Purdue Pharma, the makers of Oxycontin, have gone to great lengths to push the drug that is responsible for thousands of deaths and causing countless numbers of people to have an addiction to Oxycontin. The billion dollar a year pharmaceutical company has been accused of off-label marketing of Oxycontin on promotional beach hats, pedometers (step counting machines) and CDs.
In other, more underhanded attempts, Purdue Pharma plead guilty in Virginia federal court to misbranding the drug by claiming it had a “less euphoric effect and less abuse potential” than it actually has. The company also claimed that the drug could be stopped at any time without the risk of side effects. In addition to this, the company plead guilty to misguiding health care professionals by suggesting patients take more than initially directed.
Oxycontin addiction is extremely serious and life threatening. People who have an addiction to prescription medication run the risk of disease, serious long-term health related problems, and even death. Oxycontin, once a drug prescribed mainly for terminally ill patients has now become the drug that is making people terminally ill
Narconon Louisiana Produces Positive Changes With Graduate
R.M. spent most of his life running away from his problems. He turned to drugs at the age of 15 and never looked back. Soon he found himself addicted to Oxycontin
Because of his addiction, R.M. ended up serving time in prison. By this time he and his family were almost out of hope and wondered if they would ever get their son back and if he would ever be able to live a life without drugs and alcohol.
Thankfully the family found a real solution to their son’s drug problem through the Narconon Louisiana drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
Narconon Louisiana is a long-term, inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, geared towards showing an individual that life without drugs is possible. Located just outside of Baton Rouge, Narconon provides a safe place for addicts to confront their lives and learn how to live drug-free. While most treatment centers focus on the 12-step model of rehabilitation, Narconon Louisiana takes a more non-traditional approach to handling addiction permanently. With a 75% success rate that far surpasses the industry norm, they are major contenders in the war on drugs.
The reason why Narconon Louisiana is so successful is because they don’t subscribe to the idea that addiction is a disease. Instead they work one on one with a client to handle what problems drugs were solutions for. This method allows students to regain control of their lives and handle situations that will come up in the future. Jeff Lukas, Executive Director of Narconon Louisiana explains, “One of the biggest problems that I encounter is that people don’t know how to handle life. You can put someone in a room for two weeks and wait until the drugs are out of their system and they are essentially off drugs. But is their life handled? Are they really better? No – they need to get to the bottom of their addiction. They need to learn how to live.”
That is exactly what R.M. did, upon completing the Narconon Louisiana program he had this to say, “Everyone here has issues that are buried deep when they get here, and it’s hard to talk about them sometimes. However, I learned that by doing this and getting to the root of things we can begin to fix these problems and produce positive changes in our lives.”
Oxycontin Abuse Across The U.S. Results in More Crime
Oxycontin is not only highly addictive, but it is leaving a string of drug-related crime in its wake.
In June 200, a newspaper in Maine reported on an arrest of a drug dealer charged with selling almost $8,000.00 of Oxycontin a week. The drug dealer had been stealing the pills from his wife who was suffering from cancer.
In Ohio a heroin addict that got introduced to Oxycontin at a methadone clinic committed at least 7 aggravated robberies. He was attempting to fund his 800 mg a day Oxycontin habit.
In Virginia the police chief of a town called Pulaski, reported that approximately 90% of all thefts, burglaries, and shoplifting incidents in the area were linked to the abuse of Oxycontin.
The number of times have you, or somebody hated a modification of element causing a pain? Many people are troubled by adjustments to barometric tension, temperatures, moisture content, polluting of the environment and the number of sunlight. The following paragraphs will check out the commonly presented belief that weather improvements may cause hassles and what can be done to prevent and address them.
The link involving head aches and weather is the wrong way fully understood. Professional medical specialists have reported varying results in research studies with this theme. The effects of equally high and low temp, moisture, barometric stress, occurrence of rainfall, sunshine, breeze, spherics or electromagnetic signals, polluting of the environment and the amount of caffeinated cocktails eaten caused by warm/cold temperature all have been suggested as a factor as being a pain lead to. Though medical practitioners may recognize that conditions alterations do affect pain rate, each one client is exclusive. Studies have not concluded that any individual kind of climate incidence influences all people also.
Problems are a widespread occurrence. In fact over the course of your daily life you’ve got a 90% probabilities of experiencing a frustration. The most frequent severe headaches in order of frequency are:
Stress hassles (80-90Percent) Headaches (12-18Per cent) Bunch head aches (1Percentage) In the frustration types listed above, headaches are already most suggested as a factor in climate connected head aches. Migraine headaches indicators are:
Head ache usually commences each day. Endures from 4-72 hrs. The pain sensation is normally on one hand from the deal with, it can require either side. Ache is done a whole lot worse with ordinary hobby and steadily exacerbates. Level of sensitivity to noise andPeror gentle A feeling of sickness andAndor nausea with agony Pain preceded by image symptoms for example discovering flickering signals, destinations, curly outlines. These symptoms previous fewer than 60 minutes and take care of. Nasal over-crowdingPerwater flow. Watering face Maybe the greatest explanation for migraine headache remaining stated is that often migrane sufferers are both on an emotional level and physiologically additional sensitive to each internal and external stimulus. Looking at migraine headache sparks finest demonstrates this aspect. Frequent probability aspects for migraines are: Hormone imbalances- which includes regular monthly series, having a baby, contraception capsule or hormonal replacement unit remedy. ExerciseOrexertion-overexertion, periodic workout, head trauma or vision tension Ecological variables- such as weather modifications, tensionAndfeelings, have missed meals, sturdy odors, smoke, a lot of or otherwise adequate slumber Food items-caffeine intake, dark chocolate, alcohol, old parmesan cheese, classy dairy foods (natural yogurt and poisonous ointment), nitrates (remedied steak), fruits (avocado, bananas, citrus fruit, figs, pineapple or raisins), fruit and vegetables (coffee beans, olives, onions, pickles, excellent skiing conditions peas), sulfites and thrush. Medicine-barbiturates, valium (xanax, ativan, klonopin) opioids, ergotamine and caffeine chemical compounds. These medications can each take care of head aches and cause hassles. Should you decided that climate modifications precede your headaches it would be useful to record this by continuing to keep a frustration journal. A head ache diary includes:
Night out Time-started out and finished Indicators Information of discomfort Intensity of discomfort-gentle to significant Spot-case in point, forehead, driving sight, back of travel, neck of the guitar etcetera. Therapy applied and impact Number of sleeping the night time prior to Anything you dined on before the throbbing headache The latest situations in advance of frustration-instance nerve-racking function, physical exercise or injuries Any other opinions you are feeling are needed-case weather conditions front side and many others Maintain appointments for about on a monthly basis. Get the work schedule on hand at up coming scheduled visit using your medical doctor. You and your health care provider can explore the outcomes and focus on treatment methods.
