I Dont Believe in ADHD
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 http://www.newideas.net, 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.
Related News
iParenting Media Awards Announce Greatest Products for Holiday 2008 - MarketWatch
Positive Parenting Practices May Prevent Aggressive Behavior Among ... - AAP Grand Rounds (registration)
The TV channel to good parenting - Melbourne Herald Sun
Read and be seen: parenting skills for dads - Great Dad
Keep dads in kids' lives; urge shared parenting after divorce - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Gay adoption ruling favors good parenting over sexual orientation - Sun-Sentinel.com
Learning Parenting 101: Better Late Than Never - Hartford Courant
Learning Parenting 101: Better Late Than NeverHartford Courant, United States -8 hours agoWelcome to Parenting 101, a two-part introduction to the fundamentals of effective child-rearing. Upon passing this course, which will conclude with next ... |
Should Schools Close on Inauguration Day? - Washington Post
Should Schools Close on Inauguration Day?Washington Post, United States -14 hours agoLet us know in the comments here or on the On Parenting blog. Stay on top of the latest from Inauguration Watch! This easy-to-use widget is simple to add to ... |
Bourdain dishes about parenting, food - Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
Bourdain dishes about parenting, foodClarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN -22 hours agoBy SUZETTE LABOY • AP • December 1, 2008 MIAMI BEACH — After spending years introducing television viewers to unusual eats from around the globe, ... |
Parenting: The Idle Parent - Telegraph.co.uk
Telegraph.co.uk |
Parenting: The Idle ParentTelegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom -20 hours agoIt is highly critical, for example, of full-time day care for small children, arguing that, in the early years, the child needs its parents to be close by. ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Teacher Tips: Your Room Set-Up and ADHD Students
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com. You can read over 500 classroom interventions at http://www.ADDinSchool.com.
Eye-Opening Questions for Working Parents to Ask
I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted cookie while I was carrying him out of the bakery. I asked him, "Can you give mommy a bite?" He leaned over and gently bit me on the cheek.
Diet Sodas And How They Can Affect Kids
Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas as an alternative to sugary regular sodas. We figure this is a better choice rather than loading our and our children's bodies with large quantities of sugar. Whilst diet sodas do help us avoid a sugar overload (which can lead to weight gain) we should also be aware of the effects of caffeine contained in many cola flavored diet sodas.
Cloning; is it for you?
What would it be like to have a clone? What would it be like to be a clone? If you end up cloning yourself you just might have the opportunity to find out what you might do in those shoes, but it takes about 16 years of times on the investment side until the new clone is viable enough and taught enough to perform up to your required ability to propel your goals.
Why have children? DINCs, This is For You!
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the Boomers, the Busters, the Boomlets, and Generation X. Now we have the DINCs, which stands for Double Income, No Children. I'm not talking about those who are unable to have children or who postpone having children until their financial crisis or mega-time-commitment to career has stabilized. I'm referring to those who are determined not to have children. Ever. Period. If this is your situation, please consider what follows.
Playful Parenting - More than Just Fun and Games
Early childhood educators have called play "children's work". Many parents believe their children should be doing something more productive than merely having fun. But, actually, play fosters physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. Encouraging your child to play is vital for his development as well as his happiness.
Raising Boys
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness of the issues surrounding boys in most of the western world. It is common knowledge that boys lead the way in all the wrong statistics, including; problematic behaviours, learning difficulties and health problems. Educators and professionals around the world are looking for ways to cater for and engage young males.
Breastfeed a Toddler - Why?
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and you're
considering weaning?
