Parents… Of ADHD Children

Almost everything written about ADHD (ADD) in children is, understandably, about the problems of children with this disorder.  There is, however, another significant problem associated with ADHD in children (aside from the fact that ADHD, often being genetic, may also reside in one or both parents).  That problem is the ramifications of the disorder to the parents and family of the child with ADHD.

The types of problems faced depend on the type of ADHD involved.  There are three sub-types of ADHD:  Primarily Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined.  Whichever the type, however, these problems run the gamut (or should I say “the gauntlet”) from;  parents losing their much needed evening’s rest and relaxation due to “homework wars”, the child’s unnecessary fighting with siblings and parents, calls and notes sent home from the teacher/principal…to; fights with spouse over how to manage the problems, not enough time spent with the other children, constantly cleaning up after them, fighting to get them out of the house in the morning and into bed a night!  And then weekends are always fun too (or not!) 

On top of all this, lies the parent’s worry for the academic and social success of their child, and his or her happiness and self-esteem.

Let’s look at a couple of typical scenarios, and see if they describe scenes in your home.  It’s homework time (if that hasn’t been given up entirely).  We begin with a struggle to understand (guess) what needs to be done, and to see if the materials have actually been brought home.  Then the lucky parent gets to try to manage the distraction filled (real and imaginary), excuse ridden, stop and start, struggle.  All the while trying to attend to the other kids, prepare dinner, answer the phone, and not go crazy.  Then, the other parent may arrive home, which, in a way, starts the process all over again.  Everyone gets tired, tempers flare, fingers get pointed, feelings get hurt, people give up (on themselves, and the process).

Another sad scenario is the parents’s discussion amongst themselves about the problem.  Some parents deny that there is a problem.  This is often, but not always, a father’s position.  Dads typically are quicker to deny that there is anything wrong with their child.  I know this not only professionally, but also as a father myself.  Whether it’s because we see our children so much as an extension of ourselves (and we’re perfect, aren’t we?), or for some other reason, this position misses the problem (and any hope for solving it) and results in more finger pointing, hurt feelings, and giving up.

Sound familiar?…  Unfortunately, even when the real problem is recognized, parents often understandably resist testing and treatment due to the fear of medication, with its frequent side effects and rigors.  There is, fortunately, an alternative to this scenario.

Neurofeedback is a highly effective, drug free, safe, non-invasive and painless procedure in which the child this area of the brain, correcting the problem.  Once training is complete, no further treatment is necessary.

 To request information on the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, ADHD), Mild to Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Chronic Depression, Chronic Anxiety, and Peak Performance Training contact:

Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari

Alta Neuro-Imaging Neurofeedback

1075 Yorba Place

Suite 105

Placentia, CA 92870

714.990.6536

Website: www.ocbiofeedback.com

 

 

Teenagers and ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactiity Disorder is behind lots of problems for those who struggle with it, as well as for their parents and families. For most of these individuals, and their uninformed parents, they can lose sight of the fact that these problems are caused by the disorder, and not an indication of their true personality, desires, or abilities.  In fact, most individuals with ADHD (ADD) have a higher than average I.Q., though they usually have significant difficulty expressing it fully.  This results in the blaming of themselves (and not the disorder), and causes lowered self-esteem, hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.   

For a teenager, with their heightened (over?) sense of self consciousness and perhaps self doubt, these negative feelings can be overwhelming to both the teenager and their parents.  The following are some frightening statistics that bring into focus the serious problems confronting these teenagers and their parents.     

  *Teenagers with ADHD have 400% more traffic accidents and traffic tickets than teen without ADHD. 

   *Twice as many teens with this disorder will run away from home (about 32%) than teens without ADHD. 

    *As many as 50% of the teenagers in juvenile detention facilities have untreated ADHD. 

     *Teens with untreated ADHD are three times more likely to be arrested for arson (16%) as those without ADHD. 

     *Teenagers with untreated ADHD are ten times more likely to get pregnant, or cause a pregnancy, than those without the disorder. 

    *Teens untreated for ADHD are 400% more likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease than those without ADHD. 

    *Teens untreated for ADHD will average two arrests by the age of 18. 

   *Approximately 20% of teenagers with untreated ADHD will be arrested for a felony. 