If your medical professional establish migraine headaches as the explanation for your problems, there are numerous sorts of cures dependant upon the rate, severity and before-current health conditions. Some treatments are:
Over the counter medications- pain killers, acetaminophen and motrin. They are helpful for mild complications. They are better when consumed within the attack. They also could presumptively supply prophylactily, on the other hand this will also predispose anyone to prescription medication running. Triptans-Prescription treatment of Headaches. These kinds consists of Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig,Relpax and Frova etcetera. Ergots-Presciption remedy for migraine headaches. This class contains Cafergot, Wigraine, Butisol and injectable DHE 45. In case you encounter consistent hassles, greater than 1 every week linked to temperature adjustments you must view your health practitioner. A professional during this subject is an ear, nose area and tonsils health care provider or Ototlaryngologist. They could evaluate your headache indicators and obtain the suitable tests and therapy. For those who have any longer inquiries, you can e-mail us at http:/Andinternet.atlantaallergyotolaryngologycenter.orgPer
Does another panic attack sufferer call for prescription medication to generally be treated from owning future freak out attacks? What is the all-natural anxiety disorder treatment method like getting herbal treatments, supplements, and foods which are much better and better than medication? A likewise real question is the thing that part treatments and counselling really should engage in in assisting people handle anxiety attacks and turn into treated? Lastly, must panic or anxiety attack patient commit a big pile of pounds about to therapy or what is the more affordable, but both equally helpful choice?
Let me seek to respond to some problems in the next few paragraphs.
Medicines for panic and anxiety attacks are often used to management the indicators, lessen their number severity, and minimize driving a vehicle anxiety linked to the possibility of getting a further assault. Medicines are most effective if it is employed as well as direction andPeror home treatment solution, like relaxation physical exercises and stress schooling.
Prescription medication for Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Medicinal drugs utilised usually to relieve anxiety and panic attacks are the following:
4 .Frugal this reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil
4 .Diazepam including Xanax, Valium, Ativan, or Klonopin
It has been proven in several, quite a few real life instance scientific tests of preventing repeating anxiety attack symptoms devoid of previously having to go on treatment. Prescription medication to manage panic and anxiety attacks isn’t constantly required. I believe that a sufferer should try initial to handle the difficulty devoid of medical care., until the anxiety can be so unmanageable that a little something will have to accomplished straight away to relief the patient of the actual physical signs. Remedies will not normally tackle the basis on the trouble, but help pacify these warning signs. Another panic healthy cure usually also brings about fewer side effects than chemical type prescription drugs.
Another panic attack pure solution such as natural herbs and also over-the-counter health supplements are used by lots of individuals to combat anxiety and perhaps avoid anxiety attacks. A typical advice by vitamin and mineral experts is often a calcium supplement magnesium vitamin health supplement, given that shortcomings over these enzymes can enhance the likelihood of an anxiety attack Vitamin B6 is usually typically encouraged, just like herbals created with love plant, valerian underlying, and red solution. Chamomile teas are popular to reduce stress, showcase enjoyment and restful snooze, cut down soreness. Eventually, information facilitates that having minimal blood sugar levels can enhance the possibilities of causing panic or anxiety attack another person’s witout a doubt prone.
Panic or anxiety attack organic therapy however isn’t going to bargain brain-up for the foundation of why the panic disorder is going on to start with. Some form of treatment or direction can be extremely great for discovering and addressing these problems. Nevertheless, simply because we utilize phrase it doesn suggest that you must go take a seat in an company and pay back a ton of money for any non-public counselor. Apart from becoming extremely expensive, private guidance also requires that you find the proper consultant to suit your needs. One can possibly collect top quality from studying a manuscript, getting familial support, or a little bit of residence examine treatment.
Things I propose very first to anxiety disorder patients as a very reasonably priced option (Bucks30 to Bucks140 once expense), which was confirmed to be efficient for many individuals starts a house treatments receiver guidance application, coupled with getting an anxiety attack all-natural treatment method. These residence software programs normally offer often sound or training video therapiesPerinstruction, with composed elements, as well as some very simple routines. The information presented informs you having an in-degree perception of panic disorders and anxiousness, giving you via a personal voyage to master solutions to come to be healed. They treat the sources of this freak out.
There are a variety of accessible premium quality household treatment method applications that happen to be used and analyzed by thousands of people today and have absolutely productively treated quite a few using their anxiety attacks. Authored, audio, and online video media testimonies are all as evidence this.
The Take advantage of Thistle hard working liver detoxification is among the preferred methods helpful to clear the liver organ nowadays. Take advantage of thistle is often a all-natural supplement, often called Silybum Marinanum. It is one among the finest liver organ detoxing natural herbs. In currently points during the stress filled standards of living, oily bad foods and substantial existence of inorganic pesticides and toxins in food and water, this supplement will last anyone to boost their hard working liver wellness.
But Whole milk Thistle is extremely best to these affected by ailments which affect the liver – just like Liver disease G, chirrohsis of the liver, addict hepatitis, and the like.
With a key stage, milk products thistle hardworking liver detox method useful in protecting the busy by enhancing great and bad the exterior tissue layer of lean meats cellular material. It types a safety layer that stops toxic compounds from invading those people cells, as well as allows you replenish the impaired tissue. Those who have problems with liver organ harm on account of abnormal usage of booze could also gain from this natural treatment method given it triggers the discharge of superoxide dismutase. This is an free radical cleansing which can remove the free-radicals while in the liver that have lead from drinking alcohol.
Its lean meats cleanse qualities are scientifically searched for quite a while as well as positive results on the fitness of the hardworking liver are extensively described. It may replenish a sluggishly performing hard working liver, address jaundice signs minimizing extreme manufacturing of bodily hormones in the body. It has been specifically viewed as one of the key substitute therapy of hep g.
Exploit thistle hard working liver detoxification method basically starts with the intestines where the all natural herb is utilized, and after that may get powerful generally in the hard working liver. Because of this, its healing attributes are widely-used ideal by the hard working liver. It may help to reverse liver deterioration the result of surplus alcohol use, and it can also help in cutting an made bigger liver organ to the ordinary dimension. It even can be useful for detoxing the liver.
Among all the herbal plants that are used for healing applications, this plant is one of the very best realized as a consequence of substantial medical research containing absent for it. The most important much of this botanical herb is Silymarin, the industry bioflavonoid complex. We have seen medical proof that silymarin, the recognized free radical cleansing, has the ability to preserve liver, and even to make its ruined cellular material. Malaysia recognized medicine agreement guru has accepted this herb for dealing with busy difficulties. It’s recognized until this botanical herb is non-dangerous and does not have any well-known pharmaceutical contra signals.
Schizandra, Bupleurum, Scutellaria, Isotis and White colored Peony are some other natural herbs that have proven therapeutic components to purify the busy. But among all the ways utilised in various locations, dairy thistle hardworking liver detox has long been the top strategy simply because of its highly unique and reported outcomes for hardworking liver remedy. A lot of hcv new cure methods are which includes the usage of this method to guard the hardworking liver and enable address lean meats associated ailments.
