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The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ – Ocean County NJ

The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

As a parent with a child with ADHD, you might struggle to find ways to help your child calm down and relax. Many with ADHD have difficulty paying attention to one task or activity, jumping from one thing to the next, and struggling to follow through with tasks until completion.

Research also shows how ADHD and stress are closely linked, meaning your child may have trouble with feeling overwhelmed or anxious. And this is why relaxation techniques and strategies are so important for individuals (and children) with ADHD. So, let’s dig into this a little bit further. What should you know?

Why Explore Relaxation Techniques for ADHD?

Relaxation techniques offer a helpful tool, allowing your child to self-soothe and relax. This can help your child find ways to reduce stress in their daily life and potentially even enhance their concentration and attention. In fact, learning ways to relax is a crucial piece in ADHD management and treatment plans.

So, what kind of relaxation techniques should you and your child consider exploring?

1. Deep Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest-and-digest system) and switches off the stress response. It’s also really simple!

For an easy go-to deep breathing strategy, inhale for four counts, ensuring it’s a full belly breath. Then, hold for four counts and exhale for another four counts. Continue to do this for 5-8 rounds.

2. Journaling

Journaling can offer a way to get your child’s thoughts out on paper and help them de-stress, as well as organize them. The key is just to write down whatever comes to their mind. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and allow them to “brain dump” onto the paper.

3. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude practice helps foster a positive mindset and prevent negative spirals, which can happen when your mind jumps quickly from one thought to the next. Like journaling, set a timer and have your child jot down everything and anything they are grateful for. Make sure you emphasize the importance of truly feeling that sense of appreciation!

4. Move!

Yes, exercise can offer a way for your child with ADHD to relax and de-stress. Try performing some quick jumping jacks or go for a quick and brisk walk around the block. This can bump up endorphins and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone).

5. Do a Five Senses of Mindfulness Exercise

This involves having your child point out five things they can see, the farthest sound they can hear and the closest sound they can hear, something they can smell, something they can taste, and how their body feels. This can further nurture a mind-body connection early on for your child, helping them grow into a healthy adult.

For more strategies to manage ADHD, Pathways Neuropsychology Associates is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

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The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

3 Dietary Considerations for Children with ADHD

3 Dietary Considerations for Children with ADHD

3 Dietary Considerations for Children with ADHD |Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ – Ocean County NJ

3 Dietary Considerations for Children with ADHD

ADHD can’t be treated or managed by diet alone. However, paying close attention to what your child eats can contribute to easier management and fewer hurdles when helping your child grow and develop. By fostering healthy eating patterns, you can ensure your child’s body has the resources and tools it needs to function optimally.

For children with ADHD, a proper diet can further help enhance focus and attention and reduce hyperactivity. So, with that in mind, here are a few dietary considerations you may want to implement with your child.

1. Stick to Complex Carbs vs Simple Carbs

Complex carbs include whole foods, such as veggies and fruits. Often, these types of foods take longer to digest, providing sustained energy instead of a big blood sugar spike (which can often result in moments of hyperactivity).

Sticking to complex carbs also encourages a more whole foods diet as opposed to eating processed and prepackaged foods, which are often low in nutrients and high in calories. WebMD states that eliminating food additives, including aspartame, MSG (monosodium glutamate), and nitrites, entirely from your child’s diet has been shown to reduce hyperactivity.

2. Add Protein to Every Snack and Meal

Protein sources, such as chicken, beans, cheese, and eggs, provide ample nutrients. They can also help boost concentration by balancing blood sugar levels. In fact, combining carbs and protein may help prevent huge blood sugar spikes and provide your child with a steady flow of energy.

3. Don’t Forget About Omega-3s!

Omega-3 fatty acids may ease hyperactivity, which can be very advantageous for those with ADHD. Research further supports this, indicating that both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help improve hyperactivity, reduce impulsiveness, enhance attention, and improve short and long-term memory. Some foods high in omega-3s include tuna, salmon, walnuts, and Brazil nuts.

For more on managing ADHD, Pathways Neuropsychology Associates is here for you and your family. We offer ADHD evaluations and coaching, helping your child figure out the best way to achieve success. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

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3 Dietary Considerations for Children with ADHD

Tackling Brain Fog From Long COVID

Tackling Brain Fog From Long COVID

Tackling Brain Fog From Long COVID

How to Improve Brain Fog | Long COVID | Psychologist Toms River NJ

Suffering from COVID infection is an unpleasant experience in itself. But what can make this experience worse is the possible “brain fog” after one’s initial recovery.

