Alternative Treatments to ADHD

Doctors are finding alternative treatments to ADHD through “mindfulness”.  By treating their attention deficit disorder with mental exercises they were able to reduce negative emotions and control anxiety.   An article by Oord, S., Bogels, S., Peijnenburg, D. via GoodTherapy.org has more.

Alternative Treatments to ADHD

The article, “Combating ADHD by Treating Child and Parent with Mindfulness Training”,  by GoodTherapy.org states

“Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sometimes parent their children in negative ways as a result of the stress resulting from the ADHD behaviors. Children who have ADHD are impulsive and inattentive and can create a tense and frustrating situation for the parents who try to assist them with completing tasks such as homework assignments and chores.”

For the full article please go here.

If you are interested in learning more about alternative treatments to ADHD and other attention deficit disorder counseling techniques then you might want to check out our webpage.

10 Questions about Adult ADD

There are millions of Adult Americans suffering from Adult ADD.  Adult attention deficit disorder is not well known.   Many people have never heard of it.   Hopefully by reading this post and review the article you can help spread the information.

Adult ADD: 10 Important Questions.

The article, “Adult ADD: 10 questions, expertly answered”, by Laura Flynn McCarthy states

“Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is not only for children. About 8 to 9 million American adults, and as many women as men, have ADD.”

For the full article please go here.

If you know anyone who suffers from Adult ADD and you want to learn more please visit our Attention Deficit Disorder counseling website.

Child Grief and ADHD Counseling with Depressed Children

Depression in children and ADHD Counseling

 
Childhood and adolescent depression has increased dramatically in the past several decades.  Some blame the sensitivity of children combined with the increased violence and use of video games.  Others look to the increased use of drugs and alcohol in the parents that may have genetically affected their children.  Others point to a mixture of problems, such as manifestations of ADHD and point out that ADHD counseling or other psychological counseling is needed to deal with the depression.
Symptoms of depression in children are very similar to those of an adult suffering from depression.  The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – IV addition) lists the criteria for adult depression and depression in children as the same.  Although the criteria are the same, children often do not have the vocabulary to talk about their feelings and may express them through behavior instead of words.  Younger children with depression may act out their depression with phobias, separation anxiety, ADHD, or somatic complaints (body problems). 
Depression in children can be observed via external signs.  The child can become sick or be less spontaneous and have less energy in their normal daily activities.  Young children may become tearful or irritable and become self-destructive. Depression in children in their adolescent years will exhibit academic decline, disruptive behavior and problems with their friends.  The adolescent’s grades will fall along with a decline in less after school activity.
These symptoms are merely the manifestation of the problem.  To rectify and help the child, one must  in addition to identifying the depression understand its root causes.  Causes of depression in children have not been conclusively defined.  There are factors such as stressful life experiences, inconsistent parenting and a negative view of the world.  Depression in children is also associated with a family history of mood disorders and the existence of other psychiatric conditions.  Some feel that children inherit a predisposition to depression and anxiety but environmental triggers are necessary for manifestation.
Treatment of depression in childhood does not have a cookbook technique.  The treatment must be tailored to the history of the family, the needs of the child and the risk versus benefit.  Often psychotherapy is employed first and medication is supplemented if improvement is minimal. 
Regardless, identifying the symptoms and understanding the causes are critical for a parent with a child who is depressed.  Counseling is imperative for the overall mental health of the child.  Through this child grief counseling, the child can eventually overcome the depression and the situation at home or school can be rectified.  
 
 
 
 

Malnutrition in infancy leads to attention deficit disorder

Cute baby girl standing
Could malnutrition during infancy lead to ADHD?

A new study has shown there is a link between infant malnutrition and attention deficit disorder.  In adults studied with ADHD, they were all malnourished in their first year of life.  The same adults showed Attention Deficit problems throughout their school years as well.   An article by Barbara Diggs on nutraingredients.com has more.

Infant malnutrition increases risk of adult attention deficit disorder: Study

The article, “Infant malnutrition increases risk of adult attention deficit disorder: Study”, by Barbara Diggs states

“Malnourished infants are more likely to have attention deficits as middle-aged adults, despite subsequent long-term nutritional rehabilitation, according to new research.”

