Introduction
A brain injury is an injury occurring in the brain of a living organism. Brain injuries can be classified along primary and secondary brain injury (process of the injury) and focal and diffuse injury (the extent or location of injury in the brain)
The forms of brain injury are:-
• Brain damage- that is the destruction or degeneration of brain cells.
• Traumatic -damage that occurs when an outside force traumatically injures the brain.
• Stroke-a vascular event causing damage in the brain. Usually causing dementia.
• Acquired - when damage to the brain that occurs after birth, regardless of whether it is traumatic or non traumatic, or whether due to an outside or internal cause.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Lewy bodies are abnormal protein deposits which appear in nerve cells in the brain stem. These bodies disrupt the brain's normal functioning thereby causing brain damage. The common illness that these bodies give a human on entering the brain is Dementia (meaning madness). Dementia with Lewy Bodies is a form of dementia that shares some features of both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The treatment and care of brain damage must be considered devotedly. Treatments vary for the type of injury. The doctor examines the injury and then provides the best care. The brain injury must however be taken care of by few measures like:-
• Appropriate Positioning: Usually the head of the bed should be elevated slightly and the neck should be kept straight. This position may decrease the intracranial pressure by allowing blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to drain from the brain.
• Fluid Restriction: the fluid intake of the patient must be limited, because the brain is like a sponge. It swells with extra fluid. Limiting fluids can help control the swelling.
• Medications: There are several types of medications used to treat such brain damage. Few of them are used to decrease the amount of water in the patient's body while a few to prevent seizures.
If the brain damage has reached to a high level, the medications might not work. So to take care of the brain injury, the doctor might suggest to undergo a surgery.
There are three types of surgery used with brain injury like Dementia with Lewy Bodies:
• Craniotomy - The skull is opened to relieve the causes of increased pressure inside the skull. Causes may be fractured bones, blood clots, or swollen brain tissue
• Burr holes - A small opening is made into the skull to remove blood clots
• Bone flap removal - A piece of bone is removed from the skull to relieve pressure caused by swollen brain tissue
The brain injury care treatment and care cost may vary from the type of injury, the treatment that needs to be done and also the hospital you choose. Few medical policies, cover the treatment of a brain injury.
by Re-Cognition Health
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Thursday, 23 August 2012
The Four-Seven-Eight Breathe Breathing Exercise for Anxiety
The Four-Seven-Eight Breathe Breathing Exercise for Anxiety:
Anxiety whether an established condition or just due to the fact that you are waiting for something very important to happen can lead to a very uncomfortable feeling. There exists different ways in which anxiety can be controlled so as to bring you back under the very necessary composure. One such technique is the use of a breathing exercise for anxiety.
The reason why breathing can be used to manage anxiety is that breathing and emotions have a reciprocal relationship. When you are anxious, your breathing is fast and erratic, when calm and relaxed the breathing is slow calm and rhythmic. This means that by controlling your breathing you can directly control your anxiousness.
A simple exercise to try is the four-seven-eight breath. This is an easy breathing exercise for anxiety that has to be done when seated. Sit down with your back straight and hands resting comfortably on your lap or thighs. Looking ahead and not gazing at anything or even closing your eyes will help boost your concentration hence better the exercise.
After you have assumed the right posture, start breathing in slowly and deeply to the mental count of four seconds. This will allow you to fill lungs. Ensure that you fill your lower lungs first by pushing out your abdomen and proceed filling the lungs upwards.
When your lungs are fully filled up, the next step of this breathing exercise for anxiety is holding your breath to the mental count of seven seconds. After this, slowly and smoothly exhale to the mental count of eight seconds. As you exhale, try to let go of all your anxiety, stress and tension. The above steps make one rep.Do at least twelve reps regularly or whenever you feel anxious. Remember to space the reps for the therapeutic effect of the pauses.
The benefits of this exercise are that it will tone your nervous system, calm the mind, regulate your breathing and balance out your emotions. All these activities will directly impact on the levels of anxiety in you and if properly done can bring everything under control.
Some important tips that will help maximize on the benefits of the breathing exercise for anxiety session are; the exercise can be done from anywhere where you can sit, if you lose your breath stop, breath freely and resume your reps, inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth and that soothing music or earplugs can help you blot out external interferences hence boosting concentration.