In addition to the above, teenagers with ADHD suffer from increased amounts of anxiety, a sense of being overwhelmed, and depression.  Depression can look very different in teens from its appearance in adults.  Since as many as 25% of teenagers with ADHD suffer from depression, let’s take a moment to describe it.  Teenagers with depression can be anti-social and overly negative.  Sometimes he or she may stop caring about personal appearance, and there may be an increased sensitivity to being loved (unloved?) and accepted.  There may also be the more usual signs of adult depression. 

It is critical to a teenager with ADHD that the disorder be treated properly to avoid these pitfalls, and allow them to experience success and gain confidence.  Unfortunately, many parents avoid testing for and treating this disorder because they fear the rigors and side effects of medication.  There is however a very successful alternative to this scenario.  Neurofeedback is a highly effective, drug free, safe, non-invasive and painless procedure in which the patient learns to retrain the brain, correcting the problem.  Once training is complete, no further treatment is necessary. 

To request information on the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, ADHD), Mild to Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Chronic Depression, Chronic Anxiety, and Peak Performance Training contact:

Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari

Alta Neuro-Imaging Neurofeedback

1075 Yorba Place

Suite 105

Placentia, CA 92870

714.990.6536

Website: www.ocbiofeedback.com

“Impulsivity” In Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

There are three sub-types of ADHD;  Primarily Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined.  While most people have a pretty clear understanding of inattention and hyperactivity, the terms “impulsive” or ”impulsivity” can be somewhat confusing.  These terms are often confused with “compulsive”, which is quite different.  Compulsion can be defined as a repetitive stereotyped act performed to relieve fear connected with an obsession. 

In regard to ADHD, there are two forms of impulsivity: Behavioral Impulsivity and Cognitive Impulsivity.

Behavioral Impulsivity –Actions.  People with ADHD who have symptoms of behavioral impulsivity do not stop and think before they act.  No matter how many times they are told to “stop and think first” they are unable, in most cases, to exercise this type of forethought, or judgment.  They usually are not able to learn from their past mistakes.  They act on the first impulse that occurs to them.  This can be quite exasperating to their parents, teachers, and other caregivers (which may in itself further add to the problem).

 These ADHD children often:

     ·       cut in line

     ·        can’t wait their turn

·        blurt out answers in class

·        speak when they’re supposed to be quiet

·        may show aggressive behaviors

·        are often too loud

·        sometimes fight

They can start a friendship or relationship, but it often fails as they blurt out the wrong thing at the wrong time.  This can also lead to isolation, as others don’t “get” them, which in turn inhibits the learning of other important social skills.

Cognitive Impulsivity –Thinking and Choices.  People with ADHD who have symptoms of cognitive impulsivity do a lot of guesswork.  Often, rather than thinking about an answer, these individuals will make a multiple number of guesses in a short period of time.  If you give them multiple choices orally, to a question, they will guess for the right answer very quickly…first one, then another, often back and forth…until you finally step in when and say, “That’s it” when they guess right.  This pattern only reinforces their guessing.

These individuals have a very limited problem solving strategy.  They are impaired in their ability to think the problem through.  They will usually just guess and let trial and error carry them through.  This not only tends to have a negative effect on how others perceive them, it also interferes with their ability to learn new material, and further develop more effective problem solving strategies.  If this disorder is not corrected, no amount of direction, encouragement, or discipline will change this inability.

Fortunately, both these problems, as well of the other sub-types of ADHD, can usually be corrected without medication.  Neurofeeback is a highly effective, drug-free, painless procedure, with no side effects, in which the individual learns to retrain the impulsive, hyperactive, and/or attention mechanisms of the brain.  Once treatment is complete, no further training is necessary.

Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari

Alta Neuro-Imaging Neurofeedback

1075 Yorba Place

Suite 105

Placentia, CA 92870

714.990.6536

Website: www.ocbiofeedback.com

 

Homework…and the ADHD Child

Simply put, homework is supposed to be like this.  At a certain time, the child sits down and completes their assignments, with a reasonable degree of success, in a timely fashion, and perhaps with some interaction with their parent(s).  The purpose of homework is to allow the child further opportunities to independently master their coursework, and perhaps allow the parent to become involved in what is happening for their child at school.
 
