Hard, visual data make a compelling
case for the existence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) in this pioneering
work by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Using a nuclear medicine technique Dr. Amen
concludes that six--not the formerly presumed two--different types of ADD
exist. This book encompasses the full spectrum of Dr. Amen's work: from
ADD symptom identification to clinical evaluation, to diet and medication
recommendations, to everyday strategies for living with ADD (whether the
reader is a parent of an ADD child, or has been diagnosed with the disease.)
No stranger to the skepticism surrounding
this topic, Dr. Amen begins with a list of dead-on myths (including "ADD
is overdiagnosed") and surprising facts ("Many people with ADD are never
hyperactive"). From this intriguing beginning flows a highly readable chapter
on the signs and manifestations of ADD in all ages. Dr. Amen's full description
of SPECT imaging includes multiple brain scan photos that nicely support
his theories in ADD. But the most satisfying element of this well-researched
presentation occurs in the final half of this book about ADD; here, Amen
thoroughly explores the biological (diet, exercise, medication), psychological
(from personal coaching to psychotherapy), and social support (parenting
and school strategies) needed to heal each type of ADD. This book about
ADD will prove a valuable tool for parents, adult sufferers, and medical
professionals seeking practical support for managing this increasingly
recognized condition. --Liane Thomas Book Description Using breakthrough diagnostic techniques,
Dr. Daniel Amen has discovered that there are six distinct types of ADD
(Attention Deficit Disorder), each requiring a different treatment. With
recommendations for prescription drugs, nutraceutical therapy, cognitive
reprogramming, parenting and educational strategies, biofeedback, self-hypnosis
and more, this revolutionary approach can lead sufferers of ADD to a normal,
fully-functional life
From Review:
"In 'Healing ADD', we get an elaborated
standard behavioral classification scheme: classic ADD, Inattentive ADD,
Overfocused ADD, Temporal Lobe ADD, Limbic ADD and 'ring of fire' ADD.
"
"Dr Amen has finally proven once
and for all that ADD exists. No more calling it a fad or saying that ADD
people are just lazy and selfish."
"This book is extremely valuable
for debunking the myth that ADD is not a real disability. Dr. Amen's use
of brain imaging technology demonstrates the ways that some people's brains
work differently and ineffectively. It's not just laziness--when people
with ADD try to concentrate"
"If you are an adult with ADD, paticularly
"non classic ADD" this book will change your life."
May,2000 treatment follow-up study
shows that 92% of families rate CAER treatment
as Successful or Very Successful. The results strongly support clinical
impression that CAER makes dramatic improvements in all aspects of the
constellation of symptoms comprising ADHD / ADD, without the use of medications.
It should be noted that these are some of the most difficult ADHD /ADD..
Even though, after treating ADHD
/ ADD children and their families for years it was clear that CAER treatment
was very effective; it was finally time to do a systematic quantitative
follow-up study.
ADD
/ ADHD Children : Being Your Child's Best Friend by: Kate Hufstetler
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child?
If so-- my hat is off to you! ADD / ADHD children are brilliant, full of
energy, smart as a whip (as grandma says), and tons of work. They are also
the rising sun and the setting star: meaning much of life revolves around
them in one way or another. One tactic you might employ is to: be your
child's best friend.
Hear me out just a bit. I am not
promoting parents in "jammies" all day-- everyday, messy homes filled with
increasing whirlwind clutter that no-one attends to, nor hot dogs and pizza
nightly just to avoid more arguing with an ADD / ADHD child. I am suggesting
the reminder we all need with these special needs children: keep perspective.
And yes-- try thinking along the
lines of being best friends with your child.
Best friends are people who look
out for the best interest of another.
Best friends have a special tolerance
for each other.
Best friends set aside time to truly
know each other and how each other thinks and feels.
Best friends stand up for one-another,
for their rights, their feelings, their health, and their needs.
Best friends look forward to more
time together.
Best friends cherish each other dearly.
Best friends also speak the truth
and help guide each other along the journey of life together.
Here are more simple reminders that
we easily forget when caught up in our daily grind. I hope they will help
from time to time with your ADD / ADHD parenting:
Remember to keep the rules-- but not
TOO many rules all at once... all the time!