In curbing anxiousness, the above exercise only acts as a painkiller or symptom controller. It will be very much in order if you deal with the root cause of the anxiety so as to remain fully productive in the current very competitive world.
by Chantal Beaupre - Breathing Exercise for Anxiety
Anxiety whether an established condition or just due to the fact that you are waiting for something very important to happen can lead to a very uncomfortable feeling. There exists different ways in which anxiety can be controlled so as to bring you back under the very necessary composure. One such technique is the use of a breathing exercise for anxiety.
The reason why breathing can be used to manage anxiety is that breathing and emotions have a reciprocal relationship. When you are anxious, your breathing is fast and erratic, when calm and relaxed the breathing is slow calm and rhythmic. This means that by controlling your breathing you can directly control your anxiousness.
A simple exercise to try is the four-seven-eight breath. This is an easy breathing exercise for anxiety that has to be done when seated. Sit down with your back straight and hands resting comfortably on your lap or thighs. Looking ahead and not gazing at anything or even closing your eyes will help boost your concentration hence better the exercise.
After you have assumed the right posture, start breathing in slowly and deeply to the mental count of four seconds. This will allow you to fill lungs. Ensure that you fill your lower lungs first by pushing out your abdomen and proceed filling the lungs upwards.
When your lungs are fully filled up, the next step of this breathing exercise for anxiety is holding your breath to the mental count of seven seconds. After this, slowly and smoothly exhale to the mental count of eight seconds. As you exhale, try to let go of all your anxiety, stress and tension. The above steps make one rep.Do at least twelve reps regularly or whenever you feel anxious. Remember to space the reps for the therapeutic effect of the pauses.
The benefits of this exercise are that it will tone your nervous system, calm the mind, regulate your breathing and balance out your emotions. All these activities will directly impact on the levels of anxiety in you and if properly done can bring everything under control.
Some important tips that will help maximize on the benefits of the breathing exercise for anxiety session are; the exercise can be done from anywhere where you can sit, if you lose your breath stop, breath freely and resume your reps, inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth and that soothing music or earplugs can help you blot out external interferences hence boosting concentration.
In curbing anxiousness, the above exercise only acts as a painkiller or symptom controller. It will be very much in order if you deal with the root cause of the anxiety so as to remain fully productive in the current very competitive world.
by Chantal Beaupre - Breathing Exercise for Anxiety
Friday, 17 August 2012
What is ADHD Alternative Therapy?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects 3-5% of all children, though it is also a condition that also affects adults. You may run across numerous controversies on ADHD, mainly stemming from the fact that ADHD is commonly misdiagnosed, and because treatment plans are not always effective. One of the reasons why treatment is ineffective is because the role of medication is greatly exaggerated. No qualified doctor should ever tell you that ADHD medication would fix a child's problem. Not only is there no cure for ADHD, but too, medication should not be viewed as a means to control the symptoms. Rather, medication-if it is necessary-should be seen as a way to stimulate the child to respond to other forms of therapy. The common doctor-approved prescription upon diagnosis is that the family use medication while also starting ADHD therapy, and implement certain lifestyle and dieting changes.
Though this is the best approach to textbook ADHD, there are many authorities that object to the common ADHD diagnosis and treatment plan. Some say that diagnosing ADHD can actually have a detrimental effect on a child's self esteem and that its classification as a mental disorder may be premature. Many have gone on record as stating that some elevated episodes of impulsive behavior, inattention or even motor activity could still be classified as "normal" childhood traits. You also have to figure in the effect of a heavy sugar diet, as well as the prevalence of short-attention span entertainment in TV, movies and Internet.
No wonder many families have decided to stay away from stimulant or depressive medications in the favor of ADHD alternative therapy. Not only do they dislike the idea of prescribing strong drugs for relatively minor effects-they may also be intimidated by some of the more extreme side effects that have been reported with traditional stimulant medications. These side effects could include anything from psychosis to mood swings or irritability. Since the goal of ADHD treatment is to minimize these antisocial behaviors, obviously those side effects would be counterproductive to recovery.