Patients suffering from liver disease W and hepatitis G, two significant hardworking liver health conditions, are able to benefit from this organic treatments. The most prevalent conditions of hardworking liver is usually a fat liver organ, which can please take a much more serious turn if left untreated for long periods. While using the silymarin within the supplement, the junk busy can boost and obtain defense from additional injury.
Possible Medication Affairs with Exploit ThistlePeople presently receiving care in the adhering to medications should avoid using Milk products Thistle without going over it with their doctor:
Antipsychotics — incorporates butyrophenones (including haloperidol) and phenothiazines (like chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine) Phenytoin(Dilantin) — a medicine useful for convulsions Halothane — a medication used during normal anesthesia The next medicines are converted because of the similar lean meats molecule as Milk products Thistle in addition to their effectiveness could be reduced:
Allergic reaction medicines — like fexofenadine (Allegra) Medication for high cholesterol levels — such as statins just like lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor) Stop-stress medicines — such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan) Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drug treatments (body thinners) — which include clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin) Some cancers drug treatments
Teenager abusing drugs reaches a detailed-time substantial. No pun intended. Junior between 12-17 are being described applying against the law drugs If you’re an father or mother, you already know that teenaged drug use just isn’t an fictional dilemma these days, instead is a really authentic, risky and fairly considerably multiply task among teens. Sad to say, to their little one hinderance, mother and father occasionally like to delude their selves with all the dreams that a great exclusive institution, effective engagement inside chapel or synagogue younger generation class plan, rigid curfews, and parental generosity will mysteriously stop their developing kid through the risks that reside between look organizations, pushers, as well as night of your golf clubs. Teen abusing drugs is often a normal happening, and mothers and fathers along with health care providers must be alert to the twelve signs thereof, even during the most naive of configuration settings.
Usually, you may pick up teenagers building phrases with their dad and mom, not like We are smoking cigarettes trouble area or a little bit pot, it might harm me When you suspect concerning your young adults drug use or illegitimate medicine use, the simplest way to learn is as simple as administering a adolescent substance test out from your own home.
In the event you reluctant to test evaluating your little one and believe your teen is maltreating marijuana (sometimes referred to as cooking pot, maryjane, chron, bud, natural herb, pot, dope, turf) there are actually simple THC (Tetra Hydro Cannabinol) detection baby wipes you could pay for. These baby wipes may be used on any area which your teen child might be smoking cigarettes close to, for example the wall surfaces of the area. When the test out pops up THC favourable, an additional step should be to give a pharmaceutical check either through saliva, curly hair, or urine. If you ever unsure what drug your youngster is destroying, there are actually Medicine Detectors Substance Detection Sets for Substance Examining available.
Not only will you test out for THC within bud, you can even examination for other common prescription drugs for instance drug (also called diet pepsi, ideal, split), euphoria (also called XTC, A, Adam), opiates (aka narcotics, codeine, opium, brown mister), amphetamines (aka velocity, whizz, amph, billy, phets, sulph), crystal meth (sometimes referred to as swiftness, meth, chalk or in its smoked sort, it is also known as ice-cubes, crystal clear, handle, or cup), barbiturates (sometimes known as hook varieties, downers, barbies, barbita, seconal, reddish colored devils, blue demons and whites),
benzodiazepines (otherwise known as tranks, downers, benzos), oxycodone (also called oxy, hillbilly) and phencyclidine (sometimes referred to as PCP, angel dirt, supergrass, killer pot, KJ, embalming water, skyrocket energy resource and sherms).
Other prescription drugs that teenagers can be addicted to which enables it to be screened for are propoxyphene (PPX), tricyclic lithium (TCA) methadone (Achieved), morphine (Cleaner) and also the common LSD generally known as acid.
Not only can teens mistreatment against the law prescription drugs but they might also punishment and turn addicted to drugs present in your treatment cabinet. Often taken advantage of medicines are Vicodin, Xanax, Valium, Adderall, Ativan and Fioricet.
The more that teen drug use continue to claim quite a few subjects, the better teenaged pill evaluating packages can be well-known. The most crucial part in supporting a teenager to avoid turning out to be a different fact is actually not permitting justification of drug abuse to use basic while in the attitude of one’s rising baby. Preferably, young children should be coached from the very first decades for taking duty with regard to their personal steps, and for that reason many of the medicine fallacies so common in nowadays young contemporary society won’t uncover any more christ-followers. This approach will not likely reduce teenager abusing drugs nonetheless it will close an additional ave during which kids along with pushers happen to be qualified to delude on their own into using compounds.
There are many natural and health-related solutions of insomnia. Reports have stated that by combining either health and non-medications, more successful outcomes may be gained in not getting enough sleep resolution than just one by yourself. Sleep loss option is not intricate because it’s a signal, not a severe disease. Although, there are plenty of natural aspects and treatments which are used for sleeplessness alternative nonetheless medicines and drugs consequences effectively nevertheless it has a number of unwanted effects when compared with natural remedies.
There are various medical factors that cause sleeping disorders in addition. As soon as the cause is determined, you’ll be able to treatment this issue working with several medications. Treatments for this manifestation without addressing the key cause isn’t successful. Based on health care phrases, a decreased level of melatonin inside human brain, Hormone asymmetry, deficit in magnesium or in terms of iron triggers for sleep problems. On the other hand, Sleep problems is really a indication, not only a ailment. Sleep loss is to maintain sleeping resulted from inferior variety or quality of sleep. This sleep loss occurs because of depressive disorders or annoyance caused by emotional, emotional or sociable issues. Nevertheless, sleep problems solution is doable applying medical treatment types of procedures. 3 forms of sleeping disorders entails temporary sleep problems, limited-term sleep problems and chronic insomnia
There are numerous medicinal drugs to get off of sleeping disorders by reviewing the plant’s roots. It’s been mentioned that incorporating sedatives treatment method with behaviour remedy, patients might have very likely to fade from the sedative drugs than if sedatives were utilized alone. You’ll find six sedative medication which bring the treatment of sleep loss. These sedatives are being used as medications to induce the standard and variety of rest. These sedative drugs contain Restoril, Dalmane, Halcion, ProSom, Eurodin, Klonopin and Ativan. There are additional Nonbenzodiazepine sedatives including Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien.
Another explanation for sleep loss is decrement of melatonin. Melatonin is a chemical secreted from the pineal gland at the centre of as their pharmicudical counterpart. The scarcity of melatonin in human brain leads to sleeping disorders. Quite a few treatments are utilized to heal melatonin difficulty. Some anti-depressants are usually employed for sleep loss option in clients to relief them from serious depressive disorder. Some Antihistamines with sedative components are utilized in treatments for sleep loss. They may maximize sleepiness, but they just do not stimulate drowsy price and shouldn’t be found in the management of persistent sleeplessness. Valerian is another botanical herb medicine which is used for sleeplessness resolution. However, it’s not at all just as much beneficial for the clients of continual sleeplessness.
