Posts Tagged ADD Misconceptions

“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

Add comment January 9, 2009

Misconceptions Regarding ADD and ADHD – Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari

ADD/ADHD is both an over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed disorder. As there are many factors that can affect a child’s academic performance, behavior, and ability to focus, it is important to try to clear up some of the misconceptions that are common in regard to this disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder Misconception #1

ADD/ADHD is not a real physiological disorder, its just something made up to describe poor students, lazy, or bad kids.

The presence of a neurological disorder is not something to be decided by the public or media, it is a matter of scientific research. Such studies spanning over one hundred years have consistently identified individuals with difficulty in concentrating, and/or impulse control, and/or hyperactivity.

Although the terms used to describe these individuals, our understanding of the problem, and the estimated number with the disorder has changed over the past century, the identification of the disorder has been consistent. ADD/ADHD is recognized as a disability by the courts, the United States Department of Education, The Office for Civil Rights, the National Institutes of Health, the United States Congress, and all major medical, psychiatric, psychological, and educational associations.

Attention Deficit Disorder Misconception #2

ADD/ADHD is caused by bad parenting, all that’s really needed is tougher discipline.

The body of parenting interaction research has clearly demonstrated that applying more discipline without any other type of intervention, worsens rather than improves the performance and behavior of children with ADD/ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder Misconception #3

Most children with ADD/ADHD will outgrow it.

Ninety to ninety-two per cent of children with ADD/ADHD will continue to manifest the disorder into adulthood. This disorder, untreated, often leads to a number of other, secondary problems in later years, depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, job related problems, difficulties with the legal system, and increased marital distress.

If successfully treated, most individuals once diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will live productive, reasonably well adjusted lives.

One method of treatment is Neurofeedback, a non-drug, painless, side effect-free procedure in which the person learns to re-train the attention mechanisms of the brain, alleviating the condition. Once the treatment is complete, no further training 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: