After 10 years of working with different approaches to ADD ADHD treatment Dr. Shinaver, arguably an ADHD Doctor, found that Cogmed Working Memory trainingtm was the most efficient, clear-cut, and effective approach he has found to improve working memory and thereby improve attention. The double blind, placebo controlled studies piqued his interest. However, his son’s results which included his increased enjoyment of activities which require sustained mental effort, have included the highest grades of his life, teaching himself Farsi and computer programming are especially compelling. Since his son has ‘had’ ADHD his view is worth considering. His practice www.clarity4health.com is in central Indiana, Carmel, Indiana, near Indianapolis and Zionsville and not far from Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville. Yet, because this program does not require that you live locally you can work with him from other places in the United States and the world.
If you are a parent who is trying to learn more about symptoms of ADHD children chances are pretty good your child is hyperactive. Most young children are hyperactive and exhibit characteristics of ADHD such as running or darting from one place to another. But simply being overactive is not enough to meet the criteria for attention deficit disorder in children. For a child to be classified as ADHD they must be acting in a way that is not appropriate for their age. But hyperactivity, while perhaps the most noticeable symptom, is not the only symptom of ADHD children. In fact it is not even the primary symptom required for a diagnosis.
A broad definition provided by the AMA for attention deficit disorder goes something like this: ADHD is a mental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention and a high degree of restlessness and impulsive behavior. Symptoms begin before the age of 7, last for at least six months, and cause the child substantial difficulty in at least two settings, usually home and school. End
The symptoms of ADHD children are based on three primary behaviors: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Inattention: Inattention is the primary symptoms of attention deficit disorder. It must be present for a diagnosis to be confirmed and is arguably the most detrimental of all the child ADHD symptoms. Children with inattention have trouble focusing. They may be able to focus sometimes but not others. The inability to focus impacts a child’s ability to learn often creating deficiencies in basic learning skills such as reading, writing, and math and contributing greatly to the 80 percent academic underachievement rate seen in ADHD children.
Impulsivity: Most children has some degree of impulsivity. After all who hasn’t taken a trip to the store and observed a child reaching for every item that grabs his/her attention. Impulsivity broadly defined is acting without thinking, talking out of turn, or taking unnecessary risks. But one should keep in mind, as briefly discussed above, for any symptom to be confirmed ADHD the child must be acting in a way that is not appropriate for their age. So some impulsivity is certainly normal and would not be a red flag for ADHD.
Hyperactivity: Of the three primary symptoms of ADHD children this is the most noticeable. It is also the number one reason for parents to seek out help. If goes without saying that a hyperactive ADHD children can be very active. In fact the standard description is that “they are driven by a motor”. They will not be able to sit still without moving some part of their body. The hyperactive child will have difficulty waiting his/her turn and will constantly interrupt others.
The bottom line when learning more about symptoms of ADHD children is that it is a problem with self regulation caused by brain messenger (neurotransmitter) imbalances that can be inherited. The two most often discussed brain messaging chemicals associated with child ADHD symptoms are norepinephrine and dopamine.
Many experts believe that until these imbalances are corrected modified behavioral changes will be difficult to implement and sustain.
What Next? For parents of ADHD children struggling to find a treatment option can be an overwhelming and sometimes troubling task. The most common treatment for symptoms of ADHD children are stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall or Cylert. While effective all stimulant medications come with a number of serious label warnings. The risk of side effects has prompted many natural health minded parents to investigate other options. A couple examples of this are behavior modification therapy and/or homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other nonprescription alternatives.
Rob Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years
experience in the field of natural health and wellness.
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myspace Friend Me www.myspace.com Gay Sex A Mental Disorder? ADHD, Psychiatry, Psychology, Mind Control Report The disorders listed in the apa’s, American Psychiatric Association’s, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnosed according to behavior criteria. This effectively makes the DSM a moral code or a book of laws. If you violate these laws, you are labeled as mentally ill and forced into mental health treatment which can include drugs, electroshock therapy or involuntary commitment. As society’s morals change, so does the definition of mental illness. A Homosexual, gay or lesbian sex, was considered mentally ill until 1973. What changed? Is this the truth of science or moral opinion based on religion? This video was produced by psychetruth www.youtube.com www.myspace.com psychetruth.blogspot.com Psychetruth is empowered by tubemogul http © Copyright 2008 Zoe Sofia. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tubemogul.
