Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine in their various forms, in treating the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in children, teens, and adults. Even though stimulants are not the only effective option in the treatment of the disorder, stimulants may be a good choice, and their use should be discussed with your physician.
Over the couse of these newsletters we will be presenting information on the relative effectiveness of the three most effective treatment options: Stimulants, EEG Biofeedback training, and ATTEND homeopathic nutriceutical medicine.
A study by Rossiter and La Vaque which used the same protocols that we used in our clinical studies with ATTEND compared the effectiveness of Ritalin (stimulants) to EEG Biofeedback training.. They used the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) as the measuring instrument to determine change in performance after using either medications of EEG Biofeedback training for 30 days. The TOVA is a computerized Continuous Performance Test (CPT) that has no placebo effective, and has no bias (such ahs you might see with parent rating scales).
A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders. Thomas P. Rossiter, and Theodore J. La Vaque. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, Summer 1995
Stimulant medications showed "statistically significant improvements" in all categories (a five point improvement is "statistically significant" with the TOVA test). The stimulants used were Ritalin and Dexedrine, and these were the results after 30 days of use.
The use of stimulants are often a good choice, and should always be considered when developing a treatment plan. Should they always be the first choice? Not necessarily, unless the situation is so difficult, or change must be see immediately, that there are no other choices.
As you will see in later issues, the use of EEG Biofeedback training, and/or the use of ATTEND (a nutriceutical medicine using amino acids, essential fatty acids, lipid complexes, and homeopathic medicines) along with some improvements in diet, can also be as effective as the use of stimulants.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Results of a Survey of Parents? Perceptions of the Duration of their Child?s ADHD Medication Reported at Medical Meeting
60 percent of over 100 mothers surveyed reported their child?s medication stopped working before 6 p.m.
Attention Deficit Disorder: Einstein's Secret Weapon
Some experts believe that Albert Einstein had adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD). Today, an estimated 7% of adults are affected by ADD. The new book Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD by outspoken ADD Coach Jennifer Koretsky encourages readers to break the rules and find success and happiness on their own terms.
Finding Natural Alternatives Adhd Children Can Use.
Most doctors, when they encounter a case of ADHD, turn to stimulant or anti-depressant drugs to counteract most of the disorders symptoms. However, in taking these drugs the effects are short lived and the medication needs to be constant. There is also the possibility of various side effects to contend with too. Because of this, it is only natural that parents try to find alternatives. Most parents are attracted by natural alternatives ADHD children can take as opposed to prescribed drugs mainly because they are considered to have less side effects. Here are some natural alternatives for ADHD that have shown promise:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Is It A Childhood Disorder?
Have you found yourself having a hard time concentrating on the tasks at hand? Perhaps you find yourself getting restless and starting to get involved in physical exercises or becoming a more outgoing person. If these are things that are happening in your life, then you may actually be dealing with a problem that is called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a problem that is usually found in young children, especially children that are under the age of seven.
Director of National Center for Girls and Women with ADHD Releases Critical Analysis of Legacy Parenting's 'Total Transformation Program' for Child
Noted ADHD specialist, Dr. Patricia O. Quinn, MD, provides favorable analysis of The Total Transformation Program, a child behavior program developed by James Lehman and distributed by the Legacy Parenting Company.
Some Thoughts on Counseling Goals for ADHD
What should the goals for counseling be when the patient has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Every therapist will have their own opinions, but I'll give you some of my thoughts.
First, it is important to teach the child or teen with ADHD how to recognize problems and how to solve problems.
Understanding The Science Behind Behavior Therapy Adhd Treatments
As a non-medical treatment approach, behavior therapy ADHD treatment is a well-recognized therapy for children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The process is also sometimes referred to as behavior management.
Introduction to the Medications Used in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder
There are several treatment options available to help improve the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since there is no prescription medicine that can "cure" for ADHD, the various medical interventions seek to improve symptoms.
A Medical Professional Explains How Caffeine Causes ADHD, Mental Illness and More
Ruth Whalen, a medical professional in Massachusetts, survived a 24-year-course of medical misdiagnoses and caffeine poisoning. Turning her harrowed experience into a positive one, Ruth educates the public about the dangers of caffeine and how medical and psychiatric doctors mistake caffeine's effects for ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and more.
Co-Morbidity Rates: Other Problems That May Come With ADHD
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge. Very often the child or teen that comes to the office will have both a neurologically based Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as some other clinical condition that requires treatment.
What About ADHD Teens and Driving?
This is one of the most common questions asked of me by parents of teenagers who have ADHD.
"Should I let my teen drive when he turns 16? He seems so immature.
Why Does It Seem That There Are More Children With ADHD Than Ever Before?
Even though the percentage of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is likely the same as in the past, there are three likely reasons why it seems that "there is more ADHD" than ever before:
First, we become more aware of problems like this as parents than we were as a children. We have grown up now and we are more concerned about these issues since we have our own children.
Intelligence in Adults with ADHD
In our society high intelligence is often perceived as a positive characteristic in a person; and that which leads to greater successes in life. However, for an intelligent/gifted adult with ADHD (gaining recognition as more the norm) that positive characteristic can actually be a weakness when the ADHD is not treated.
ADHD: Causes and Treatments
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is largely neuroligical in nature. ADHD is characterised by inattentiveness, restlessness and/or inappropriate impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Although commonly associated with children, this disorder can persist into adulthood. Symptoms often interfere with children learning and socialising.
Tips for High School Teachers with ADHD Students: Organizing Your Students
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com.