Does My Child Need Ritalin for ADHD?

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Does My Child Need Ritalin for ADHD?

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Especially for young students with behavioral or academic problems, stimulant medications are thought of as a one-size-fits-all “easy fix.” A parent might be tempted to pursue this route out of legitimate concern for a child and the conception that a pill can be the miracle cure.

But not so fast!

At Pathways, we recommend a comprehensive ADHD evaluation and counseling before starting stimulant medications. Why? First, the presence behavior and academic problems may not necessarily mean one has ADHD. ADHD is a specific developmental disorder relating to executive functions sn emotional control. Depending on the case, stimulant medications may have no positive benefit or, worse, lead to adverse responses. Second, medication is only one piece of the ADHD puzzle. Behavioral counseling and management is an important component of comprehensive ADHD treatment.

Last year, the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology published a paper indicating that stimulant medication is more effective as a supplemental treatment complementing behavioral counseling and management in children ages five to twelve. The results of the studies challenge the extreme reliance on stimulant medications at high doses. When parents were counseled to practice behavioral modification before the start of Ritalin treatment, children displayed more positive results in behavior at school compared to children receiving Ritalin alone. Behavior modifications are based primarily on a reward system and positive feedback. Under this parenting technique, children are rewarded for positive behavior and are taught to delay immediate gratification to get certain tasks complete.

In addition to seeing greater results in school, combination therapy that incorporates counseling and medication turned out to be more cost-saving than treatment and monitoring alone. This may be because treatment is more efficient when tailored to patients’ needs and responsibilities are also slowly taken up by the parents.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD & brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Does My Child Need Ritalin for ADHD?

Mindfulness & Your Brain

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Mindfulness & Your Brain

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Since ancient Hindu and Chinese times, meditation has been promoted as a medicine for health and success. But does meditation have any basis in Western science? The answer, based on multiple recent peer-reviewed studies, has been overwhelmingly “yes!” Meditation, or mindfulness, can have significant effects on frontal-brain activity that control emotion and concentration. These cognitive changes are not merely spiritual: scientists have demonstrated effects of neural connectivity in association with mindfulness exercises. By imaging the brain, neuro-researchers have looked at frontal brain activity that is associated with executive functions, or the ability to take a pro-active approach in controlling one’s actions. Such improvements garnered from meditation may improve working memory, multi-tasking, and concentration ability.

The research makes intuitive sense if one thinks of mindfulness as the ability to concentrate. If one “exercises” mindfulness via meditation, then cognitive ability can increase as if a muscle during a physical workout. Neuroscientists are beginning to unlock the complex mechanisms in which behavior can affect brain activity.

Scientists at Stanford University and UCSF made a profound step towards connecting a form mindfulness exercise with effects at the cellular level (“neurons” are cells of the brain). In the study, researchers examined the effects of deep breathing on higher-order brain function, specifically relating to arousal. The researchers targeted a specific region of the brain that is known to control regular breathing rhythms. They then keyed in on a specific group of neurons within the breathing regulator region that, when disabled, led to dramatic decreases in alertness and response. The study implicated this region of breathing control to a region of the brain that deals with alertness, attention, panic, and arousal. The studies raise the possibility that controlled, deep breathing could promote mental calming and other effects relating to higher cognitive function.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

Can Meditation and Relaxation Boost Your Memory and Improve Attention?

Definitely! Research has shown that meditation can physically change brain structure to increase mental efficacy the quality associated with a higher intelligence. Anxiety and stress are frequent causes of memory and attention difficulties. Biofeedback is an effective way to combat these problems.

Contact us and Schedule a Biofeedback appointment

LET’S GET STARTED – Contact Us and Schedule a Biofeedback Appointment !

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Mindfulness & Your Brain

The ADHD Lifestyle Part I: Diet

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The ADHD Lifestyle Part I: Diet

The ADHD Lifestyle Part I: Diet

The brain is vital organ that, like the other organs in the body, depend on nutrients for healthy function and endurance. Those with ADHD are even more dependent on proper nutrients and sleep. Cognition, memory, and mood may all be affected by eating well. More importantly, unhealthy eating and poor sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make a profound difference in academic success. Studies have shown that the elimination of processed sugars and other unwholesome foods improve ADHD symptoms in the majority of study participants. Why does diet make such a profound impact? Food influences the chemicals in the brain that are involved in ADHD. Importantly, serotonin and dopamine are the major players here. In addition to influencing ADHD symptoms, serotonin levels can also influence sleep behavior.

While not technically a drug, healthy nutrients in everyday food can be thought of as a potent “medication” that may profoundly impact the performance of one with ADHD. In this light, it is important for one to take his or her “daily dose.” This includes plenty of drinking water, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein gradually and consistently taken in on daily basis. Such behavior will increase positive sleeping behavior while keeping serotonin and dopamine at advantageous levels. Conversely, simple sugars like candy or soda, may create an initial spike in these neurotransmitters, but this will be followed by a sharp decline that will leave on craving even more unhealthy food. The result is a “domino effect” and putting the brain in a chemical state that may strengthen the negative behavioral symptoms of ADHD.

Three quick pointers:

*Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. Importantly, stay hydrated while avoiding sugary drinks. Sugar drinks are a waste of calories!

*Eat smart: not all calories are the same! It is important to intake a proper amount of daily calories to feed the brain. However, not all calories will affect ADHD symptoms uniformly. Unfortunately for those with ADHD, impulsive tendencies often lead to consumption of simple carbohydrates such as soda, candy, and processed snacks that cause sharp unsustainable increases in blood sugar. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, will have result in more favorable and sustained neurotransmitter levels. Foods high in protein will help control blood sugar levels. When one consistently practices good habits, some of the cravings for “junk food” will be better controlled. Go for those sweet potatoes and blueberries next time you are at the grocery store!

*Get sleep! Food and sleep are intimately related and, together, they both profoundly affect the behavioral and emotional state of those with ADHD.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
The ADHD Lifestyle Part I: Diet

Neuropsychologists – Basic Neuropsychology Tools Video

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Neuropsychologists – Basic Neuropsychology Tools Video

This video reviews common tools of the trade for Neuropsychologists. We utilize a comprehensive approach based on proven, research-based methods to rebuild and restore cognitive behavior.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Neuropsychologists – Basic Neuropsychology Tools Video appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists – Basic Neuropsychology Tools Video