Dr. Shinaver’s son is one of ‘those’ ADHD children so his interest and motivation in finding ADD ADHD treatment exceeds simple professional interest. A college psychology student poses this question to Dr. Shinaver: What Makes Cogmed More Compelling than Behavior Management, EEG Biofeedback, and Medication treatment of Attention Deficit? He has experience using all these approaches with his son and with clients of his. His answer to this question has to do with the quality of the research on Cogmed Working Memory trainingtm the real world effects of Cogmed Working Memory trainingtm , including the following effects for children: Improved Attention, Better Impulse Control, Remembering Instructions, Completing Assignments, Taking Initiative, Working Independently, and Improved Social Skills. And, finally, the accountability built into the coaching format of this program.
Check out this preview video for the upcoming Now What?! workshop on Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Ontario Science Centre, Feb. 27th). The event is co-hosted by one of the worlds leading experts on ADHD, Dr. Umesh Jain (CAMH, Hospital for Sick Kids, Univ. Of Toronto)…but it will be anything but a traditional mental health information session. With Rick involved, to say it will be a fun, often funny, experience is an understatement! For detailed event info and to buy tickets visit totallyadd.com. Advance ticket purchased required. Attendance limited to participants age 16+.
Christian Comedian Jeff Allen www.jeffallencomedy.com talking about his kids funny habits due to ADHD, and how his teachers had to handle him as a child with ADHD….VERY FUNNY!!!
Teen Drug Abuse, or more specifically prescription drug abuse continues to rise. ADHD students in High School and College are selling or giving prescription drugs to their friends. The parents get the prescriptions filled and are unwittingly providing their children with a product which their kids are illegally selling or giving away. For example, Adderall abuse is much more common than parents realize. The Percentages of kids in high school and college buying and selling these drugs on this black market will surprise you.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become the fastest growing diagnosed disorder among children under the age of 18. Many children in countries such as the US, New Zealand and Australia are being prescribed medications at an alarming rate. As the FDA requires ADHD drugs to carry warning labels, the overmedication of children with ADHD is becoming a real concern.
Most ADHD drugs are stimulant that contain amphetamine. Various side effects have been reported from taking these drugs. Some of them tend to suppress feelings of any kind, making children unhappy. Some are addictive and prone to substance abuse. In some cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Ritalin is a common prescription medication for ADHD in children to help them concentrate better. The side effects of Ritalin include headaches, stomach ache, insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, weight loss and even cardiac arrhythmia. The effects of long-term use are not fully known however it has been linked to abnormal brain development and stunted growth in small children.
Adderall is another ADHD drug that combines various amphetamines. The common side effects of taking Adderall include dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, headache, dry mouth and weight loss.
The potential for addiction and abuse is the biggest cause for alarm in ADHD medications. Children, particularly teens, who take these medications without the supervision of their parents and doctors are more likely to misuse and become addicted to the drugs.
There are other types of treatment for ADHD, especially for less severe cases. One alternative treatment is to make dietary changes. There are specific allergy causing foods that can trigger or add to hyperactivity such as wheat, dairy products, sugar, soy and eggs. Avoid refined carbohydrates and processed foods. The latter tend to contain preservatives, coloring and artificial flavoring which can cause further behavioral problems. A dietician can help determine a proper diet plan for children with ADHD.
Herbal remedies are also available to treat ADHD and are effective for mild to moderate cases. These remedies do not come with the side effects and possible addiction that conventional prescription medications do. Behavior therapy is beneficial as it teaches children to cope in various situations. Children that understand how to react when they are frustrated, angry or misunderstood can learn to better control their behavior.
While there is no one treatment that works for every child, the right combination of treatment options can keep the symptoms of ADHD under control. Parents should be less accepting of conventional prescription treatments and should discuss ADHD alternative treatment options with their doctor. ADHD children who are prescribed medications must be monitored to prevent addiction and substance abuse.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD symptoms in children and adult. The long term effects of ADHD medications are still unknown but medical researchers warned of permanent changes to brain chemistry and behavior. Learn more about alternative treatments for ADHD at www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-adhdmed
Ritalin is one of the most prevalent drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is prescribed to thousands of children under the age of 18 every year. While Ritalin has been shown to help in severe cases of ADHD, it may not be beneficial in mild cases as its side effects may be worse than the symptoms of ADHD. Ritalin has varying side effects on children, some of which can be potentially harmful.
