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March 28, 2006
ADHD Teens Calmed by Omega 3
Supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 oils could improve the behaviour and the attention span of teens with ADHD, say English researchers.
A new study supplemented 20 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 15 with omega-3 fish oils. Over 90% of the teenages were assessed to have moderate to severe ADHD.
After 3 months of taking Omega-3's their inattentiveness anfell from an average of 94% to 17% at the end of the trial. The results for impulsivity fell from 89% to 28%.
This trial not a blind study, instead was open and all the participants knew they were taking Omega-3's.
For more of the story go to:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=66694-omega-epa-adhd
Posted by ernestpr at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2006
Nuerofeedback Therapy and Brain Imaging Diagnosis
Last night I attended a seminar on an ADHD treatment method called neurofeedback. It was the first time I have heard of it and so I payed close attention so that I could report about it today. Essentially neurofeedback research started back in 1988 by Dr. Joel Lubar and Dr. Michael Lindon. The premise of this treatment is to train the brain over repetitive treatments to calm and focus itself thus reducing the symptoms of ADHD.
The first step of the treatment process is to evaluate the patient using an Q-EEG (Quantitative EEG). An Q-EEG essentially measures brainwave activity. This brain EEG is a non-evasive technique of applying electrodes to the scalp at different points. The resulting data is then processed to obtain a two dimensional map of brain activity. Based on reference treatment data the team can access whether the patient has ADD or not. This is a crucial step to avoid the wrong diagnosis.
After diagnosis, the treatment begins with a number of computer testing programs designed to train the brain through neurofeedback. With EEG electrodes attached to the scalp the series of computer testing begins. Some of these are games which are designed to rank the patients concentration. If concentration is not acheived at anytime through the game it is indicated on the screen and a therapist will encourage them to concentrate.
Each visit the patient is scored and evaluated for concentration and focus. As time progresses the patient will develop the skills to control their impulsivity, focus and concentration. So far the results of this treatment look positive, however there is not enough broad based research yet to determine its efficacy. Some claim a 70% success rate.
Many parents select this treatment because it doesn't involve the side effects associated with medication. For more information on this type of treatment try these links below.
Mission Psychological Consultants
www.MpcCares.com
1(800)ADD-9117
Posted by ernestpr at 07:04 AM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2006
Pediatric Board Does Not Recommend ADHD Drug Re-Labeling
The Food and Drug Administration pediactric advisory committee recommended that Ritalin and other like drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should not carry strong "black-box" warnings. These labels would have warned about cardiovascular and psychiactic risks. The advisory panel did recommend that labels be worded so that people can actually understand it.
A month earlier another panel advising the FDA recommended they push for a warning labels based on a 2004 FDA report that says 25 people died taking ADHD drugs and 43 people experienced strokes, cardiac arrest and heart palpitations between 1999 and 2003.
However todays recommendation may be followed by the FDA.
Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov
Posted by ernestpr at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)