O.K. I've heard it a hundred times from my prison guard friends, "I don't believe that there is such a thing as ADD. It's only something made up from the drug companies to drug our children." They know because they read an article in a magazine, or saw a show on TV once. I guess they also believe in aliens in government, and that Elvis still lives somewhere in Oklahoma.
Look, there are lots of physical differences between the actual brains of people with ADD and those who don't have it, and there are also functional differences in the way that their brains work. And there are lots of scientists and physicians who are investing lots of time and money into identifying and writing about those differences. Just because their research is too boring to make the Morning Show on TV doesn't mean that it doesn't exist, or isn't true.
The Functional Differences include studies with EEGs, Q-EEGs, CPTs, psychological testing, and "functional" MRIs (fMRI). They showed differences in activation levels of various areas of the brain, differences in brainwave patterns, and differences in glucose metabolism (as measure of brain work load) between ADHD subjects and non-ADHD subjects. They also showed the ADD ADHD groups to have poorer performance on timed tasks, slower reaction time, slower processing times, lower problem solving abilities, less fine motor control, less gross motor control, differences in evoked potentials, and problems with inhibition, as compared to the controls.
The Structural Differences include studies with MRIs, PET scans, and SPECT scans. They show subtle structural differences in the prefrontal cortex (smaller right anterior frontal cortex, and less white matter in the right frontal lobes which cause problems with sustained or focused attention), caudate nucleus (asymmetries which cause problems with self-control), and globus pallidus. They also show that the right hemisphere of the ADHD brain is, on average, 5% smaller than the control groups. They also show differences in blood flow in certain parts of the brain, as well as specific chemical abnormalities in ADHD subjects.
The studies on Essential Fatty Acid levels in ADHD subjects vs. non-ADHD subjects are interesting. The ADHD groups had significantly lower concentrations of key essential fatty acids than did the control groups, and about 40% of the ADHD group showed signs of EFA deficiency (increased thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, and dry hair). Low levels of Omega 6 EFAs contributed to higher incidents of illness (colds, flu, etc.), and deficits in Omega 3 EFAs contributed to problems with learning, behavior, sleep, and temper. These studies support the case for EFA supplementation as a part of the overall treatment approach to ADHD.
Genetic Studies on Attention Deficit Disorder show gene alterations that may contribute to ADHD in some children. They are especially looking at the DRD4 dopamine receptor gene. Familial Genetic Studies show that Attention Deficit Disorder runs in families. For example, a child with an older sibling with ADHD is 300% to 500% more likely to himself have Attention Deficit Disorder than is a child without ADHD siblings. Twin studies and Adoption studies are also included.
Is your head spinning yet? I hope so.
ADHD is a real disorder with a neurological basis. It impacts about 5% of the population in America, so it is a very real problem for a lot of people. Stop trying to make it into a myth or an excuse. It is a condition that can be treated, improved, helped, and overcome with the proper interventions. To learn more about ADHD visit the adhd information library.
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 adhd information library, 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.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDuring the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
Did you know that the school system is only able... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
"There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More
Although it's hard to say when the first stuffed dogs... Read More
As parents, we strive to address all of the questions... Read More
"I took care of Callie," my three-year-old announced.Callie had been... Read More
Single parenting has seemingly become an acceptable norm which is... Read More
Levels of SafetyBy teaching our children there are different levels... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
ADHD comes in differenty forms, or types. What... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
It may seem obvious to many people why literacy is... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
Ask parents what their biggest school year challenge is, and... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
It's no surprise that the self-image and self-esteem of overweight... Read More
1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a... Read More
For every season, check, check, check, There is a chart,... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Home schooling. What is it? What does it mean to... Read More
As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More
One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
Now I know that is not how the song goes,... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
Raising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not... Read More
It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More
Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
On a bright Sunday morning, a couple of weeks ago,... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
Does your child pout, blame and brood? Does he gripe,... Read More
The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
I remember when my daughter was born, later my son.... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
Q. Our 17-year-old son wants us to let his girlfriend... Read More
Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
Parenting |