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Infant-malnutrition-increases-risk-of-adult-attention-deficit-disorder-Study

Make sure you properly monitor your infant’s nutritional needs, you should not have to worry about attention deficit disorder.   If you would like to learn more about Attention Deficit Disorder, please visit our page.

Get Educated About ADD and ADHD

I am a third grade teacher and mother and I have a child and students that suffer from attention deficit disorder. I did not have much knowledge on this problem only the brief information the doctors that diagnosed my son with it 

gave me. I felt like I needed to get educated more so I can know as a parent and teacher how to better deal with this problem. I did some research online and found that there’s an attention deficit consulting course that I can take to further my knowledge and teach me how to deal better with the problem. I learned about the different methods of treatment and the sign and symptoms of someone with ADD. The course has helped me tremendously with dealing with my child and my students I don’t feel so helpless are in the about ADD anymore. I’ve even been able to help some of my students parents better understand the problem.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder is a behavioral pattern characterized by hyperactivity or hyperkinesias of brain activity resulting in inattentive and impulsive behavior. Officially, Attention Deficit Disorder is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), but commonly people use the term A.D.D. to refer to the disorder.
Typically A.D.D. is a psychiatric disorder diagnosed and treated in children. This is important because it is a developmental disorder that can have unhealthy effects into adulthood. Many people that have been diagnosed in childhood with A.D.D. tend to lead chaotic lifestyles and become much disorganized at times. Most of these symptoms go untreated which can lead to unhealthy choices such as reliance on non-prescription drugs and impulsive behavior, especially under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It remains unclear how many adults are diagnosed with A.D.D. because many people were not diagnosed as children. It is known however that boys have A.D.D. three times as much as girls according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It’s also known that A.D.D. crosses all ethnicities and countries in about the same numbers.
The causes of A.D.D. are still relatively unknown, but the Professional Group for Attention and Related Disorders have noted that scientific studies show that the disorder is genetically transmitted and result in a chemical imbalance and deficiency in neurotransmitters. A study completed by the National Institute for Mental Health concluded that the rate that the brain uses glucose, its primary source of energy, is lower in children with A.D.D. Although it is not officially known the direct cause, a number of detailed studies have shown A.D.D. is not environment based, and therefore not caused by parents or teachers.
What are the symptoms of A.D.D.?
The three main signs of Attention Deficit Disorder are inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While usually focused on a child’s behavior, these signs can apply to adults as well.
Inattentiveness
– Does not pay attention to detail and make careless mistakes in schoolwork or menial tasks.
– Does not listen when directly spoken to.
– Does not follow through with instruction and fails to finish schoolwork or assignments.
– Has difficulty organizing tasks
– Easily distracted by small stimuli
– Forgetting tasks in a daily routine
Hyperactivity
– Fidgets with hands and feet
– Talks excessively
– Always “on the move” to do something new
– Restlessness in adults and excessively running and movement in children
Impulsiveness
– Often intrudes and interrupts
– Acting before thinking
– Difficulty waiting one’s turn
– engaging in risky behavior
It is important to note that most people experience these symptoms from time to time. Some people many exhibit this behavior consistently. It does not mean these people have A.D.D. People including parents and teachers, should not be making any diagnosis themselves. Those concerned with the potential of the disorder should seek a medical professional.
How is A.D.D. treated?
Standard treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder are medication and counseling.
Medications
Medications are only prescribed when diagnosed by a doctor. If needed, a doctor will prescribe either a stimulant, non-stimulant, or anti-depressant based on the person’s condition and medical history. As with any medication there can be side effects but with A.D.D. medications they are rare if taken properly.
Counseling and Social Training
There are various types of counseling available to treat A.D.D. sufferers and their family members. These include family therapy, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, parenting skill training and social skills training. All of these treatments tend to be successful as it involves all members of the family working with mental health professionals.
Support Groups
These can be a great source of comfort for parents or adults with A.D.D. to bond and sort out issues affected by the disorder. Fears, concerns and other problems can be addressed in a compassionate environment where everything can be voiced and no one feels alone.
Attention Deficit Disorder is a real concern for parents with children that excessively display the signs of the disorder. At a crucial developmental stage, this disorder can have lasting effects. It’s important to seek a mental health professional if the behavior is unmanageable.

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