The natural heal of not getting enough sleep may happen. There are tons of normal components and treatments which are superior to using prescription drugs and medicines because it has unwanted effects. Muscular workout, meditation therapies, using natural herbs, utilization of vitamins and plenty of other considerations are of help in cure of sleeping disorders nevertheless these treatments carry a long time to recoup. Many treatment plans and aspects such as meditation, inhaling inhale and exhale, right diet, Hydrotherapy, Acupressure, homeopathy, using health supplements, Aromatherapy and Ayurveda can be used for sleep loss remedy. most of these pure aspects augment the sleep fee. Various minimal such things as outdoors, poor lit bedroom, comfortable cargo area and use of exploit and proper diet be an aid to resolve sleeping disorders difficulty.
Overcoming Health Anxiety – 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid
Eliminating well being nervousness might be less of a challenge provided you can keep away from some of the most popular mistakes made by men and women attempting for this. Just what exactly adheres to are 3 of the most destructive and customary mistakes you ought to do your very best self to stop:
1) Add Search engines Your Signs or symptoms:
Individuals with health stress will often Bing their indicators – by that I mean they’re going to appearance for more info on the net regarding a unique emotion or symptom they can be affected by. Although finished excellent purposes, it generally leads to devastation.
Case because people with wellbeing stress and anxiety will generally continue to study their signs and symptoms right until they find a thing that backs up their hardest doubts. So nearly anything encouraging they locate will probably be ignored to be replaced by the depressed breakthroughs.
To sneak this habit of exploring your signs on the web, start to minimize how much time you allow yourself to make this happen. Make the discounts little firstly, so they really are really simple to remain faithful to.
And bit by bit, eventually, decrease the time period to no.
You more inclined that you follow a slow, steady lessening similar to this when comparing heading turkey. Dress in Look For Peace of mind From Buddies amp Household:
When you’ve got wellness stress and anxiety and also you make a bodily indication that concerns you, it clear that you would like to tell an individual and also have then make sure you it very little serious.
But challenges can turn if you accomplish this too often with family and friends.
It out of the question to learn health and fitness nervousness if you skilled it directly, so those you closest to will probably are not ready to empathise with you and your scenario.
Nearing family and friends too frequently along with your health and fitness problems can frequently cause them starting to be irritated and indignant on hand. This stress can speedily enhance along with the strain that practices could potentially cause you will even more challenges and in many cases additionally real warning signs.
Your associations with those people you nearest can even be ruined if you begin to examine your wellbeing anxiety worries along with them many times.
Damaged whipped cream every one of these potential issues is usually to only focus on your wellbeing stress to people who have – or have had – well being nervousness their selves.
They comprehend your needs fully, they usually likewise be able to provide you the peace of mind you searching for.
3) Don Just How You Really Feel:
When you’ve got health stress then you usually just how you feel many situations more often than someone who doesn’t. This may lead to you recognizing including the tiniest real sounds that a majority of individuals could not detect or understand.
After which whenever you notice a actual indication you will keep an eye on it obsessively, continually questioning it feels a whole lot worse or maybe if it believes greater.
People today who do not have well being panic merely to not imagine like this, so it ought to be your ultimate goal to avoid this mind-set.
The very best first step to adopt to quit these types of believing is to give yourself workouts and tasks to try and do within the periods through the day as soon as your imagination is usually to walk to the main topics, do you experience? the times this is likely to take place is first thing each morning once you wake. First thing one of your concerns, each day, may be, do you experience? obvious way to end this is to purchase up instantly and have to a before-structured program to quit all by yourself possessing time for it to allow this to prepare of thought acquire.
So stand under the shower, make breakfast time, get dressed, and in case you have any sparetime then fill it with something – cleaning up, physical exercise, everything to avoid all by yourself from which has a brain that liberated to wander.
Try and implement an equivalent technique constantly for the day which you planning to put on thinking about all about those feelings.
By successfully avoiding these 3 prevalent blunders you massively raise your odds of eliminating health and fitness anxiety.
Here is the information about one of the primary ADHD causes:
First Degree Family
Researchers have studied that most families with kids having ADHD would likely pass on the disorder to first degree family members. It has been studied that families with ADHD would likely affect 25% of the family members, increasing the possibility of ADHD disorder to 5%.
Adoption Factors
Even if the kids with ADHD are being adopted, studies clearly showed that the kids would still resemble the effects of ADHD coming from the biological family.
Twins Studies
It has been studied that when a kid is affected with ADHD and has an identical twin, his or her twin would likely be affected by the disease as well, unlike with non-identical twins in which the possibility of hereditary ADHD is minimal. It has been studied that in identical twins, there is 82% concordance rate, while 38% for non-identical twins.
This study of the primary ADHD causes just proved that ADHD indeed runs in families. Although this heredity factor may only be one of the ADHD causes, still it has the stronger effect to families.
In every research, of course, there would also be mistakes that would be yielded; and in every research, there would always be differences with results that would somehow make it difficult for the concluding part. In this article, this statement would be proven by the incorrect assumptions about ADHD causes. Since there are different ADHD causes, this article would highlight the ADHD causes that are perceived to be untrue and have been strictly provided to people for safety consideration of ADHD disorder. These causes have been proven to be irrelevant for the development of ADHD and have been strictly informed to people for better understanding of the disorder.
Here are the following mistaken ADHD causes:
Diet
It has been studied before that kids may have ADHD disorder due to sensitiveness to different foods. In addition to this, many studies tempted to claim that sugar is one way of making kids hyperactive, which is a sign of ADHD disorder. Unfortunately, there are no researches that proved these studies.
Poor Parenting
There are no researches and studies that proved poor parenting have a significant contribution to kids having ADHD. The only thing that poor parenting could have impact on is how parents treat their children with ADHD. It has been studied that children with ADHD needs more attention from parents for better functioning of the brain. In conclusion, poor parenting is just a way of providing betterment for the child not as a cause of ADHD development.
Television
There is no connection between kids having ADHD and watching television.
Hormones
There are no researches that have proven hormonal functioning has significant role in the ADHD development.
These false ADHD causes are some assumptions and opinions given by researchers or even by ordinary people. But of course, if you want betterment for your kids, preventing false claims such as the above incorrect ADHD causes would better be done.
There are different researches continually being made in order to comply with the needs of the society about ADHD causes information. For them, it is important to know the concrete information as possible so that they would be able to prevent the ADHD causes. This article would provide the different and recent ADHD causes discovered by researchers. It is very definite that you would be surprised by these recent studies for these are very rare. These ADHD causes have been studied further for assurance yet the current results showed that these ADHD causes are indeed contributing to development of ADHD.
Here are the following ADHD causes for you to take note:
Smoking
It has been proven that when a mother smokes during pregnancy, the child would likely develop ADHD after birth.
Food Dyes
It has been proven by studies that food dyes, or the dyes people would usually use in order to make the food more appealing, help in the further development of ADHD in kids.