Many patients report that after recovering from COVID, they start to experience certain symptoms that medical experts refer to as “Long COVID” or Post-COVID Syndrome—and these symptoms may include cognitive problems that we commonly known as brain fog. So, let’s dig a bit deeper into this topic!

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog refers to various symptoms that negatively affect an individual’s thinking ability. It is not specifically a medical condition but a general term that refers to multiple signs of impaired thinking abilities.

How to Improve Brain Fog

Although brain fog can be concerning, there are many ways to help individuals who suffer from its symptoms. Below are some tips on how to improve brain fog.

1. Minimize Nicotine and Alcohol Consumption

Nicotine and alcohol are known to have detrimental effects on the brain. Hence, individuals who continue to consume these substances while experiencing brain fog will have a much more difficult time recovering from it.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Studies show that nutritional deficiencies can result in individuals experiencing symptoms similar to brain fog.

Some essential vitamins, such as Vitamins D and B12, play huge roles in our brain’s functions. Hence, deficiency in these vitamins can result in poor memory and impaired cognitive function, which are some symptoms that occur alongside brain fog.

Some nutrients that also contribute to our brain functions include vitamin C, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiency in any of these could result in “brain fog” like symptoms.

3. Manage Your Stress

Another possible cause of brain fog is stress. Although experiencing stress does not automatically result in cognitive impairment, chronic stress can trigger mental fatigue and depression. Using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, may help reduce stress in your life and thus, reduce brain fog.

4. Check for Other Medical Conditions

While the aforementioned conditions are possible contributors to brain fog, it’s also possible that you’re experiencing a different medical condition altogether.

Other medical conditions that can cause brain fog or symptoms similar to brain fog include:

  • Anemia
  • Diabetes
  • Migraine
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis)

If you have any other symptoms, along with brain fog, it’s always important to consult with your doctor to ensure you are getting the best treatment and care possible.

5. Seek Professional Help

Lastly, if you’re doing your best to recover from brain fog but still experiencing symptoms, then it’s time to start seeking professional help. Our team at Pathways Neuropsychology Associates is proud to offer neuropsychological rehabilitation and treatment, helping individuals cope and manage brain fog associated with Long COVID. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Tackling Brain Fog From Long COVID

Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Anxiety and ADHD

Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are true partners in crime. While they are two different diagnoses, they are intimately linked. People with ADHD experiencing tardiness, shortcomings, stigma, procrastination, and uncertainty often experience situational anxiety at the very least. This means that their ADHD symptoms are directly causing stress and feelings of anxiousness. If you have difficulty concentrating in school or if you are forgetful at work, of course you may be anxious and uncertain about the future. 

General anxiety can also occur in those with ADHD, perhaps up to 50% of the time. In fact, when it comes to ADHD, general anxiety is the number one comorbidity. In those individuals, severe chronic anxiety interrupts normal tasks with relentless anxiousness and nervousness. While symptoms of ADHD can promote anxiety as described above, the link between ADHD and general anxiety are not completely understood. We do know, however, that the severity of anxiety symptoms can be enhanced by ADHD and vise versa. 

Some symptoms of anxiety and ADHD overlap. For instance, restlessness and difficulty concentrating are common to both. Therefore, it is important to seek a professional evaluation to differentiate between the two diagnoses (Pathways Neuropsychology Associates has many experts that can help!). However, there are some tricks and whistles that can help point you in a general direction: ADHD inattention occurs in almost any situation whereas anxiety-related inattention usually occurs while experiencing anxiousness.

Understanding one’s diagnoses is very important when ADHD and anxiety occur at the same time. For instance, emotional regulation and executive function are typically deficient in those with ADHD. Consequentially, those with ADHD may have difficulty in organizing tasks and may become fixated on shortcomings and uncertainties, ruminating over emotionally distressful thoughts. This is a recipe for disaster when it comes to anxiety. It is therefore imperative to address the symptoms of ADHD to also prevent severe anxiety symptoms from flaring up.

The treatments of ADHD and anxiety sometimes go together and sometimes oppose one another. For instance, stimulants such as amphetamines are a typical treatment for ADHD. Alleviating symptoms of ADHD may help with anxiety, but it is also important to note that anxiety itself can often be a side effect of stimulants. Therefore, it is important to strategize best with your healthcare provider to address everyone’s case. Most likely, a combination of medication and therapy will best help tackle the double threat of ADHD and anxiety.