Schedule FUN
Stop being organized now and then to
ad-lib and make delight shine for you both again!
Yes-- even with medicated kids some
days are suddenly going to be worse than others.
This is physiological-- remember?
You are the expert in his/her eyes.
Provide correction and consequences accordingly.
Use notebooks, or better yet email,
to communicate with the teacher daily.
It is no fun for the ADD / ADHD child
to be "wrong" or in trouble so much of the day-- catch him/her being good!!
With young ADD / ADHD children try picture
charts on the wall for daily routines to follow.
Your child needs extra reminders, extra
chances, extra love, and extra encouragement (so do you!!)
Read The Five Love Languages of Children
by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.
Know the educational rights in your
school district and utilize each and every one of them :-)
Be patient with the child, your mate,
and especially yourself.
Tenderness and politeness goes a long
way with these precious ones.
These kids love to be helpful-- utilize
it, just don't seek perfection :-)
and finally:
* DON'T go It ALONE! Enlist the
help of extended family, friends, neighbors, associates, playmate families,
medical professionals, and perhaps a coach for sanity.
Two myths that existed when I was a
child:
The first was that the parents were
always right and had all the answers.
The second one was that "You can have
it all, baby".
Well, as a parent-- I know the first
is NOT true. And as a working mom-- the second is out the door as well
(or at least the romanticized fantasy version of it is).
You are a parent-- do your best.
Learn every day.
Ask for forgiveness.
And cherish this relationship.
You can design your life-- You are a
parent, and an individual. You have to pick and choose which elements will
be incorporated within it, and, how you want it to run.
Your child needs love, fun, consideration,
truth, honesty, openness, and the gentle/firm guidance that best friend's
can give without damaging or straining the relationship. You already have
so many different hats to wear all day for your various roles. Being your
child's best friend might simplify some of that. Give it a try.
Enjoy these years and enjoy your
ADD / ADHD child !!!!
Until next time--- all the best,
Kate
About The Author Kate Hufstetler is a well established
business & personal coach who has helped many individuals like yourself
to beat "the blues" and gain control over their lives. Through personal
and business mentorship, she could help you! Visit more of Kate's articles
here: http://www.comedreamwithme.com
& http://mindpower.smartads.info
Kate@comedreamwithme.com Courtesy of http://www.ArticleCity.com/
Tips
On Coping With A Child With ADHD by: Tina Barraclough
I am a mother of a 6 year old son
who was recently diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD). I am by no means a expert on this subject - I am only a mom who
struggles to help my ADHD child.
Listed below are some tips I have
learned from experience along the way.
1. Life with a child who has ADHD
has its challenges, but remember that your child is not acting up because
they want to be difficult - they can't help it . So it 's up to you to
stay calm and avoid arguing with your child. It helps to keep the daily
routine and home life as calm, predictable and stress-free as possible.
2. Accept that there is a problem,
whether or not you accept the diagnosis. Denial will not help you or your
child.
3. Be prepared to feel guilty about
the time you spend with your ADHD child compared to the time you spend
with your other children. Other family members may start to feel like your
are neglecting them.
4. Take care of yourself - it is
often challenging to raise a child with ADHD. Caring for your own physical
and mental health is an important part of helping your child, and will
provide you with the necessary energy when you need it the most.
5. The most important thing is NEVER
punish your child while you are angry. Take a breather away from the child
before you hand out any punishment to your child. Disicipline that belittles
or shames a child can truly be harmful.
6. Start rewarding instead of punishing.
You've probably already discovered how useless it is to try to punish your
child when he 's running around or tuning you out. What I have found with
my child is how well he responds to simple rewards. Praise good behavior
immediately ("You brushed your teeth, just like I asked you to! Thanks
so much!") and give your child a reward that pleases him such as a special
snack or extra time to watch TV, for example. The reward should be something
he can enjoy right away; kids with ADHD don 't like to wait.
7. Realize you are not alone. There
are many parents out there who have a child with ADHD. If you need to talk
to someone, you can find support groups out there. Talk to your Doctor
or Therapist. They can point you in the right direction to find support.