Unhealthy Diet
Kids who likely eat unhealthy diet are 2.2 times more possible to have ADHD. This unhealthy diet would include consumption of high intake of sugar, sodium, fat, low intake of fiber, folate, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Genetics
It has been studied today that chromosomal factors may likely help kids develop ADHD disorder. Furthermore, it has been suggested that kids with mental disorder would likely have ADHD.
Pesticide Chemicals
There are different new researches that suggest pesticides may link the exposure of kids to different chemicals contributing to development of ADHD.
These surprising facts are indeed helpful for you in keeping your child safe from ADHD. You should know that being updated about ADHD causes would also help you in keeping your child away from ADHD disorder. Remember that ADHD causes may not only occur before birth but also after birth.
Believe it or not, ADHD can have quite an effect on someone’s life. Sometimes the ADHD can be so bad that it will literally control someone’s life. Sometimes people will need to change things in their life to help suppress their ADHD. Sometimes things need to be done differently for a person to be able to deal with it. ADHD statistics show that adults and children respond to ADHD and treatments for ADHD differently. In this article, we will take a look at how ADHD can affect your life and some of the side effects you will more than likely face when being diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD affects millions, so never be ashamed if you suffer from this disorder!
Effects of ADHD
The effects of ADHD are pretty much the same for both children and adults. The difference is; most children are faced with the effects while in school, where adults are faced with it at work.
Some of the side effects you encounter include: frustration when you can’t reach a goal you have set, anger because you can’t complete a job or project, being hyper all the time and not being able to suppress your high energy levels, and being unable to remember short-term memories. ADHD statistics also show that a lot of people who are diagnosed with this disorder have difficulty sleeping causing people to be frustrated from always being tired.
Adapting to ADHD
There are some things you will have to change in your life if you suffer from this disorder. Though some changes may be hard, it will only benefit you in the long run. For one, you may have to eventually take medication for your disorder. If this is the case, you may feel out of energy all the time and feel like you just can’t do the things you used to. If this happens, you will need to do certain exercises that will boost your metabolism and help you feel better physically.
If one of your problems is that you can’t meet certain goals you set; then you need to set goals with a different approach. In other words, make smaller goals that are a lot easier to reach so you won’t be frustrating yourself. Setting goals that are easier for you to reach will boost your mentality and make you feel better about yourself.
If you struggle with remembering things that just happened recently, then you need to practice different ways to learn these things. For example, post sticky notes around your home, or on your computer that you can constantly read. This will help you retain and remember things easier. You may have to do things like this five or six times a day, but the effects will be rewarding for you in the long run. The effects of ADHD on your life can be frustrating for you, but you can help relieve the frustration some.
Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Side Effects of ADHD Medication can really be frustrating for the person taking it and for a parent giving it to their child. Side effects of ADHD medication include: depression for the child or adult, loss of weight due to them not eating, and becoming lethargic because the medicine slows them down so much. If these side effects are becoming too much for you to handle, then speak with your doctor and try something different as their are many different treatments for ADHD.
How to Diagnose ADHD
For the most part, the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) occur as a child develops. And even adults may have periods of time where they feel unfocused or distracted. It is also very easy to confuse ADHD symptoms with a wide variety of other problems such as learning disabilities and other types of emotional issues. This is why it is important to have a suspected case of ADHD diagnosed by a health care professional.
There is not just one simple physical or medical test that can be used to determine if someone has ADHD. For parents who suspect that their child may have this condition it is important to speak with the child’s physician about their concerns. They will have a checklist of different symptoms and can make sure that the child is not exhibiting symptoms of similar conditions.
In order to diagnose the condition of ADHD a person will display several of the most common symptoms which are classified into three categories: inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity. One thing the medical professional will look at is how severe the symptoms have become. The true symptoms of ADHD will have a negative influence on the family’s life and typically, those with the condition have trouble in several different areas of their lives. Children have difficulty in the school setting and adults in the workplace, finances and social interactions.
They will also want to know when the symptoms were first noticed. They will typically need to have been consistent for a period of at least 6 months and not just sporadic occurrences to be diagnosed as ADHD. It is also typical that these symptoms are not apparent in only one setting, but in multiple settings if the child or adult has the condition.
There are several symptoms that can be warning signs especially when demands on the person are increased at home, school, or work. They will have difficulty following directions or instructions and usually be extremely disorganized in most areas of their lives. Most of those suffering from ADHD will be fidgety and constantly move their feet and hands around. They will also tend to talk too much especially at inappropriate times and settings.
Most children will adjust to ADHD as they grow into adulthood. But there are many who may have inappropriate behaviors and end up dropping out of school. Typically the symptoms will diminish as the person ages but many times their difficulties will continue to affect their careers. While some feel that a diagnosis seems like just another label it is better thought of as an explanation. A diagnosis can explain why a person has trouble paying attention, listening closely, following instructions or getting organized.
Once a diagnosis is made it will be easier for a person to manage their condition. A plan can be developed which can help the individual cope with and control the symptoms of ADHD and medical professionals can prescribe medications which may be able to help control some of the symptoms.
Treating and Suppressing ADHD
New Treatments for ADHD are being discovered every day. There are already quite a few treatments available for those who suffer from it, but with the advancement of technology and medicine, more treatments are being found. There are medication treatments and alternative treatments for this disorder. We will take a look at treatments in this article for both children and adults. Present ADHD statistics show that some adults and kids respond better to treatments than others.
Treatment for ADHD in Children
Treatment for ADHD in Children is about the same as it is for adults. Usually a doctor will recommend alternative treatments before putting the child on medication. A doctor who simply slaps medication on a child to start with doesn’t really care about their well being and instead are just looking for a quick fix to get you out of their hair. If this is the case, get a second opinion. However, if your child has a really bad case of ADHD, then yes; medication should be administered right away.
Children with this disorder can sometimes be treated with alternative treatments such as: ADHD exercises, joining support groups, and seeking counseling once or twice a week. Counseling and support groups have been known to help kids with ADHD because they can get their emotions out and are taught how to control what they are feeling.
ADHD Treatment for Adults
Adults are treated just about the same way as children. The only difference with adults is they are better able to control their emotions. ADHD treatment for adults can be managed with medication, counseling, support groups, and exercise. If you are put on medication and have bad side effects, talk to your doctor and get on something new. If you are using alternative treatments for ADHD and they don’t seem to work, medication may definitely be needed.
Understanding ADHD
Understanding ADHD will help you better understand how to treat it and what exactly people are going through when diagnosed. ADHD statistics show that those with ADHD can’t comprehend things, focus for long periods of time, remember short-term memories, and control their feelings. It is often very frustrating. People who don’t know about ADHD think they have a behavioral or learning problem. If you see someone that has problems with remembering things, doing things, getting angry quick, don’t be so quick to judge. They may just have ADHD or some type of disorder related to ADHD.
Signs of ADHD in Teens and Adults
So what are the signs of ADHD in teens and adults? Well, there are a few signs and symptoms you should look for to best diagnose yourself. Teen signs differ a bit from adult signs and in this article we will highlight the differences.