Unfortunately, with a child who has ADHD, the experience and outcome can be quite different.  After much cajoling, and struggle the parent gets the child to begin their homework. Then ensues a multiple hours long battle, involving countless distractions, struggles (and phone calls?) to understand material and directions which unfortunately, the inattentive child did not get straight in class, and outbursts of frustration and anger from both parties.  The outcome of this homework session is (along with hopefully some learning), exhaustion, hurt feelings, distrust, lowered self-esteem, and anger.  Sound familiar…?
 
This damaging experience actually begins at school.  Often the ADHD child has extra homework added on because of work uncompleted in class, and/or as punishment for poor behavior or inattention.  By the time they get home they are frustrated, tired and stressed.  Mom and/or Dad may be feeling this way too (they have their own struggles).  When the “getting started” battle is finally over, parents often find that the child is behind in assignments (again?), hasn’t written down directions properly, and doesn’t know how to do the work (want to repeat fifth grade?)  What’s very important to understand, and correct this scenario, is that with the ADHD child, they cannot stop this from happening, it’s part of the uncorrected disorder.  However, often teachers, other students, and parents lose site of this, and blame the child.  The result is a child who feels very badly about themselves, and gives up, or rebels, or both.
 
These daily episodes are very damaging to family dynamics.  In addition to the harm done to the parent-child relationship, there are other significant consequences.  Other children’s needs go unattended (not to mention the parent’s), important tasks around the house go undone (dinner anyone?), and last, but definitely not least, the parent’s own relationship suffers as blaming, overwork, and loss of quality time together are also casualties.
 
Remember what we said homework was for and was supposed to be like in the first paragraph?  The homework experience with the ADHD child is not any kind of “Building Up”…it is a “Tearing Down” experience.
 
Fortunately, this can be changed, without the side-effects and rigors of medication.  Neurofeedback is an effective, drug free, painless procedure in which the child learns to retrain the attention mechanisms of their brain, alleviating the condition.  Once training is completed, no further treatment is necessary.

Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari

Alta Neuro-Imaging Neurofeedback

1075 Yorba Place

Suite 105

Placentia, CA 92870

714.990.6536

Website: www.ocbiofeedback.com

Medication or Neurofeedback- Comparing the two most common forms of treatment for ADD/ADHD

Medication and Neurofeedback (EEG-biofeedback) are the two most common forms of treatment for ADD/ADHD. Both are successful in treating these disorders in a large majority of cases. There are, however, significant differences in the ways these treatments work, the potential side effects of their use, and the length of treatment necessary.

Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADD/ADHD are derived from some form of stimulant or antidepressant. Most of these medications carry the FDA’S “Black Box Warning” Labels, and should be used with caution. These warnings refer to the possibility of serious cardiovascular side effects, as well as the possible suppression of children’s growth, and heightened risk for psychosis, bi-polar illness, and aggression.

In addition to these problems, this class of medications is also associated with potential side effects as weight loss in children, over-stimulation of the central nervous system, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, tremors, headaches, and tics or Tourettes Syndrome.

Now, let’s take a look at how these different treatments work. The medications contain artificial chemicals which increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This allows the brain to function better, thus treating the condition. As these chemicals are artificial, they may cause unfavorable reactions in the brain, and therefore, bring about the aforementioned negative side effects.

Neurofeedback trains the brain to function faster through a highly specialized type of exercise. As the brain learns to function faster, it naturally increases its production of neurotransmitters and the brain functions better, thus treating the condition. The end result is the same in both forms of treatment… with one very big difference. Neurofeedback does not introduce anything unnatural into the brain, but rather trains the brain to function better through its own natural mechanisms, so it produces no side effects. As vulnerable as children are, the last thing we want to do is expose them to these unnecessary dangers.

Finally, length of treatment is another big difference. Medication is only effective while it’s in the bloodstream. Therefore, no amount of medication will ever produce a lasting effect. The medication must be continually taken to treat the condition, and this is often a lifelong process, with the continuing potential for these side effects.

Once neurofeedback treatment is completed, no further treatment is necessary. With neurofeedback, there are no side effects, and the treatment is a one-time process. Neurofeedback is an effective, drug free, painless procedure in which the child learns to retrain the attention mechanisms of their brain, alleviating the condition.

Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari

Alta Neuro-Imaging Neurofeedback

1075 Yorba Place

Suite 105

Placentia, CA 92870

714.990.6536

Website: www.ocbiofeedback.com