“Nutrition
as Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD Alternative Treatment: Help is as Close
as the Kitchen.” by: Jeannine Virtue
The quality of food we eat (or lack
thereof) has a profound affect on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD.
For many people, nutrition alone can effectively work as an ADHD alternative
treatment.
A growing body of research points
to nutritional deficiencies - especially with essential fatty acids and
amino acids - as a contributing factor of Attention Deficit Disorder and
learning deficiencies.
Put down the Ritalin bottle for one
minute to consider these Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition research
findings;
A George Washington University School
of Medicine study found that hyperactive children who ate a meal high in
protein did equally well, and sometimes better, in school than non-hyperactive
kids.
An Oxford University (England) study
evaluated the effects of fatty acid supplementation in average intelligence
children with significant reading and writing disabilities. The ADHD symptoms
in children receiving Essential Fatty Acids significantly improved over
the children in the control group receiving a placebo.
Researchers first tied Attention Deficit
Disorder ADHD with lower essential fatty acid in 1981. Studies examining
essential fatty acid blood levels in children with behavioral problems
in 1983 confirmed this Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition connection.
Researchers further documented the essential
fatty acid deficiency tie to Attention Deficit Disorder in a 1987 study.
Then, a 1995 study comparing essential fatty acid levels in ADHD boys against
a control group of boys without ADHD found significantly lower levels of
Omega-3 fatty acids.
In 1996 Purdue University researchers
have found that boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have
a greater frequency of Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD.
Attention Deficit Disorder is the most
common behavioral disorder in children. Not all Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD children are nutritionally deficient in essential fatty acids, statistics
and studies show that a significant number of ADHD children are.
Physicians predominately use stimulant
drugs such as Ritalin for Attention Deficit Disorder but studies show that
Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD children whose treatment program includes
only stimulant medication remain at a high risk for vandalism, petty crime,
frequency of alcoholic intoxication, and possession of marijuana. Additionally,
ADHD medications do not always work, have a host of harmful side effects
and never treat the cause the Attention Deficit Disorder.
With Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD,
nutrition and food is one the first aspect of treatment to consider, as
an ADHD alternative treatment or used in conjunction with traditional ADHD
stimulant drug treatment.
Fatty acids are used to make brain
and nerve tissue in the body and are crucial for proper growth, mental
function, the immune system and brain development. The body cannot produce
the two fatty acids families, Omega-3 and Omega-6, on its own and therefore
must receive these key Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition ingredients
through diet and supplementation.
Although the typical Western diet
is high in the Omega-6 family of fatty acids (found in corn, sunflower,
canola and safflower oil, margarine, vegetable oil and shortening), most
Americans young and old are highly deficient in Omega-3.
Learning specialists now believe
many childhood behavior and learning problems are associated with Omega-3
deficiencies. This deficiency has a greater impact on males because their
requirements for essential fatty acids are, in general, much higher. It
is no surprise that boys are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder
at a much higher rate than girls.
ADHD adults and parents of ADHD children
should include food high in Omega-3 fatty acids daily. That said, many
children simply will not eat the Omega-3 rich salmon, mackerel and sardines.
Enter flax seed and flax oil - “food
of the gods” when it comes to Omega-3 fatty acids.
Flax seed and flax oil are the richest
plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids and offers Attention Deficit Disorder
nutrition vital to support healthy childhood behavioral and IQ development.
One to two tablespoons of flax oil should be part of a every Attention
Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition food action plan.
In addition to the positive affects
on brain functioning, flax oil also works to prevent heart disease and
certain types of cancer. Flax oil helps soften skin, balance energy, burn
fat, stimulate the metabolism, strengthen the immune system, manage diabetes,
help prevent autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorders. Flax oil also
helps alleviate PMS and some menopause symptoms.
Here are some great ways to sneak
flax oil into the daily diet;
Mix 1 tablespoon of flax oil in flavored
yogurt.
1 tablespoon of flax oil in fruit smoothies
is virtually undetectable.
Mix 1 tablespoon of flax oil with one
tablespoon maple syrup or honey as a sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
Use 1-2 tablespoons of flax oil when
making tuna salad or egg salad while proportionably decreasing the amount
of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise used.
