Behavior Therapy Including Training For Parents
ADHD affects not only a childs ability to pay attention or sit still at school, it also affects relationships with family and other children. Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be very disruptive to others. Behavior therapy is a treatment option that can help reduce these behaviors it is often helpful to start behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made.
The goals of behavior therapy are to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted or problem behaviors. Behavior therapy for ADHD can include
These approaches can also be used together. For children who attend early childhood programs, it is usually most effective if parents and educators work together to help the child.
Children younger than 6 years of age
For young children with ADHD, behavior therapy is an important first step before trying medication because:
- Parent training in behavior management gives parents the skills and strategies to help their child.
- Parent training in behavior management has been shown to work as well as medication for ADHD in young children.
- Young children have more side effects from ADHD medications than older children.
- The long-term effects of ADHD medications on young children have not been well-studied.
School-age children and adolescents
These approaches are often most effective if they are used together, depending on the needs of the individual child and the family.
Get Started With A Drug Free Adhd Brain Training Program
Many people with ADHD think their options are limited. If you struggle with ADHD, you should know that it has been proven to come from the way a persons brain is performing. You should also know that brain performance can be improved to help reduce and alleviate symptoms. Its true!
Adults and children suffer from ADD/ADHD and learning problems.
One of the most noticeable deficiencies in an adult is a lack of attention to detail along with poor organizational skills. They may act without thinking more frequently when dealing with a learning disorder.
Children are likely to lose or misplace things continually. They are easily distracted, restless, and impatient.
Children appear to be unable to listen or carry out instructions.
Wait! What? Yes both adults and children exhibit any or all of the behaviors mentioned above. Restlessness is not only observed in children, as an example!
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About the Author: Dr. Upasana Gala is the founder and CEO of Evolve Brain Training, an award-winning neurofeedback-centered institute that focuses on using non-invasive brain training techniques to maximize the brains true potential. Earning a doctorate in Neuroscience from the esteemed Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Gala has spent over a decade trying to unravel the way neurochemical and neurophysiological changes in the brain affect the way we interact with the world. Her goal is to share her knowledge, encourage others to tap into and expand their brains capabilities, and dispel any myths surrounding our most complex organ.
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Is It Really Adhd Or Something Else
In the United States, conventional psychiatry views ADD/ADHD as a simple biological-neurological disorder with biological causes.
- Diagnosis is made using DSM criteria .
- DSM uses a checklist of symptoms and behaviors onlythen classifies within a narrow definition.
- Social circumstances, emotional traumas, and food allergies may be dismissed as chemical imbalances.
- American doctors largely ignore dietary factors.
- ADD/ADHD is commonly treated with psychostimulant medication alone, or in combination with behavior modification therapy .
- In a 5-7 minute office visit, it is hard to assess all the factors.
In France, child psychiatrists view ADD/ADHD as a medical condition that has psycho-social and situational causes.
- Diagnosis is explored using CFTMEA criteria .
- CFTMEA first looks at underlying social issues that may be causing ADHD behaviors and symptoms.
- Doctors help patients identify, understand, and work through psychological disruption that may surface as ADD/ADHD symptoms.
- Dietary factors are explored and addressed by doctors.
- Using a holistic approach to treating ADD/ADHD, the French dramatically reduce the number of psychostimulant medications given to children.
Parent Training And Education Programmes
If your child has ADHD, specially tailored parent training and education programmes can help you learn specific ways of talking to your child, and playing and working with them to improve their attention and behaviour.
You may also be offered parent training before your child is formally diagnosed with ADHD.
These programmes are usually arranged in groups of around 10 to 12 parents. A programme usually consists of 10 to 16 meetings, lasting up to 2 hours each.
Being offered a parent training and education programme does not mean you have been a bad parent it aims to teach parents and carers about behaviour management, while increasing confidence in your ability to help your child and improve your relationship.
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Get Organized At Work
Organize your office, cubicle, or desk, one manageable step at a time. Then use the following strategies to stay tidy and organized:
Set aside daily time for organization. Mess is always distracting so set aside 5 to 10 minutes a day to clear your desk and organize your paperwork. Experiment with storing things inside your desk or in bins so that they dont clutter your workspace as unnecessary distractions.
Use colors and lists. Color-coding can be very useful to people with ADHD. Manage forgetfulness by writing everything down.
Prioritize. More important tasks should be placed first on your to-do list so you remember to do them before lower priority tasks. Set deadlines for everything, even if they are self-imposed.
Enroll Them In Behavioral Therapy
For many cases of ADHD, doctors recommend behavioral therapy as the leading solution. Also called behavioral modification, this method involves setting rules and goals for the child to resolve problematic behaviors. Doctors may also recommend parental therapy to provide parents with knowledge and the proper tools in helping children with ADHD manage their condition.
