ADD and ADHD Alternative to Stimulant Medications Such As Ritalin (Methylphenidate) or Adderall
What we do know is that ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, and many parents are seeking alternatives to drugs in response to pressure by teachers and schools to find a solution for their child's behavior. In addition, Drug Rehab Programs and Eating Disorder Treatment Centers are looking for alternatives to drugs for their teenage and adult clients who have problems with attention or impulsivity, issues that are common among the addicted.
To date, there is no lab test used to diagnose ADD and ADHD. Questionnaires, checklists and performance tests such as TOVA (Test of Variables in Attention), Conners Rating Scale, BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children) and ACTeRS profile for boys are used to diagnose ADD and ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication such as Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Strattera, Concerta, Modafinil, Atomoxetine and Metadate. Since the Physicians' Desk Reference warns against using Ritalin in children under six years of age, concerned parents are seeking alternatives to medication for their young children. Adults with ADD and ADHD who have a history of drug dependence, alcoholism or eating disorders are also cautioned against taking Ritalin and Adderall, because they display similar effects to that of cocaine. Adderall is actually a new name for a medication originally known as Obetrol, which was developed for diet control. It is understandable why Eating Disorder Treatment Centers would prefer an alternative to Adderall for their clients who have ADD and ADHD.
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is an evidence-based alternative to medication, and has been used successfully to improve ADD and ADHD in children and adults. There have been many studies on the efficacy of neurofeedback including a study that demonstrated physical changes in the brain with before and after fMRI scans. One of the many benefits of neurofeedback is that many times the improvements in focus, attention, staying on task and reduced impulsivity are permanent. This is because the brain actually learns how to perform these tasks versus being put into a state of heightened arousal with the use of pharmaceuticals.
For more information and studies on neurofeedback for ADD and ADHD, go to: http://neurofeedbackdefined.com
To find a neurofeedback provider, go to: http://neurofeedbackproviders.com
Bill Scott is a Board Certified Neurotherapist and Instructor, who has been featured as an EEG Biofeedback Expert on Discovery Science, lectured at the American Psychiatric Association five times, and presented research at the American Association for the Advancement of Science as Principal Investigator of a UCLA study that demonstrated the efficacy of using neurofeedback to improve ADD in adults.
To date, there is no lab test used to diagnose ADD and ADHD. Questionnaires, checklists and performance tests such as TOVA (Test of Variables in Attention), Conners Rating Scale, BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children) and ACTeRS profile for boys are used to diagnose ADD and ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication such as Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Strattera, Concerta, Modafinil, Atomoxetine and Metadate. Since the Physicians' Desk Reference warns against using Ritalin in children under six years of age, concerned parents are seeking alternatives to medication for their young children. Adults with ADD and ADHD who have a history of drug dependence, alcoholism or eating disorders are also cautioned against taking Ritalin and Adderall, because they display similar effects to that of cocaine. Adderall is actually a new name for a medication originally known as Obetrol, which was developed for diet control. It is understandable why Eating Disorder Treatment Centers would prefer an alternative to Adderall for their clients who have ADD and ADHD.
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is an evidence-based alternative to medication, and has been used successfully to improve ADD and ADHD in children and adults. There have been many studies on the efficacy of neurofeedback including a study that demonstrated physical changes in the brain with before and after fMRI scans. One of the many benefits of neurofeedback is that many times the improvements in focus, attention, staying on task and reduced impulsivity are permanent. This is because the brain actually learns how to perform these tasks versus being put into a state of heightened arousal with the use of pharmaceuticals.
For more information and studies on neurofeedback for ADD and ADHD, go to: http://neurofeedbackdefined.com
To find a neurofeedback provider, go to: http://neurofeedbackproviders.com
Bill Scott is a Board Certified Neurotherapist and Instructor, who has been featured as an EEG Biofeedback Expert on Discovery Science, lectured at the American Psychiatric Association five times, and presented research at the American Association for the Advancement of Science as Principal Investigator of a UCLA study that demonstrated the efficacy of using neurofeedback to improve ADD in adults.