Flax Butter: Melt one stick organic
butter and mix with 4 ounces flax oil when cooled to room temperature.
Refrigerate until the flax butter solidifies and use in place of margarine.
Omega-3 “Ice Cream”: Mix 2 cups yogurt
with 1 tablespoon flax oil and fresh or frozen fruit. Serve when frozen.
Most studies conducted on the affects
of essential fatty acids found that at least 10 weeks of supplementation
is needed to adequately raised fatty acid levels in brain cells. Follow
a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids for at least 10 weeks, and preferably
12 weeks, before judging the effectiveness of nutrition on Attention Deficit
Disorder and ADHD symptoms.
Important points about flax oil:
Flax oil is highly perishable and should
be kept refrigerated at all time.
Heat destroys the health-giving flax
oil properties. Use flax oil only with cold foods, cold proteins are best.
When buying flax oil, use only high
quality, cold-pressed flax oil. The date pressed and a freshness date of
four months or less from the pressed date should be on the label. If not,
don’t buy it!
Do not use flax seed oil beyond its
expiration date since the oil will turn rancid.
Essential fatty acids are not the only
element needed when addressing Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition.
Amino acids, from which protein is made, are an integral element since
amino acids and essential fatty acids are both needed to work in the body.
Therefore, adding quality protein is a key in Attention Deficit Disorder
nutrition.
Attention Deficit and hyperactive
people can greatly reduce the level of unfocused or misdirected energy
simply by starting the day with a protein based breakfast. A solid protein
breakfast can increase concentration, reduce restlessness and increase
mental and physical calm.
Instead of starting the day with
sugared cereals, pancakes covered in syrup, sweet rolls, doughnuts or danishes,
try these brain-boosting breakfast ideas;
Attention Deficit Disorder tends
to focus predominately on children, leaving the ADD adult largely under
served. Most of the information presented about Attention Deficit Disorder
focuses on children, parenting and school issues. All but one ADHD medication
currently on the market achieved FDA approval for adult Attention Deficit
Disorder treatment.
Attention Deficit Disorder simply
was not in vogue when the adult of today was a child decades ago. While
today many express concerns of over diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder
in children, many also acknowledge the under diagnosing of adults with
Attention Deficit Disorder.
Adults with ADD often realize that
they have Attention Deficit Disorder when their own child is diagnosed.
Looking through the list of symptoms, the parent often sees similarities
in their own present or past behavior.
Yet, the hurdles of Attention Deficit
are often the same, whether in a child or an adult. The ADD adult might
have trouble with staying on task, staying organized and procrastinating,
just as the Attention Deficit Disorder child does. The Attention Deficit
Disorder adult might have trouble maintaining relationships and controlling
their mood, just like an ADD or ADHD child. The main difference between
the ADD adult and the ADD child is that the adult with Attention Deficit
typically has more sophisticated coping mechanisms.
For the better part, the Attention
Deficit Disorder ADD ADHD symptom test outlined for children is about the
same for the adult, with the word “work” substituted for “school.” You
can also look at the Attention Deficit Disorder test for children and ask
yourself if, as a child, you had such symptoms or currently have such Attention
Deficit Disorder symptoms.
Below is an adult symptom test with
symptoms unique to the Attention Deficit Disorder adult. This self test
is not a diagnostic test but a source of information for the adult trying
to determine if Attention Deficit Disorder might be present in their life.
Adult ADD Symptom Test:
If you experience more than 10 points
on this adult ADD self symptom test, Attention Deficit Disorder is likely
present.
An internal sense of anxiety
Impulsive spending habits
Frequent distractions during sex
Frequently misplace the car keys, your
purse or wallet or other day-to-day items
Lack of attention to detail
Family history of ADD, learning problems,
mood disorders or substance abuse problems
Trouble following the proper channels
or chain of commands
An attitude of "read the directions
when all else fails"
Frequent traffic violations
Impulsive job changes
Trouble maintaining an organized work
and/or home environment
Chronically late or always in a hurry
Frequently overwhelmed by tasks of daily
living
Poor financial management and frequent
late bills
Procrastination
Spending excessive time at work due
to inefficiencies
Inconsistent work performance
Sense of underachievement
Frequent mood swings
Trouble sustaining friendships or intimate
relationships
A need to seek high stimulation activities
Tendency toward exaggerated outbursts
Transposing numbers, letters, words
Tendency toward being argumentative
Addictive personality toward food, alcohol,
drugs, work and/or gambling.