ADHD Alternative Therapy Could Help Your Child
What about the option of ADHD alternative therapy? ADHD alternative therapy usually refers to holistic treatment, or perhaps another form of therapy besides medicinal or herbal treatment. Holistic therapies, like medication, are designed to stimulate a child's mind into responding to positive therapy and lifestyle change. Herbal supplements may be in the form of a multivitamin as well as an omega-3 or fish oil supplement. Diet changes would require a reduction in sugar, artificial colors, preservatives and other ingredients. There may also be other solutions in ADHD alternative therapy in the form of herbs and botanical extracts. Some of these might include Hyoscyamus, which can help reduce restlessness and over-excitability, Tuberculinum, for those who required constant stimulation as well as for children who are irritable, Arsen iod, which promotes balance and reduces temper tantrums, and Verta alb, which helps soothe the nerves.
When you are looking for herbal treatments, make it a point to find a Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and to buy these herbs from a reliable manufacturer. Although herbal supplements are not as powerful as stimulant medication, they can still have effects on the mind and body and should be administered carefully. Talking to a doctor before starting a new ADHD alternative therapy may also be a shrewd idea.
Remember that it can never hurt to start a child on an herbal diet and monitor the results before pursuing stimulant medication. The goal in ADHD therapy is to help the child relax and take steps towards progressive lifestyle change. A prescription is never a recipe for overnight success.
by Einar Eskeland
Though this is the best approach to textbook ADHD, there are many authorities that object to the common ADHD diagnosis and treatment plan. Some say that diagnosing ADHD can actually have a detrimental effect on a child's self esteem and that its classification as a mental disorder may be premature. Many have gone on record as stating that some elevated episodes of impulsive behavior, inattention or even motor activity could still be classified as "normal" childhood traits. You also have to figure in the effect of a heavy sugar diet, as well as the prevalence of short-attention span entertainment in TV, movies and Internet.
No wonder many families have decided to stay away from stimulant or depressive medications in the favor of ADHD alternative therapy. Not only do they dislike the idea of prescribing strong drugs for relatively minor effects-they may also be intimidated by some of the more extreme side effects that have been reported with traditional stimulant medications. These side effects could include anything from psychosis to mood swings or irritability. Since the goal of ADHD treatment is to minimize these antisocial behaviors, obviously those side effects would be counterproductive to recovery.
ADHD Alternative Therapy Could Help Your Child
What about the option of ADHD alternative therapy? ADHD alternative therapy usually refers to holistic treatment, or perhaps another form of therapy besides medicinal or herbal treatment. Holistic therapies, like medication, are designed to stimulate a child's mind into responding to positive therapy and lifestyle change. Herbal supplements may be in the form of a multivitamin as well as an omega-3 or fish oil supplement. Diet changes would require a reduction in sugar, artificial colors, preservatives and other ingredients. There may also be other solutions in ADHD alternative therapy in the form of herbs and botanical extracts. Some of these might include Hyoscyamus, which can help reduce restlessness and over-excitability, Tuberculinum, for those who required constant stimulation as well as for children who are irritable, Arsen iod, which promotes balance and reduces temper tantrums, and Verta alb, which helps soothe the nerves.
When you are looking for herbal treatments, make it a point to find a Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and to buy these herbs from a reliable manufacturer. Although herbal supplements are not as powerful as stimulant medication, they can still have effects on the mind and body and should be administered carefully. Talking to a doctor before starting a new ADHD alternative therapy may also be a shrewd idea.
Remember that it can never hurt to start a child on an herbal diet and monitor the results before pursuing stimulant medication. The goal in ADHD therapy is to help the child relax and take steps towards progressive lifestyle change. A prescription is never a recipe for overnight success.
by Einar Eskeland
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
What Should Parents Know About Treating ADHD?
ADHD is far from being only a disease diagnosis. ADHD children are often times very creative and very energetic. The major concern as a parent is not to change your child's personality, but to help control his impulsive or hyperactive behavior so that he does not offend others or make dangerous decisions. The truth is, ADHD can cause many problems if it is left untreated, just as any other disorder could. One of the main problems of ADHD is that it can lead to other serious conditions such as Bipolar Disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Children who suffer from ADHD are not merely energetic and exuberant-that is the positive side of ADHD. The negative side involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This can manifest itself in many different antisocial ways, such as clashing with parents or friends. The youngster may fall behind in school or have difficulty maintaining friendships. Since adults gradually do create coping mechanisms for ADHD, they do require that learning process during youth.