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Engage Them In More Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities also help children with ADHD improve their concentration, especially when done in a natural setting filled with greenery. Based on a 2011 study published in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, regular exposure to green space outdoors effectively reduces the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is in comparison to activities done in other settings.
Exercise And Spend Time Outdoors
Working out is perhaps the most positive and efficient way to reduce hyperactivity and inattention from ADHD. Exercise can relieve stress, boost your mood, and calm your mind, helping work off the excess energy and aggression that can get in the way of relationships and feeling stable.
Exercise on a daily basis. Choose something vigorous and fun that you can stick with, like a team sport or working out with a friend.
Increase stress relief by exercising outdoorspeople with ADHD often benefit from sunshine and green surroundings.
Try relaxing forms of exercise, such as mindful walking, yoga, or tai chi. In addition to relieving stress, they can teach you to better control your attention and impulses.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Adhd
CBT aims to change irrational or negative thought patterns that interfere with staying on task or getting things done two obstacles for individuals with ADHD. For a person with ADHD who thinks, “This has to be perfect or it’s no good” or “I never do anything right,” CBT challenges the truth of those thoughts by getting the patient to examine the evidence.
Some research supports the assertion that CBT can help adults better address their ADHD-related challenges. However, some in the scientific community would like to see more rigorous research conducted with carefully constructed controls. In its 2010 report1 titled, Current Status of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School wrote: The conceptual and empirical basis for CBT approaches in adult ADHD is growing and suggests that targeted, skills-based interventions have a role in effectively treating this disorder, however randomized controlled trials with active control groups are needed and intervention packages must be tested across multiple trials by more than one research group.
1 Knouse, LE., Safren, SA., Current status of cognitive behavioral therapy for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. September 2010.
Set Up A Simple Money Management And Bill Paying System
Establish an easy, organized system that helps you save documents, receipts, and stay on top of bills. For an adult with ADHD, the opportunity to manage banking on the computer can be the gift that keeps on giving. Organizing money online means less paperwork, no messy handwriting, and no misplaced slips.
Switch to online banking. Signing up for online banking can turn the hit-or-miss process of balancing your budget into a thing of the past. Your online account will list all deposits and payments, tracking your balance automatically, to the penny, every day. You can also set up automatic payments for your regular monthly bills and log on as needed to pay irregular and occasional ones. The best part: no misplaced envelopes or late fees.
Set up bill pay reminders. If you prefer not to set up automatic payments, you can still make the process of bill paying easier with electronic reminders. You may be able to set up text or email reminders through online banking or you can schedule them in your calendar app.
Take advantage of technology. Free services can help you keep track of your finances and accounts. They typically take some time to set up, but once youve linked your accounts they automatically update. Such tools can make your financial life easier.
Put a stop to impulse shopping
Impulsivity from ADHD and shopping can be a very dangerous combination. It can put you in debt and make you feel guilty and ashamed. You can prevent impulsive buys with a few strategic tactics.
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Treating Adhd Without Meds: Is It Possible
Fact: 4.4 percent of the adult US population has ADHD, but less than 20 percent seek professional help for it.
So its no surprise youre wondering whether you should or shouldnt use medication to treat your ADHD.
I dont think you should. But the truth is medication currently makes a positive difference in the lives of millions of children and adults with ADHD.
At the same time, ADHD medication also comes with its own risks and costs. There is no guarantee everyone will experience the same great results from taking ADHD medication.
The History Of Adhd & Add
For historical accuracy, the diagnostic term ADD was actually discontinued in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association’s published manual, the DSM-IV, and replaced with the diagnosis of ADHD consisting of 3 subtypes:
The DSM is used to classify recognized mental health disorders. In 2013, the new DSM-5 redefined ADHD once again into 3 main subtypes:
Many families are confused with the diagnostic label of ADHD when their child or the adult who is experiencing symptoms of the disorder has never been hyperactive nor impulsive, but to be clear, its entirely possible to be diagnosed with ADHD, even without the presence of hyperactivity.
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Pay Attention To Diet
Eating a diet of low or non-processed foods and reducing sugar intake is smart for people living with ADHD. More research is necessary, but some studies suggest that certain additives like sodium benzoate and other food colorings and preservatives might contribute to symptoms associated with ADHD. Eating a balanced diet full of fresh, whole, and minimally processed foods is good for general overall health, too.
The Importance Of Early Adhd & Add Treatment
Up to 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood, with resultant problems. The consequences for failing to treat ADHD and ADD as early as possible in a child’s or adolescent’s life can damage much more than ones ability to concentrate.