Tendency to worry needlessly and endlessly
“Thin-skinned” - having quick or exaggerated
responses to real or imagined slights.
So you hit a number of points on the
adult ADD self symptom test, now what?
First, it is important that a physician
rule out conditions like anxiety, depression, hypothyroidism, manic-depressions
or obsessive compulsive disorder that can mimic Attention Deficit Disorder
symptoms. Hormonal imbalances in perimenopause and menopause can produce
foggy thinking, anxiety and exaggerated outbursts. Women should rule out
perimenopause if the Attention Deficit symptoms appear in their late 30s
or 40s.
Physicians typically first prescribe
antidepressants like Prozac for an adult with ADD, since depression issues
often go hand-in-hand with adult ADD. Physicians usually move to stimulant
medications like Adderall, Concerta or Ritalin or Strattera if antidepressants
do not work.
The stimulant medication treatment
route is not recommended for people with a history of drug or alcohol use
or abuse since these are controlled substances with a fairly high degree
of addiction potential in adults. Some adults find that the side effects
of ADHD medications are not worth the benefits of the medication.
The Attention Deficit Disorder adult
can find help naturally without the side effects of ADD medication treatment
by incorporate diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications.
Release the Steam, Quiet the Mind:
Regular and vigorous exercise can
be very helpful for the Attention Deficit Disorder adult. Attention Deficit
Disorder adults tend to have addictive personalities. Exercise is a good
addiction. Aside from the obvious health benefits, regular exercise is
also a great way to release steam and quiet the mind. Some studies also
link regular exercise to decreased depression - a condition common with
Attention Deficit Disorder adults.
Diet:
The brain is a hungry organ that
cannot function at optimal levels without the proper fuels. To keep the
brain functioning at top performance, ADHD diets packed with brain boosting
essential fatty acids and amino acids is a must. A diet high in lean protein
provides amino acids necessary for brain functioning.
The ADD adult can also meet these
crucial dietary requirements for Attention Deficit Disorder by taking a
high-quality nutritional supplement to ensure that they are giving the
brain the fuel it needs to function properly.
Restructuring the ADD adult environment:
The Attention Deficit Disorder adult
should get into the habit of making lists. The list should include any
and all tasks required for the day, from “Mop the kitchen floor” to “Finish
the sales proposal.”
Write your list with the tasks of
highest priority first. Once the highest priority task is completed, mark
it off and go to the next. Warding off the urge to skip around on the list
will take some discipline but the sense of accomplishment at completed
tasks is well worth the effort.
The Attention Deficit Disorder adult
should also keep a notepad in their car, purse, coat and on their bed stand.
Thoughts come and go quickly. Jotting the good ideas down will ensure that
they don’t go away quickly - assuming the notepad does not get lost in
the process...
The alarm clock or a wristwatch with
an alarm can be a great tool for the Attention Deficit Disorder adult.
If you need to pick your child up from soccer practice at a certain time,
set the alarm. If you have food cooking on the stove and you leave the
kitchen, set the alarm. If you have an important appointment, set the alarm.
Large tasks tend to overwhelm the
Attention Deficit Disorder adult and they often put off large task as long
as possible. It is not uncommon for the Attention Deficit Disorder adult
to procrastinate until the “11th Hour” and then pull an all-night jam session
trying to meet a deadline.
For large tasks, the Attention Deficit
Disorder adult will do well to break the task into smaller, more manageable
tasks and attach deadlines to the smaller tasks. If you need to finish
a large project in one week, for instance, schedule specific time each
day to work on a specific aspect of the project.
An adult with Attention Deficit Disorder
might also find it beneficial to enlist the help of a coach. A coach is
a close and trusted friend, co-worker or therapist whose specific function
is to help the Attention Deficit Disorder adult stay organized, on track
and focused while providing encouragement.