Teach Your Children About the Importance of Water
The Flow of Water
Navigating in the New World: Parents and Teenagers Growing Together
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture is the one that says, "Adolescence is a time of inevitable conflict." You will hear doctors say it, and teachers, and therapists, and pastors, and even parents. It seems that nearly everyone has bought into this myth. The thinking goes like this: 1. Teenage "rebellion" is normal; 2. Because teenage "rebellion" is normal it is to be accepted, perhaps even encouraged by those who work regularly with teenagers; 3. Because teenage "rebellion" is normal, teenagers who do not rebel are "not normal," and will certainly have serious problems later in life; 4. Therefore, to be healthy, teenagers must rebel; The Conclusion to this logic is that "Rebellion today equals healthy living tomorrow." Therefore, Rebellion is simply an investment in the future! However, the Truth is that conflict and rebellion during the adolescent years is not inevitable. In fact, the adolescent years can be a time of great closeness between parents and teens. The fact that teenage rebellion is "common" does not make it "normal." By "common" we mean a behavior that is observed often; "Normal" means that a certain behavior is the way that God intended for the behavior to be from the beginning. Never confuse "normal" with "common." Teenage rebellion is simply rebellion against authority, against their parents. Rebellion is not simply a difference of opinion between parents and teens. Please do not interpret a difference of opinion as rebellion. And rebellion is not simply a teenager's attempt to "grow up" and become more "independent." Instead, rebellion is the attempt to overthrow the legitimate family government that is in place. Rebellion in a family is similar in this respect to rebellion in a nation's government. Rebellion by teenagers against their parents is the attempt to overthrow the parents as the authority in the home; the attempt by the teenager to make himself "King" in his own life; the rejection by the teenager of his parent's values and beliefs. In every layer of human society God has instituted a system of "government" or a "chain of command structure." These systems are seen from national governments right down to marriages, families, and the church. Every social organization, or social system, has an organization that provides structure, teaches values to new members, provides for the enforcement of values among its members, and provides leadership. The family is important to our society, as it provides the next generation with core values and beliefs, and with a model of appropriate behavior. In America, the leading causes of teenage rebellion are:5. Moral relativism in the culture;4. Lack of parental supervision, or lack of parental influence;3. Outside influences from the culture (especially the glorification of sex) delivered to teenagers through the entertainment media, such as popular music, movies, and TV;2. Peer dependence, peer influence, and peer pressure;1. Boyfriends/girlfriends. Work with your teen, spend time with your teen, and talk with your teen. There is no substitute for your time and attention invested in his or her life.
Parenting Your Teenager: The 4 Ds of Time with Family
How would you like to have more time? Of course we all want more time. There are just two problems: 1. We can't add more hours to the day; 2. Even if we could add more hours, we would just fill them up with the same stress we have now.
Putting Your Child To Bed
Are you glad for the chance to put your child to bed? Is this a great time for you and your kids or is it serious business? Is it a time in your day you look forward to, or do you have to grit your teeth to face the struggle? Bedtime is a terrific opportunity for us and our children. Spending just a few minutes with each of our children at bedtime can offer us the chance to really connect with them in ways that during the day, which is often hectic, it is much more difficult.
Children Need Roots and Wings
"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas Salk
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them: Top 5 Internet Safety Tips
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them
Developing a Fantastic Relationship with Your Child
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy playing child and shower him with excited hugs and kisses without warning." What's wrong with this picture?
The Seven Keys to Child Obedience
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This is the tool that allows you as parents to train your child. Through obedience your child will learn self-control and develop other positive character traits that he will need as an adult.
Give Your Child the Gift of Self-Esteem
Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in truth every child is born with unlimited potential. As expressed so well by Orison Marden:
Dinner Table Drama
It has been a long day. Home from work, you put together a nice, healthy dinner for the entire family to enjoy. Gathering the family around the table, you sit down to eat and within a minute, a voice pipes up, "I don't like anything." Encouraging, you say, "I've made some of your favorite foods and even put a couple new things on the table that I'm sure you will like if you just try. I really think if you will take one bite, you'll love it." The response, "No, I don't want to eat because I don't like it."
Aquini Potty Training Dolls - A Great Tool For Potty Training!
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dolls
Picky Eater - Fighting the Good Fight
Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is not
so much about food as it is about control. As children become
more independent, conflicts can arise as they carefully
scrutinize what goes into their mouths. The more you push, the
more they resist with the outcome resulting in tears and
frustration.
|