Signs of ADHD in Teenagers
Signs of ADHD in teenagers are a little different than adults and children. Teenagers with ADHD tend to be in more car accidents. They also are more likely to be in a second car accident. They have problems with gender identity and wanting to dress like the opposite sex or in clothes that we don’t normally accept. Teenagers with ADHD are also more likely to fall into groups and have friends they wouldn’t normally have because of the peer pressure. Their taste in music, clothes, and activities will change. They tend to have more arguments with their parents over authority and almost anything that doesn’t go their way. Teens who suffer from ADHD will also stress and worry themselves sick over tests and exams in school, because of their disability, it is harder for them to retain stuff.
ADHD Effects
ADHD statistics on teens show that they are more likely to drop out of school due to not being able to learn and retain stuff. It also shows that they will more than likely have developmental problems when it comes to their bodies.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
Signs of ADHD in adults are also slightly different than the other age groups. Adults will struggle with work and every day life. Adults tend to wander away while working. After a couple of minutes, their minds will go to another place. In other words; they are easily distracted. Another sign of ADHD in adults is the inability to create goals and reach them. They get far more irritated than those who don’t have ADHD. Adults usually are far more fidgety, and nervous. They tend to try and avoid things that take effort to complete. Some adults with ADHD have no energy and drive to do things, where others affected by ADHD will have the complete opposite affect and be very hyper and active.
ADHD Effects
ADHD statistics on adults show that most adults will be fired often from jobs because they are not able to focus and complete the job at hand. Statistics also show that adults with ADHD will also pick of the habit of smoking, drinking, or using drugs to help relax them and calm them.
Adults with ADHD
ADHD symptoms in adults is pretty similar to the symptoms in children. If you are an adult and you feel like you may have ADHD, continue reading this article. You will learn how to diagnose and find treatment for adult ADHD. If you think you may have ADHD, do not feel ashamed. It happens to many people and it is not something you can help. It is neuro, meaning it has to do with the brain, so you really can’t help it.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Here are some ADHD symptoms that you should look for to find out if you are suffering from this disorder. Mental health symptoms and people who suffer from depression or bipolar disease often have ADHD. If you suffer from either one, or both, you may have ADHD.
Learning disabilities in adults is also a symptom of ADHD in adults. This symptom includes things like Dyslexia, being unable to comprehend, not remembering things short-term, and not being able to learn new things. Most types of learning disorders are usually symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Not being able to focus on work, being fired often, not finishing projects on time, and always making excuses why you can’t do your job are all symptoms of ADHD. Having ADHD as an adult can really affect your whole life.
Substance abuse is another symptom. ADHD statistics show that 1 in 5 adults with ADHD will turn to some type of substance like smoking, drugs, or alcohol to relieve them from anxiety and stress caused from the disorder.
ADHD Diagnosis
An ADHD diagnosis is usually done by a professional. Once a professional examines you, they will recommend certain treatment. Most adults with ADHD have different types and need different treatment. If you feel that you have ADHD and your doctor says you don’t, get a second opinion because many doctors will misdiagnose this disorder when it comes to adults.
Treatment for Adult ADHD
There are many treatments used for adults with ADHD. Some of the treatments include medications, support groups, special exercises, and counseling. If you are not the type to take medications, tell your doctor and he or she can best recommend certain exercises, support groups, and other means to help with your ADHD. Some people do just fine with special exercises and support groups. However, if you try these and they don’t help, you may need to go on to medications. There is no shame in taking medications to help with your disorder. Sometimes medications is needed to help balance the part of the brain that is affected by this disease. ADHD statistics show that many adults who have this disorder had it as a child as well.
ADHD is a medical condition that is characterized by symptoms of inattention. Problems with impulse control and hyperactivity are also commonly shown but are not necessary for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Medical evidence:
1. PET, SPECT, and QEEG studies have consistently demonstrated that patients diagnosed with ADHD demonstrate abnormal patterns of brain activity in those regions of the brain responsible for attention, concentration, social problem-solving, and behavioral/mood control.
2. ADHD is a condition with a high degree of “heritability” (.75 in twin studies). Over 50% of adults with ADHD will have at least one child with ADHD About 33% of children with ADHD will have one sibling with ADHD
3. Genetic studies of patients with ADHD reveal abnormalities on chromosomes involved in the development of dopamine receptors and dopamine reuptake transporters (e.g. Chromosome 11).
4. PET studies have indicated that dopaminergic brain cells in patients with ADHD tend to “reabsorb” 70% more dopamine (interfering with neural transmission) and receptors appear to “take in” dopamine approximately 16% slower. These two factors may be responsible for the “cortical slowing” demonstrated on the QEEG studies published by our clinic and other clinical research centers.
5. Medicines like Concerta, Metadate, and Ritalin, all work by blocking the “reuptake” of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, allowing increased availability of this chemical in the brain which promotes improved attention, concentration, behavioral control and mood. Adderall-XR stimulates increased release of dopamine, as well as the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine and blocks the “reuptake” of both neurotransmitters. Strattera is relatively specific to norephinephrine and blocks the reabsorption of this neurotransmitter. The goal of each of these medications is to treat the cortical underarousal that is commonly found in patients with ADHD.
Common Functional Problems: WITHOUT TREATMENT
Health/Injury:
Teens have 4X the number of serious injuries; 3X as many auto accidents ADHD patients require more than twice the health care as peers
Academic:
ADHD patients perform poorer than peers on achievement tests Are more likely to be retained in a grade Have 3 fewer years of education Are more likely to not graduate from high school
Substance Abuse:
ADHD patients tend to start smoking cigarettes at an earlier age and smoke more Are more likely to continue smoking as adults and have greater difficulty quitting Are more likely to begin drinking/using illegal drugs at an earlier age and demonstrate drug/alcohol problems as adults Comprehensive Treatment for ADHD led to an 85% reduction in risk for substance abuse disorders
Sexual Behavior:
ADHD teens are more likely to have sexual intercourse at an early age Are more likely to have more sexual partners Are more likely to become pregnant (38% vs 4%) Are more likely to contract STD’s (17% vs 4%)
Social Behavior/Self-Esteem:
Problems in peer and family relationships, emotional control, social problem-solving, and self-esteem are noted in over 50% of children with ADHD.
Strategies For Parents
Ask for an evaluation by a physician or psychologist if you are seeing (or hearing) that your child (4+) has problems paying attention, completing school work, controlling their actions or their mood and don’t seem to improve (over six months) despite your best effort.
Realize that a child can have difficulties paying attention for a variety of medical reasons, other than ADHD including: anemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, sleep disorders, allergies, dietary insufficiencies of zinc and magnesium, visual problems (acuity, tracking, & convergence) and hearing problems. Make sure that your child is evaluated thoroughly by a physician before concluding a diagnosis of ADHD.
If your child is diagnosed with one of these other conditions, treat that medical problem first. If “ADHD” symptoms persist, then pursue medical treatment for ADHD. Inform the CSE Chairperson in your school district that your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and request an evaluation in order to determine the need for an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) or 504 Accommodation Plan. Part of most plans will include at least weekly communication between teacher and parents regarding the child’s progress.