If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing ADHD and anxiety, contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates today to get a professional evaluation. At Pathways, we have experts in both ADHD and anxiety that can help address both diagnoses.

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Depression and ADHD Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Trouble focusing, eating habit changes, and trouble sleeping can all be signs of both ADHD and major depression. However, the two are not the same. While sometimes they can be confused with one another, they can also sometimes both co-occur. When ADHD and major depression co-exist, we call them comorbid or coexisting conditions. How are the two disorders linked and how can we tell them apart?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s executive functions, which helps us plan, focus, and execute tasks. It is most often diagnosed in male children, but it can also affect young girls and adults as well. You can think of ADHD as a deficit in the “management headquarters” of the brain, which depends on the regulation of the neurotransmitter called dopamine. 

Major depressive disorder, on the other hand, is persistent sadness, helplessness, and low self-esteem that lasts at least two weeks and affects daily functioning and possibly sleep. Unlike ADHD, major depression is a mood disorder and not a deficit in executive function.

While ADHD and major depression are different diagnoses, they both feature symptoms that can overlap. Up to 30% of patients with ADHD also have a serious mood disorder such as major depression. Moreover, ADHD symptoms can help promote major depressive disorder. For instance, if a young student with ADHD is feeling hopeless and insecure about school and their future, then they may have an increased likelihood of developing major depression. When this occurs, it is called “secondary depression.” What makes matters more difficult is that those with ADHD have difficulty with emotional regulation due to cognitive function impairment. Therefore, negative thoughts that help contribute to depression may be harder to “shake off” with those with ADHD.

It is important to get proper evaluations in order to answer the question “ADHD, depression, or both?” While symptoms overlap in both diagnoses, the root problem is different. Therefore, the treatment and management may be different as well. 

The good news for those with both ADHD and major depression is that the medications for both can usually be taken together. Moreover, cognitive behavior therapy might be a good option that can help with both diagnoses. However, it is important to talk to your physician about the best treatment plan. Moreover, when both symptoms of depression and ADHD are present, it is important to prioritize based on the severity of symptoms. For instance, suicidal ideation can be a feature of major depression and should be treated right away. 

If you are or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of ADHD and/or depression, contact Pathways for a professional evaluation today to help make the best shared decision with your doctor. 

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

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

The diagnosis, research, and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have long been biased towards young white boys. Often, women of color have been ignored and left undiagnosed until adulthood. According to a recent article in New York Times, the neglect of adult women with ADHD may be changing.

Through social media efforts, many influencers are now bringing attention to adult ADHD, exposing misconceptions and providing descriptions of ADHD symptoms and subclasses. While social media platforms such as TikTok are not replacements for professional testing and diagnoses, the posts are bringing to light much needed awareness for those who have been struggling with symptoms without knowing why or what to do. Although ADHD is largely considered a developmental disorder, many may not be diagnosed until adulthood due to medical biases and lack of patient understanding.

Feeling empowered with new knowledge, women are now becoming their own advocates and seeking professional assistance. The support, community, and encouragement are especially important for women of color who have long faced implicit bias from the medical community. 

While social media might be a first step in awareness, it does not replace professional diagnostics and therapeutics. If you believe you have symptoms of adult ADHD, reach out to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to set up a comprehensive evaluation. With an impressive multidisciplinary team, Pathways can offer a wide range of interventions and strategies to help you improve your personal, professional, and social lives. 

Check out the article

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Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Cognitive Effects of COVID-19

Cognitive Effects of COVID-19

Cognitive Effects of COVID-19 Brain Fog | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

Cognitive Effects of COVID-19

All over social media and the news, COVID-19 brain fog is the talk of the town. But what causes the neurological effects? SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, can affect brain health either directly or indirectly. 

First, the virus can directly infect the cells of the brain or surrounding tissue and cause inflammation, a process known as encephalitis. Secondly, because the virus affects blood vessels and blood clotting, COVID-19 may possibly restrict oxygen to the brain. Brain damage can result if too little oxygen is supplied to the brain. The resulting brain damage can lead to neuropsychological effects such as anxiety, depression, memory loss, and “brain fog”. 

The more severe the illness, the higher the likelihood COVID-19 survivors will experience these cognitive defects. However, even mild illnesses can lead to neurological symptoms such as brain fog, which can start shortly after COVID-19 disease and last for months after recovery.

