Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine in their various forms, in treating the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in children, teens, and adults. Even though stimulants are not the only effective option in the treatment of the disorder, stimulants may be a good choice, and their use should be discussed with your physician.
Below is a chart showing the effectiveness of EEG Biofeedback, or Neurofeedback training. This information is from a study by Rossiter and La Vaque which used the same protocols that we used in our clinical studies with ATTEND. They used the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) as the measuring instrument to determine change in performance after using either medications of EEG Biofeedback training for 30 days. The TOVA is a computerized Continuous Performance Test (CPT) that has no placebo effective, and has no bias (such ahs you might see with parent rating scales).
A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders. Thomas P. Rossiter, and Theodore J. La Vaque. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, Summer 1995
With 30 days of EEG Biofeedback training the group improved in every category measured by the TOVA. They improved a great deal in their focused attention to a task (1.6 standard deviations); their self-control improved nearly one standard deviation (0.9 SD); their reaction time improved a bit (0.5 SD, which is still a statistically significant improvement on the TOVA); and their Consistency score, or Variability score, improved by the same 1/2 standard deviation.
These were good improvements. Perhaps not as big over all as the group that used stimulant medications, but still a significant improvement.
We like EEG Biofeedback training as an intervention, and we provided it in out clinic for seven years or so. The only downside that we'd warn parents about are:
(1) make sure that the person actually doing the treatment is well trained, as often the doctor or psychologist will turn the actual treatment over to a technician who barely knows what they are doing; and
(2) the treatments can come with a tall price tag. Shop around for a reasonably priced provider.
To learn more about your treatment options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder visit the ADHD Information Library at http://www.add101.com.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.add101.com, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
professional maid services Park Ridge ..One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
Each child carries a unique picture of the self, shaped... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
No matter how old your children are, you have an... Read More
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of all... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is... Read More
Home, home on the range, Where never is heard A... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
Many years ago, my children were raised on the various... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a... Read More
The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But... Read More
More and more parents are expressing their concerns about how... Read More
There may really be a real monster under your kid???s... Read More
One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More
A while ago I received this story from David in... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
Courage means doing the right thing when it is hard,... Read More
If your child or teen has been diagnosed with Attention... Read More
Most of the ADHD kids that are seen in a... Read More
Before going further into choosing computers for children, I believe... Read More
The Flow of WaterWater is essential for life on the... Read More
It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
It was at that time when our marriage was falling... Read More
Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More
I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation,... Read More
How on earth can you help your family cope with... Read More
Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More
Parenting |