Initiate and maintain a relationship with a health care provider who commonly treats (and has been successful) in treating patients with ADHD. Parent counseling, social-skills training, EEG biofeedback, and school interventions have all been useful in promoting the success of patients with ADHD. Individual psychotherapy, “cognitive-behavioral” therapy, and traditional group therapies have not been demonstrated to be helpful.
Tips for Parenting your “ADHD Child”
(Source: V.J. Monastra.(2004). Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicines Can’t Teach. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association’s Magination Press.
At home, establish a weekly “planning time” to decide what skills you’d like your child to “work on”. Select about six.
Divide your child’s day into four parts (before school; at school; before dinner; and after dinner). Establish what tasks your child needs to accomplish during each period (e.g. get washed, dressed, eat breakfast before school; cooperate with the teacher and complete school work; complete an afternoon chore and part of homework before dinner; finish homework, get ready for bed and go to bed without a major battle).
Reward and punishment typically backfire with kids that have ADHD. I’ve often observed that there seems to be no reward too big or punish- punishment too great to consistently work with these children. Here are the basics of the motivational strategies taught at our clinic. In life, your child will need to work for what he or she wants. There should be very few “freebies” at home. Your child needs to earn t.v., computer, video, phone, organized sports, and other privileges by obeying parental rules and taking care of their responsibilities without whining, griping, avoiding, yelling, etc. Until they complete their morning, school(etc) responsibilities, their life is “on hold”. The child needs to complete their tasks (as well as “make up” for excessive whining, yelling, screaming, throwing, etc) before play. As important, you need to realize that by giving away “freebies” you are pretty much eliminating the kinds of motivators that you will need to teach your child life-skills.
In life, if you make someone’s life more difficult, then you need to make it easier in some way. Translation, if your child yells and gripes for 40 minutes over doing their homework, then finally “gives in” and completes it, before they proceed to have some fun, they need to apologize and do something to make your life a bit easier.
In life, if you “mess up” you need to “make up”. We all can lose our cool and get angry, sarcastic, or mean. If your child does this, then they need to apologize and “make up”.
Yelling does not accomplish anything. Children need to be taught how to solve problems with you and their peers. This is a primary focus of parenting classes and social skills programs.
Nutrition Does Matter. Protein is the foundation of attention and concentration. Children who eat the USDA recommended amounts of protein at breakfast and lunch are in a much better position to do their school work than kids who don’t. For little kids (under 7) 10-15 grams at each meal would be great. For older children, try to encourage them to eat about 15-20. Teenagers would do well to consume between 20 to 30 grams at breakfast and at lunch. A simple guide follows:
Your child will get about 7 grams of protein from each of the following foods:
1 egg (just the white… in case your child doesn’t like the yolk) 1 ounce of beef, chicken, pork, poultry, or fish (you’d be surprised how many kids like chicken nuggets or tuna for breakfast) 1 glass of milk (8 ounces) 1 ounce of cheese (typically 1 slice) 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
Strategies For Teachers
Prior to Diagnosis:
You are probably in the best position to determine whether a child’s attention, concentration, effort on school tasks, and classroom behavior are unusual for your grade. If you are observing an unusually high frequency of inattentive, impulsive or hyperactive behaviors that continue for six months despite class-wide interventions (use of agenda; Color Chart with mild reinforcers), prompts and reminders by you (and class aides), placement of the child near you, and notes to parents, my recommendation is that you meet with the parents, share your observations, and suggest that they review this information with their child’s physician.
THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS SAYING YOU SUSPECT THAT THE CHILD HAS ADHD.
However, you are in a unique position to share with parents what happens when their child is asked to attend to instruction, and concentrate and complete tasks that require sustained mental effort. You can also share that there are a number of medical conditions that can contribute to problems attending (e.g. visual problems, hearing problems, anemia, hypoglycemia, ADHD, etc.) and that the best person to evaluate the situation is the child’s physician.
After Diagnosis:
Once a child has been determined to have ADHD, the CSE needs to conduct both an evaluation for learning disabilities and a functional assessment. The LD evaluation is needed because learning disabilities occur in approximately 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD. The functional assessment (i.e. evaluation of the ways that ADHD is adversely affecting educational performance) is needed because ADHD is known to limit alertness and adversely affect educational performance.
Both state and federal educational laws are clear in asserting that patients with ADHD qualify for assistance because of impairment in educational performance. This impairment is due to difficulty in sustaining alertness throughout the day. The presence of a specific learning disability is not required in order for children to receive assistance.
Common Interventions:
Primary/Intermediate: Monitoring of the student’s “homework” book or agenda
Monitoring of the student’s “packing” their book bag at the end of the day
Reduction in the number of “repetitive” writing assignments (e.g. copying spelling words; writing multiple sentences for each spelling word; copying material from books, boards)
Providing the student (and parent) with advance notice on assignments for the next week. Because children with ADHD become overwhelmed, easily upset, and mentally fatigued in the evening, it can be beneficial to provide the student with next week’s spelling list or assignments in social studies or English on a Friday, so that they can get a “head start” on homework.
Use a “class-wide” Color Chart System and provide parents with a daily report on the child’s performance so that parents can reinforce at home (e.g. if the child “gave the teacher a hard time about doing a particular task”, then the child can be required to do something to “make up” with his teacher and complete the task or equivalent before play time)
Collaborate with the case manager/resource room teacher to provide weekly progress notes on any missing assignments. Avoidance of tasks requiring sustained mental effort is one of the primary symptoms of ADHD. It is essential that parents and teachers collaborate to “close the loop” and make sure that avoiding work does not pay.
When possible, provide student with advance notice on the next weeks assignments so that they can get a head start.
Middle/High School: Provide the student with an agenda to record assignments
Encourage the student to become skilled at word processing via a computer or “Alpha Smart/Dream Writer”. Student’s with ADHD often write too little or illegibly because the act of writing has been adversely affected by ADHD. By viewing their writing sample on a screen and reducing the amount of effort needed to produce a letter, students with ADHD are often able to improve the quality and quantity of their writing.
Assist the student in developing note taking and study skills. If the student demonstrates an inability to sustain concentration while listening or reading, collaborate with his case manager or resource room teacher to provide notes and study guides. The key is to accommodate and remediate.
Avoid debates with the student. ADHD is a condition associated with impairment of the frontal lobes. Don’t attempt to reason with a student with ADHD who is clearly upset. If they are becoming disruptive in the class, suggest that they regroup at their seat, in the back of the class, or at the nurses or counselors office (or other approved locations). Students with ADHD will typically calm within a few minutes unless engaged.
In general, it is important that you realize that ADHD is a medical condition that requires a combination of medical, psychological, nutritional and educational interventions. If a student with ADHD continues to be disruptive and upset each week, their parents, physician, psychologist or counselor needs to be informed so that treatment can be adjusted. Neither you nor the child will benefit from persistent outbursts in the class.