Treating ADHD requires minimizing the symptoms of ADHD, which will require a number of treatments. There may be medication or herbal supplements involved, especially if the child has excessive energy and seems to lack control over his impulses. However, treatment will not be focusing on the drugs. The primary focus is teaching the child coping skills so that he can live with the symptoms of ADHD and still live a productive and socially acceptable life. There is no cure for treating ADHD, and prescription drugs are certainly not going to make an improvement on their own. Rather, they will stimulate the mind of a child so that he will be more open to trying behavioral therapy, social skills training, professional coaching and perhaps even support groups.
ADHD Treatment After Diagnosis
When you first receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you will be working closely with your child's doctor and therapist (and perhaps even his school) so that you can find a workable solution. When you start treating ADHD, the first step will be to develop a treatment plan. It must be determined by a credible authority the best way to go about behavioral modification, how to host parental interventions, school, interventions, and what medication or herbal supplements are needed, if any.
Your first step may be in contacting a physician or a therapist; not merely a pediatrician but also a doctor who specializes in ADHD and ADHD treatment. There are many types of office professionals that can choose to work with. Remember that only a child psychiatrist has the authority to prescribe medications or to officially diagnose ADHD. A psychologist can diagnose the condition, but treatment will only involve talk therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapists may be able to set up behavior modification programs at school or at home. Educational specialists focus on school education and ADHD while behavioral coaches take a more one-on-one approach with children and parents.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has listed two basic principles that every behavioral modification program follows. The first is that therapy should set specific goals so that a child always has a direction in which to channel all of that energy. Next, the authority figure must provide rewards and consequences based on positive and negative behavior.
Medication may help and so may herbal supplements, which are natural and less powerful than certain prescription drugs. However, many families prefer herbal substitutes for treating ADHD because they are not as radically affecting. Remember above all else that drugs are not the coping mechanism-training and education is the only way to ensure a child can live happily with ADHD.
by Einar Eskeland
Children who suffer from ADHD are not merely energetic and exuberant-that is the positive side of ADHD. The negative side involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This can manifest itself in many different antisocial ways, such as clashing with parents or friends. The youngster may fall behind in school or have difficulty maintaining friendships. Since adults gradually do create coping mechanisms for ADHD, they do require that learning process during youth.
Treating ADHD requires minimizing the symptoms of ADHD, which will require a number of treatments. There may be medication or herbal supplements involved, especially if the child has excessive energy and seems to lack control over his impulses. However, treatment will not be focusing on the drugs. The primary focus is teaching the child coping skills so that he can live with the symptoms of ADHD and still live a productive and socially acceptable life. There is no cure for treating ADHD, and prescription drugs are certainly not going to make an improvement on their own. Rather, they will stimulate the mind of a child so that he will be more open to trying behavioral therapy, social skills training, professional coaching and perhaps even support groups.
ADHD Treatment After Diagnosis
When you first receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you will be working closely with your child's doctor and therapist (and perhaps even his school) so that you can find a workable solution. When you start treating ADHD, the first step will be to develop a treatment plan. It must be determined by a credible authority the best way to go about behavioral modification, how to host parental interventions, school, interventions, and what medication or herbal supplements are needed, if any.
Your first step may be in contacting a physician or a therapist; not merely a pediatrician but also a doctor who specializes in ADHD and ADHD treatment. There are many types of office professionals that can choose to work with. Remember that only a child psychiatrist has the authority to prescribe medications or to officially diagnose ADHD. A psychologist can diagnose the condition, but treatment will only involve talk therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapists may be able to set up behavior modification programs at school or at home. Educational specialists focus on school education and ADHD while behavioral coaches take a more one-on-one approach with children and parents.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has listed two basic principles that every behavioral modification program follows. The first is that therapy should set specific goals so that a child always has a direction in which to channel all of that energy. Next, the authority figure must provide rewards and consequences based on positive and negative behavior.
