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.
Below is a chart showing the effectiveness of EEG Biofeedback, or Neurofeedback training. This information is from a study by Rossiter and La Vaque which used the same protocols that we used in our clinical studies with ATTEND. 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
With 30 days of EEG Biofeedback training the group improved in every category measured by the TOVA. They improved a great deal in their focused attention to a task (1.6 standard deviations); their self-control improved nearly one standard deviation (0.9 SD); their reaction time improved a bit (0.5 SD, which is still a statistically significant improvement on the TOVA); and their Consistency score, or Variability score, improved by the same 1/2 standard deviation.
These were good improvements. Perhaps not as big over all as the group that used stimulant medications, but still a significant improvement.
We like EEG Biofeedback training as an intervention, and we provided it in out clinic for seven years or so. The only downside that we'd warn parents about are:
(1) make sure that the person actually doing the treatment is well trained, as often the doctor or psychologist will turn the actual treatment over to a technician who barely knows what they are doing; and
(2) the treatments can come with a tall price tag. Shop around for a reasonably priced provider.
To learn more about your treatment options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder visit the ADHD Information Library at http://www.ADD101.com.
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.
In Response to Recent Survey on a Natural Remedy for ADHD, NourishLife Announces a Free Sample Give-Away
Due to a lack of public awareness concerning the relationship between omega-3 deficiency in children and ADHD, NourishLife is giving away free samples of Learn - its omega-3 product specifically formulated for school-aged children.
The Eagle Soars -- Science and Religion Have Merged! God Exists--And Stress Causes ADHD, All Mental Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Dise
A medical technologist recovered from a 27-year course of central nervous system poisoning due to medical misdiagnoses, personal stress and caffeine. Several years later Ruth Whalen experienced symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Miss Whalen treated herself, recovered, researched, uncovered a medical and religious travesty, and discovered that the brain contains a black hole. Ruth merged science with religion and released The Light: How Stress Poisons the Central Nervous System and Causes ADHD, Parkinson's Disease, Schizophrenia, Autoimmune Response and More.
Successful Treatment Planning for Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD ADHD
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Reduce ADHD Holiday Stress
For parents of ADHD children, the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. With a little planning, stress can be reduced. NASA inspired technology is available to teach ADHD children to develop good behaviors and promote family harmony.
Teacher Tips: Your Room Set-Up and ADHD 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.
ADHD Improved Without Drugs
Advancing the circadian rhythm has been shown to improve both objective and subjective measures of ADHD symptoms. University scientists have developed special glasses that block the blue rays that cause a delay in the start of the flow of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Putting on the glasses a couple of hours ahead of bedtime eliminates this delay thereby advancing the circadian rhythm.
Long-Term 12-Month Safety Data Presented on ADHD Patch DAYTRANA (Methylphenidate Transdermal System)
Study Shows ADHD Patch Provides Tolerable and Effective Symptom Control.
ADHD and Food Allergies
IntroductionThere are a number of controversial areas in medicine when it comes to ADHD. Food allergy is certainly one of them.
Is it ADHD or Bi-Polar Disorder?
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings, sometimes extreme, ranging from depressed to normal moods, or from depressed to manic episodes. Manic behaviors are often very similar to "hyperactive" behaviors, including motor restlessness, irritability, temper outbursts, sleeping less, or having higher levels of energy.
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.
Is There Truth In The Television Adhd Connection?
The question about the television ADHD connection has been around for a while, and different studies seem to suggest different answers. However a recent study carried out last year on kindergartners suggests that television is not to blame for ADHD symptoms.
Tips For Living Successfully With ADD / ADHD
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Examining Drugs for ADHD, Particularly Strattera
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year old Stephanie Hall; and 10 year old Shaina Dunkle and other children who have died from the use of psychotropic drugs for "ADHD".The Eli Lilly company has been marketing a new drug for those who are labeled as ADHD known as Strattera.
ADHD - Are there Treatment Options?
As an ADD coach I am often asked about the treatment options available for Attention Deficit Disorder. Generally when someone says "ADD" the first thing that will come to the layperson's mind is 'Ritalin' or an image of a hyperactive "Dennis-the-Menace" type.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What Do We Mean by Attention Anyway?
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two different kinds of abilities: The ability to focus on a specific task put in front of us to do, such as school work, and the ability to pay attention in a more global sense to the world around us, to be able to pay attention to the buzz of the lights overhead, and the touch of the clothes on your skin, and the children playing outside of the classroom. These are two different kinds of attention.