Strategies For Physicians
Suggestions for Clinical Practice
Do not limit your evaluation to a review of behavioral symptoms. Even the most detailed and comprehensive review of symptoms will not help you rule out if the child’s inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity is due to allergies, anemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, thyroid disorder, sleep apnea, dietary insufficiencies of zinc, magnesium, or Vitamin B. Medical evaluation of each of these conditions seems advisable. In our case review of over 12,000 patients, we have found that at least one of these conditions was contributing to “ADHD symptoms” in approximately 5% of our sample.
Don’t ignore the obvious. If a child is struggling to attend and concentrate at school, insist on an evaluation for learning disabilities in reading, mathematics and written expression prior to beginning medication. In addition, in patients displaying problems in reading decoding and comprehension, request a thorough visual examination. There is mounting scientific evidence that children with “ADHD symptoms” have a greater incidence of impaired visual tracking and convergence than peers.
Screen patients for illegal psychoactives beginning at least in the middle school. Due to the high rate of substance abuse among pre-teens and teenagers, and the risk for drug interactions, and the adverse effects of such drugs on treatment outcome, blood screening for illegal psychoactives is routinely requested at our clinic, prior to initiating any treatment.
Respect the importance of nutrition in sustaining attention and maintaining behavioral and emotional control. The relationship between dietary intake and the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters is well known. Without protein in the morning and at lunch, children, teens and adults will be unable to concentrate. At our clinic, we encourage children (under 10) to consume 10-15 grams of protein at breakfast and at lunch (pre-teens: 15-20 grams; teens and young adults: 20-30 grams). Those patients who followed these guidelines demonstrated fewer side effects, and required a lower dose of stimulants than matched controls (Monastra, V.J. (2004). EEG Biofeedback treatment for ADHD: An analysis of behavioral, neuropsychological, and electrophysiological response over a two year follow-up period. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Colorado Springs, CO.).
Consider using continuous performance tests and QEEG examination (in addition to rating scales) to assist in identification of an optimal dose of medication. Because many factors can contribute to less than optimal response to a particular dose of medication (e.g. learning disability, insufficient diet, lack of sufficient academic support at school, absence of an effective behavioral intervention plan at school or home), we use CPT’s and QEEG’s in order to determine when a medication is sufficient to help a child achieve “normal” scores on tests of attention and behavioral control, and produce levels of cortical arousal on a QEEG that are consistent with age. Children who are being treated with medications for ADHD but continue to display significantly high frequency of core ADHD symptoms, despite age appropriate performance these tests, commonly do so because of factors other than inadequate dose of medication.
One of the most important findings from the MTA Study (MTA Cooperative Group, 1999), was that significant functional problems persist despite effective pharmacological treatment. Parent training, social skills programs, and EEG biofeedback have all been supported by controlled group studies and merit inclusion in the treatment of patients with ADHD.
Strategies For Counselors
Keys for Successful Patient Care
1. ADHD is not like other psychiatric disorders. It was not caused by trauma, neglect, inadequate parenting, or social isolation. Applying therapeutic strategies based on existing models of psychopathology simply fails to produce resolution of the core symptoms of ADHD or promote improved social functioning.
2. Like other medical conditions that can affect attention, concentration, mood, and behavioral control (e.g. diabetes, hypoglycemia, anemia), the underlying medical causes of ADHD must be addressed as part of any effective treatment program. Prior to treating a patient for ADHD, make sure that they have been thoroughly evaluated for other medical conditions that can cause symptoms of inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity (e.g. anemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, dietary insufficiencies of zinc, magnesium). In pre-teens and teenagers it is highly advisable to insist on a screening for illegal psychoactives.
3. To date, certain types of stimulant medications (e.g. Ritalin-LA, Concerta, Metadate-CD, Adderall-XR), antihypertensive medications (e.g. clonidine and guanfacine), tricylclic antidepressants (e.g. Imipramine) and norepinephrine specific reuptake inhibitors (Strattera) have been demonstrated to be effective in treating the core symptoms of ADHD. The only type of non-pharmacological treatment that has been shown to produce significant improvement in the core symptoms of ADHD is EEG biofeedback. Without utilizing one of these types of treatments, there is no scientific evidence that your patient’s symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity will improve.
4. If school is going well, life gets a lot easier for kids with ADHD. Consequently, make sure that your patients with ADHD are receiving accommodations and support as mandated by the Individual’s with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504 Plans).
5. I once heard it said that “pills don’t build skills”. From my perspective, Skill-building is at the core of effective counseling for patients with ADHD. Kids with this condition need to learn a number of skills including:
how to engage in meaningful and enjoyable conversations with others, how to “pick out” important information when they listen and read, how to organize their possessions, how to work for what they want, how to control impulsive expressions of anger, sadness, and fear, how to express disappointment in an appropriate manner how to overcome fears and anxiety and how to solve social problems with others.
Play therapy may be useful in establishing rapport with a child whose disorder is caused by trauma or neglect. However, ongoing “play therapy” or “cognitive behavior therapy” is unsupported when applied to treating patients with ADHD. To be frank, kids with ADHD do not need an adult buddy to hang out with them and play chess or video games. These kids need parents, teachers, and therapists who will involve them in social skills groups (e.g. those modeled after the MTA groups developed by Dr.William Pelham) and encourage their parents to participate in parent training programs specifically developed for caretakers of children with ADHD (such as the program developed and evaluated at our clinic).
Coaching for Adults with ADHD
ADHD is a medical condition, much more like diabetes than depression. It is not caused by traumatic life experiences like the loss of a loved one, physical or psychological abuse or emotional neglect. Consequently, traditional psychotherapy often fails to help adults with ADHD improve their lives. Like a diabetic patient, it is important for an adult with ADHD to understand the medical causes of their medical condition…. To learn how medications work and which one might be best for them…. To appreciate the role of nutrition and fitness in improving attention, mood and functioning. Sometimes, adults with ADHD can “do it on their own”. Other times, the advice of a personal trainer or “coach” is needed to help them take steps to simplify their lives and overcome the day to day problems that are part of ADHD.
At our clinic, we are here to help you, if you need a “coach”. We’ll begin by asking you to provide us with some essential background information… like how were you diagnosed with ADHD, what doctors or health care providers are involved in your treatment, and ask your permission so that we can collaborate with them in your care. We’ll also ask you to complete several questionnaires designed to give us a better idea of how your ADHD is interfering in your life.
Once we receive this information, one of our coaches will contact you to arrange an individual consultation, either at our clinic or by telephone. Our coaches hold either a doctorate degree in psychology or master’s degrees in social work and have extensive experience helping adults with ADHD. During this initial consultation, we will talk about what you want to change and develop strategies to “make it happen”. Afterwards, your coach will be in daily contact with you to help if you get stuck. Typically this is done via email; however, phone consultation is available should you so desire. Fees for this type of service vary depending on your need but typically cost less per month than a single “psychotherapy” session.