In fact, untreated ADHD or ADD can negatively change the trajectory of a person’s life and future by increasing their vulnerability to many problems that someone without ADHD would not have to face, including:
- Academic underachievement
- Depression
- Relationship problems
As an example, a landmark study from the Mayo Clinic published in the medical journal, Pediatrics, followed ADHD children into adulthood and confirmed that many children do not outgrow ADHD .
The same study showed that these untreated children can face increased risk as adults for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or substance dependency.
In addition, untreated ADHD children are less likely to graduate high school and college, earn lower incomes, and have an increased incidence of employment problems and marital conflicts.
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Dietary Factors In Add/adhd
Mealtime habits and dietary factors provide yet another point of comparison between the U.S. and France. In the last 30 years, both the quality of food and mealtime habits has changed dramatically in the U.S. These days, junk foods and fast foods are frequently consumed. Families have fallen away from eating together and meals are often eaten while on the go. Childrens diets, even at school, are high in simple carbohydrates , poor in protein and healthy fat, and deficient in vegetables. If a person is vulnerable to ADD/ADHD, a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet typically makes their symptoms worse.
Psychostimulants: Pros And Cons
Taking stimulants has some advantages and disadvantages for people with ADHD, so it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks. The biggest advantage of stimulants is that they’re highly effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70% to 80% of children taking stimulants have fewer ADHD symptoms. Stimulant medications may also be covered by insurance, making it easier to afford treatment.
Despite these benefits, stimulants have some serious risks, making many parents and adults wonder how to deal with ADHD without medication. One of those risks is that a person with ADHD will misuse their stimulant medication, increasing the risk of harmful side effects. There’s also a risk that children and teens with ADHD will share their stimulant medications with classmates and friends. Stimulants may also cause the following side effects:
- Headaches
- Abnormal heart rhythms
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Practice Mindfulness With Them
Mindfulness also showed great promise not only in improving focus but also in enhancing self-control and raising awareness in ADHD patients, according to a new feasibility study.
The research explored the effects of an eight-week mindfulness training program in children and adults with ADHD and noted improved symptoms, particularly in depressive and anxiety symptoms. This shows that taking a few deep breaths or sitting quietly before a test or class makes a big difference for ADHD patients.
But while this shows much promise, further research is still needed to support its effectiveness.
Natural Remedies For Adhd
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Overprescribed? There are other options
Production of the medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has skyrocketed in recent decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that ADHD diagnoses in children between the ages of 4 and 17 years old had been diagnosed with ADHD, as of 2011. That is 6.4 million children in total.
If youre not comfortable with treating this disorder with drugs, there are other, more natural options.
ADHD drugs can help improve symptoms by enhancing and balancing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals between neurons in your brain and body. There are several different types of medications used to treat ADHD, including:
- stimulants, such as an amphetamine or Adderall
- nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or bupropion , can be used if the side effects from stimulants are too much to handle or if other medical conditions prevent use of stimulants
While these drugs can improve concentration, they can also cause some serious potential side effects. Side effects include:
- forgetfulness
- frequently interrupting
The Mayo Clinic notes that certain food colorings and preservatives may increase hyperactive behavior in some children. Avoid foods with these colorings and preservatives:
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The Latest Treatment Technology: Neuromodulation
In addition to qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, the Drake Institute now uses Neuromodulation technology that consists of a low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic generator , transcranial Direct Current Stimulation , and transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to treat ADD & ADHD symptoms.
How does it work?
Simply put, Neuromodulation can stimulate a brainwave pattern that the patient is deficient in. In turn, the dysregulated brain will then mimic or emulate the stimulation to produce healthier brainwave patterns.
This technology has had such a tremendous impact on our success rates that it is fully integrated into our treatment protocols available for each patient, resulting in faster improvements in symptom reduction and more normalization of post-treatment brain maps. In other words, it gets the brain healthier, faster.
Like all treatment protocols used by the Drake Institute, Neuromodulation Therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and clinically effective treatment option for individuals looking to reduce their ADD symptoms.
How To Deal With Adult Adhd
If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , previously known as ADD, everything from paying the bills on time to keeping up with work, family, and social demands can seem overwhelming. ADHD can present challenges for adults across all areas of life and can be tough on your health and both your personal and on-the-job relationships. Your symptoms may lead to extreme procrastination, trouble meeting deadlines, and impulsive behavior. In addition, you may feel that friends and family dont understand what youre up against.
Fortunately, there are skills you can learn to help control your symptoms of ADHD. You can improve your daily habits, learn to recognize and use your strengths, and develop techniques that help you work more efficiently, maintain organization, and interact better with others. Part of helping yourself may also include educating others to help them understand what youre going through.
Change wont happen overnight, though. These ADHD self-help strategies require practice, patience, and, perhaps most importantly, a positive attitude. But by taking advantage of these techniques, you can become more productive, organized, and in control of your lifeand improve your sense of self-worth.
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