering drugs. The most alarming thing is that nobody knows exactly how they work on the chemical neurotransmitters in the child’s brain. The drug companies are equally coy about their long term effects although Ritalin has been on the market now for over forty years and has been used extensively in treating ADD and ADHD disorders. So, where is the research? We should remember too that we are dealing here with amphetamines and they are still regarded as Class II substances so there are all sorts of problems there.

The above information is hard to find and many drug companies do not want to tell the full story about ADD and ADHD disorders. That is why thousands of parents are turning to homeopathic remedies which are gentler and will be equally effective in soothing and calming the child, although they too will certainly not solve any behavioural problems associated with ADD ADHD disorder. The best way of all is to opt for a homeopathic medication which combined with ADHD behavioral therapy will be the most effective in the long run. No pills of whatever kind will teach the child how to cope, socialise, manage tasks and generally grow up to be a well balanced adult.

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children’s Health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what Natural ADHD treatment is available.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/add-adhd-disorders-must-know-facts-for-parents-946578.html