Medication may help and so may herbal supplements, which are natural and less powerful than certain prescription drugs. However, many families prefer herbal substitutes for treating ADHD because they are not as radically affecting. Remember above all else that drugs are not the coping mechanism-training and education is the only way to ensure a child can live happily with ADHD.
by Einar Eskeland
Saturday, 11 August 2012
5 Big Reasons ADHD Medications Are Only Part of the Answer
Let's face it, for the parents of children with ADHD, and the adults who are frustrated with similar symptoms affecting every aspect of life, there is no question. Giving a child a pill for the disorder is not enough. Patients, family members, and friends already know at least 5 big reasons ADHD medications are only part of the answer for relieving the symptoms and making life more bearable.
Amazingly, the most common ADHD medications used to treat the disorder are actually stimulants! Considering the major symptoms, it seems totally bizarre to treat a hyper-activity, attention deficit disorder with drugs that will further stimulate the brain. However, the opposite is usually the case. Psycho-stimulators often help balance the chemicals in the brain, resulting in a calming more attentive persona.
However, doctors will be the first to admit that ADHD medications are only a small part of the treatment necessary for children and adults suffering from this all-too-common debilitating affliction. Here are 5 reasons why medication is only part of the treatment:
1. Time limitations
2. Side affects
3. Simultaneous disorders
4. Therapy
5. Coping skills
Of course, the long list has been the subject of volumes. Nevertheless, let us consider just a few of the most prominent reasons why any ADHD medication alone will not work.
Time
Generally, ADHD medication only work for 4 hours, or at most 6 hours. Thus, it means parents, school officials, and health care providers have to medicate children more often. Unfortunately, it is not recommended that kids be responsible for taking the pills as prescribed, so a supervisory adult must always be available when the next dose is due. Thus, the problems of ensuring proper dosing can be a challenge.
Side affects
Unfortunately, most any ADHD medications on the market today are not without side effects. While some patients may only recognize the benefits, other patients have to cope with added problems. Thus, it is questionable whether the benefits outweigh the added health concerns. Some of the potential problems include:
• Weight loss
• Increased activity before next dose
• Tics
• Risk of addiction
• Death
In many cases, many ADHD medications decrease appetite. Thus, individuals will lose weight. While some people may consider this an added benefit, it can actually result in more health problems in the long-term.
In addition, there is the problem of increased activity between doses. It is not time for the next pill, but the ADHD medication is definitely wearing off. Thus, patients are left with a space of time where the symptoms are worse and coping is extremely difficult, until the next dose kicks in, and once again relieves the symptoms.
Then again, some patients also experience addition symptoms due to ADHD medication. Individuals may develop tics of the facial muscles, jerkiness, and other problems that will actually require more medication or coping skills.
As with any medications, there is always the risk that something will go wrong. Parents and patients have a legitimate worry that the medication will result in addiction. Then, if there comes a time to try something different, it will be almost impossible to get off of the stimulants. Also, some patients with ADHD have died, and doctors speculate the medication may have been a contributing factor.
Simultaneous disorders
Even with ADHD medications to deal with the symptoms, many of the patients also suffer from other disorders requiring equal attention. For example, individuals often have learning disabilities, glaring behavioral problems, anxiety disorders, depression and more. Thus, it is incumbent upon caregivers to address all of the health issues with a combination of treatments.
Therapy
Since many patients have underlying mental, physical, emotional, and social health concerns, therapy is a resource that medication alone cannot equal. In truth, ADHD affects the entire family. Not only does the sufferer need therapy, loved ones need to have support and the tools needed to deal with this chemical imbalance and associated disorders.
Coping skills
Therapy for the whole family is vital. ADHD medications are only a small part of the treatment package. Everyone needs better understanding of the disorder and the coping skills to handle life twenty-four hours of every day. ADHD is not easy for anyone, including siblings and loved ones who may provide emotional and relief support.