Ritalin causes stunted growth in children. A new study conducted by the Child Development Center of the University of California, Irvine found that children who took Ritalin for three years were about an inch shorter and weighed 4.4 pounds less than other children in their age group. It is not known if these children ever regain their normal height. The long-term neurological effects of Ritalin remain unknown.
Another possible problem with treating ADHD children with Ritalin is the potential for addiction and abuse. Ritalin is a stimulant and is categorized as an amphetamine. All amphetamines carry with them a likely risk of addiction. A study found that children who took Ritalin for more than 3 years have a greater risk of substance abuse and committing crime.
Many adolescents and young adults snort Ritalin in a way similar to snorting cocaine. They think that Ritalin is a cheaper and safer alternative to cocaine. However, Ritalin has dangerous side effects whether taken orally or inhaled. This could be a short leap from using prescription amphetamines such as Ritalin to using illegal street amphetamines in the future.
Other side effects of Ritalin include headaches, stomach upsets, reduced appetite, depression, irritability, anxiety, increased blood pressure, sleep difficulties and nervousness. When the side effects of taking Ritalin are severe, they can be worse than ADHD symptoms, making them an ineffective treatment.
Instead of treating mild to moderate cases of ADHD with drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, some believe that dietary changes can help control ADHD symptoms naturally. Many processed foods contain dyes, addictives, preservatives and artificial flavoring that can cause allergic reactions in people with ADHD. Avoid excessive intake of sugar as it can cause hyperactivity. Consume fresh and wholesome foods. Herbal remedies may also be helpful to treat ADHD without the harmful side effects or possibility of addiction or abuse. Behavioral therapies have more positive and lasting benefits.
With so many side effects of Ritalin and its long-term effects remain unknown, it is best to consider alternative treatments for ADHD. Discuss all treatment options with your doctor carefully to ensure that Ritalin is only the last line of treatment for ADHD.
The long term side effects of Ritalin are still unknown and its benefits have been called into question many times. Besides drug medications, there are alternative treatments for ADHD that are safer and yet effective. Check out the all natural and drug free treatments for ADHD at www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-ritalin1
The FDA is still worried about the effects of certain ADHD medications on children who are at risk. Latest research does not seem to offer any reassurance or hope. The latest news is that in the long term ADHD medications seem to offer little benefit. Their efficacy seems to be reduced to the short term alleviation of ADHD symptoms such as behavioural problems, over excitability and disruptive behaviour. Medical authorities are still worried about the ease with which prescriptions of antipsychotics are written by doctors. Research for ADHD is now concentrating on the causes of ADHD but also on the safety of ADHD medications. It should also be looking at ADHD natural and homeopathic cures but, given the world we live in, I think that is a faint hope !
Latest research on ADHD has homed in on the fact that ADHD has a strong heritable link. They are therefore looking for some genes that might be responsible for some of the behavior disorders associated with ADHD. The hope is that once they find these, cures can be better targeted and more effective medication can be manufactured. The IMAGE project led by Stephen Faraone is one of the largest ever done and involved studying over 600,000 genetic markers in 900 families. One genetic marker has been found but there is a very long way to go. As ADHD is such a complex condition, researchers feel that there may be several genetic markers involved and that these all have small effects on the child’s behavior and development.
As research for ADHD progresses at a snail’s pace, families are faced with bringing up ADHD children who have to grow up and become happy and productive members of society. One of the most important things a parent can do is to find the best possible help at school and that means getting wised up about what facilities are offered to ADHD children and what arrangements can be made on the day to day level with the child’s teacher. This may mean drawing up a behavior plan and or looking at where the child sits, preferably close to the teacher.
While research for ADHD will bumble along for some time yet, parents have to think about the day to day running of the family. Basically they will be concerned with how their guidance as parents and their parenting skills will impact on the child’s behaviour. Learning to acquire these skills can turn family life into a pleasure again. These skills can be learnt through ADHD behaviour therapy where parents of the ADHD child help him to learn self-management skills and emotional control. It is now recognised that any form of medication for ADHD can only be effective if it is carried out in conjunction with behavioural interventions. All the research on ADHD up to now is pointing in this direction.
Research for ADHD is also looking at comprehensive treatment plans for ADHD children which will include not just medication but also diet, green time benefits, exercise and of course parental support which is absolutely crucial. As there are so many doubts now being raised about problems and side effects with a pharmacological solution for ADHD, it is high time to look perhaps at homeopathic treatment for ADHD.
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.