Unlike anxiety and depression, brain fog is not a medical term. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, brain fog has been used to describe general cognitive haziness or difficulty thinking. Some also report tiredness and attention deficits. Scientists are still trying to figure out the cause of brain fog, but many believe it is due to the brain inflammation and blood clotting as described above. Many questions, however, remain unanswered. For instance, we do not know how long COVID-19 associated brain fog lasts.

What can you do to prevent brain fog? First, prevention is key. If given the opportunity, please consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines are highly effective and safe. However, if you are already experiencing brain fog after a COVID-19 infection, most doctors suggest abiding to a healthy diet while restricting alcohol, caffeine, and drug use. If you are experiencing cognitive symptoms, call us at Pathways Neuropsychology Associates for a comprehensive evaluation.  

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Cognitive Effects of COVID-19

Overview of Adult ADHD

Overview of Adult ADHD

Overview of Adult ADHD | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJOverview of Adult ADHD 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition in children and adolescents. More recently, ADHD has been diagnosed frequently in adults as well. Although the symptoms used for diagnosing ADHD are the same across the lifespan, it is common for ADHD to manifest differently in adults than in children. Thus, understanding the typical presentation of adult ADHD is important for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. 

Overall, adults with ADHD typically present with cognitive and behavioral difficulties. From a cognitive perspective, the most prominent features of this condition are inattention and executive functioning difficulties. Executive functions include a wide array of higher-order cognitive functions including working memory, multitasking, cognitive inhibition, planning, reasoning, and judgment. In adults with ADHD, executive functioning difficulties can adversely impact their functioning in a variety of ways. For example, these individuals may be “time blind,” in which they are unable to manage their time efficiently (e.g., running late due to distractibility, underestimating the amount of time a task will take, and losing track of time once they become engrossed in a task). 

Further, behavioral difficulties are a common feature of adult ADHD. Specifically, adults with ADHD often demonstrate cognitive impulsivity, which includes being prone to making decisions on a whim. Motivational impulsivity is also typical of this condition, in which the individual is unable to find the drive to complete a task when the reward is too far in the future. Finally, emotional impulsivity occurs when the individual demonstrates difficulty with regulating emotions (e.g., demonstrating irritability, low frustration tolerance, or mood swings). 

Given the complex presentation of ADHD in adults, it is important this condition is diagnosed using a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

If you have concerns that you or your child might have ADHD, please contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to inquire about a neuropsychological evaluation. 

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Overview of Adult ADHD

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often exhibit cognitive and behavioral symptoms that adversely impact their academic performance. Children with ADHD may experience difficulty with staying on task, fidgeting, poor impulse control, or emotion dysregulation that serve as barriers to their ability to learn. Given this, school-based interventions are imperative for promoting the academic performance of individuals with ADHD. 

School-based interventions for ADHD may include behavioral strategies, modifications to the learning environment, or special education services. Behavioral interventions for ADHD within the academic environment may include having the teacher utilize positive reinforcement throughout the school day. For example, the teacher may implement a reward system for the child, which serves to increase the occurrence of desired behaviors and reduce disruptive behaviors. 

In addition, modifications to the learning environment may be provided under a 504 Plan. Environmental modifications in a 504 Plan may include extended time on testing, receiving a copy of the class notes from the teacher, or cuing from the teacher to assist with staying on task.  

Finally, special education services for ADHD may be provided under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Specific accommodations and modifications listed in an IEP may include participating in a smaller classroom setting for particular subjects, receiving extra breaks throughout the day, or having an aide present in order to reduce the occurrence of disruptive behaviors. 

If you have concerns that you or your child might have ADHD, please contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to inquire about a neuropsychological evaluation. 

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School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

Can You Outgrow ADHD?

Can You Outgrow ADHD?

adhd evaluation & testing

Is It Possible to Outgrow A.D.H.D.?

Doctors typically advise a combination of behavioral interventions, counseling and medication to address a child’s symptoms. A child who can manage the symptoms of A.D.H.D., allowing for a more successful experience in school, may reach a point when A.D.H.D. is far less of a problem. So facilitating success in school and ultimately in life may be the path to “outgrowing” the diagnosis.

Excerpt From NY Times  – Read Full Story Here

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

ADHD EVALUATIONS

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Can You Outgrow ADHD?