In short
Make no mistake about it! ADHD is a disorder that cannot be maintained by ADHD medications alone. Oftentimes, patients have other health related issues to contend with, and family members are also suffering and need professional assistance. It is a problem that affects all facets of life, and needs to be treated with every tool available to patients, parents, and professionals.
by Einar Eskeland
Amazingly, the most common ADHD medications used to treat the disorder are actually stimulants! Considering the major symptoms, it seems totally bizarre to treat a hyper-activity, attention deficit disorder with drugs that will further stimulate the brain. However, the opposite is usually the case. Psycho-stimulators often help balance the chemicals in the brain, resulting in a calming more attentive persona.
However, doctors will be the first to admit that ADHD medications are only a small part of the treatment necessary for children and adults suffering from this all-too-common debilitating affliction. Here are 5 reasons why medication is only part of the treatment:
1. Time limitations
2. Side affects
3. Simultaneous disorders
4. Therapy
5. Coping skills
Of course, the long list has been the subject of volumes. Nevertheless, let us consider just a few of the most prominent reasons why any ADHD medication alone will not work.
Time
Generally, ADHD medication only work for 4 hours, or at most 6 hours. Thus, it means parents, school officials, and health care providers have to medicate children more often. Unfortunately, it is not recommended that kids be responsible for taking the pills as prescribed, so a supervisory adult must always be available when the next dose is due. Thus, the problems of ensuring proper dosing can be a challenge.
Side affects
Unfortunately, most any ADHD medications on the market today are not without side effects. While some patients may only recognize the benefits, other patients have to cope with added problems. Thus, it is questionable whether the benefits outweigh the added health concerns. Some of the potential problems include:
• Weight loss
• Increased activity before next dose
• Tics
• Risk of addiction
• Death
In many cases, many ADHD medications decrease appetite. Thus, individuals will lose weight. While some people may consider this an added benefit, it can actually result in more health problems in the long-term.
In addition, there is the problem of increased activity between doses. It is not time for the next pill, but the ADHD medication is definitely wearing off. Thus, patients are left with a space of time where the symptoms are worse and coping is extremely difficult, until the next dose kicks in, and once again relieves the symptoms.
Then again, some patients also experience addition symptoms due to ADHD medication. Individuals may develop tics of the facial muscles, jerkiness, and other problems that will actually require more medication or coping skills.
As with any medications, there is always the risk that something will go wrong. Parents and patients have a legitimate worry that the medication will result in addiction. Then, if there comes a time to try something different, it will be almost impossible to get off of the stimulants. Also, some patients with ADHD have died, and doctors speculate the medication may have been a contributing factor.
Simultaneous disorders
Even with ADHD medications to deal with the symptoms, many of the patients also suffer from other disorders requiring equal attention. For example, individuals often have learning disabilities, glaring behavioral problems, anxiety disorders, depression and more. Thus, it is incumbent upon caregivers to address all of the health issues with a combination of treatments.
Therapy
Since many patients have underlying mental, physical, emotional, and social health concerns, therapy is a resource that medication alone cannot equal. In truth, ADHD affects the entire family. Not only does the sufferer need therapy, loved ones need to have support and the tools needed to deal with this chemical imbalance and associated disorders.
Coping skills
Therapy for the whole family is vital. ADHD medications are only a small part of the treatment package. Everyone needs better understanding of the disorder and the coping skills to handle life twenty-four hours of every day. ADHD is not easy for anyone, including siblings and loved ones who may provide emotional and relief support.
In short
Make no mistake about it! ADHD is a disorder that cannot be maintained by ADHD medications alone. Oftentimes, patients have other health related issues to contend with, and family members are also suffering and need professional assistance. It is a problem that affects all facets of life, and needs to be treated with every tool available to patients, parents, and professionals.
by Einar Eskeland
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Is ADHD Medication the Answer?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition both controversial (as regards the opinion of many experts) and yet one that is very difficult for parents and children to deal with. Symptoms of ADHD may include impulsiveness, which is the tendency to act quickly without thinking things through; hyperactivity, in which a person who is unable to keep still or concentrate easily; and inattention, in which a person daydreams or seems to space out. There are also several other associated behavioral symptoms that might affect a child who has ADHD. Though occasionally the legitimacy of the condition is debated, most doctors agree that it is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder, and one that affects a small percentage of the world's population of children. Many doctors also believe that this disorder is chronic and that it will affect children even as they grow into adults.
What will help this condition is if children are taught coping mechanisms in their youth so that they will know how to handle ADHD as they grow older. Do you notice something telling about this statement? That's right-the main objective here is for the child to learn how to cope with this condition. There is no way of curing ADHD, not even with medication. In fact, the most problematic cases you hear about involving children and ADHD medications, are when parents try to solve the problem by giving children medicine, hoping the problem will disappear. It simply does not work that way.
A competent doctor will prescribe not only medication (and only if it is absolutely necessary) but also will tell the family to incorporate a change in diet, lifestyle and perhaps suggest some behavior modification along with regular counseling. These recommendations are what will eventually help the child learn to live with ADHD. ADHD medication will merely stimulate the child to be able to process this other treatment more effectively.
Is stimulant ADHD medications safe? The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that most stimulant prescription drugs are safe for children and that children can tolerate such medication for a period of five years. It has not been determined whether these drugs have any long-term effects beyond this time period. The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have both stated that children should be tested for heart conditions before proceeding with ADHD medication.
Can Medication Be Beneficial?
The good news is that about 70% of children have benefited from ADHD medication, statistically speaking. Stimulant drugs are cost-effective and are known to tolerate for a short number of years-usually just enough time for the child to become close to legal age. However, this certainly does not imply that ADHD medication is always the answer and is "always" safe. In fact, some stimulant drugs could produce some concerning physical or mental side effects. Ritalin is one of the most negatively-covered drugs in the media and for legal purposes it will list some concerning side effects: psychosis, difficulty in sleeping, mood swings, nervousness, stomach aches, diarrhea, headaches, lack of hunger and weight loss, dry mouth, and irritability. Therefore, if a parent were to notice any of these or similar symptoms in their child, they would certainly want to cease or decrease the medication, depending on the doctor's advice.
Remember that herbal supplements could be considered ADHD medication, but may not involve the risks that certain stimulant drugs carry. Many herbal supplements are considered natural treatments for some personality disorders. Research whatever medication you or your doctor is thinking about and always put your child's long-term well being above convenience!
by Einar Eskeland
What will help this condition is if children are taught coping mechanisms in their youth so that they will know how to handle ADHD as they grow older. Do you notice something telling about this statement? That's right-the main objective here is for the child to learn how to cope with this condition. There is no way of curing ADHD, not even with medication. In fact, the most problematic cases you hear about involving children and ADHD medications, are when parents try to solve the problem by giving children medicine, hoping the problem will disappear. It simply does not work that way.
A competent doctor will prescribe not only medication (and only if it is absolutely necessary) but also will tell the family to incorporate a change in diet, lifestyle and perhaps suggest some behavior modification along with regular counseling. These recommendations are what will eventually help the child learn to live with ADHD. ADHD medication will merely stimulate the child to be able to process this other treatment more effectively.
Is stimulant ADHD medications safe? The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that most stimulant prescription drugs are safe for children and that children can tolerate such medication for a period of five years. It has not been determined whether these drugs have any long-term effects beyond this time period. The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have both stated that children should be tested for heart conditions before proceeding with ADHD medication.
Can Medication Be Beneficial?
The good news is that about 70% of children have benefited from ADHD medication, statistically speaking. Stimulant drugs are cost-effective and are known to tolerate for a short number of years-usually just enough time for the child to become close to legal age. However, this certainly does not imply that ADHD medication is always the answer and is "always" safe. In fact, some stimulant drugs could produce some concerning physical or mental side effects. Ritalin is one of the most negatively-covered drugs in the media and for legal purposes it will list some concerning side effects: psychosis, difficulty in sleeping, mood swings, nervousness, stomach aches, diarrhea, headaches, lack of hunger and weight loss, dry mouth, and irritability. Therefore, if a parent were to notice any of these or similar symptoms in their child, they would certainly want to cease or decrease the medication, depending on the doctor's advice.
Remember that herbal supplements could be considered ADHD medication, but may not involve the risks that certain stimulant drugs carry. Many herbal supplements are considered natural treatments for some personality disorders. Research whatever medication you or your doctor is thinking about and always put your child's long-term well being above convenience!
by Einar Eskeland
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