Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a behavioral and cognitive condition that affects people’s daily lives and can make societal integration more difficult. ADHD is a fairly common neurodevelopmental disorder that is frequently identified in children and persists in adults. In reality, inattention and hyperactive or impulsive behavior are the two main signs that help to identify ADHD disorder. 

In fact, these two categories are separated into related factors. Examples of behaviors related to inattention are being more prone to distraction, making careless mistakes, forgetting things, and having trouble organizing tasks. Some behaviors related to hyperactivity are being unable to sit still, excessively talking, having little or no sense of danger, and acting on impulse. 

All of these symptoms are most frequently present during childhood, and they are most typically seen when the child is enrolled in an academic program with a rigid schedule and set regulations. This sort of environment can be difficult for a child with ADHD to adjust to, and the behavior problems become apparent.

ADHD & People of All Ages

In addition to the symptoms that affect children, it’s also intriguing to highlight how adults can show ADHD symptoms that are similar to those in children, but they manifest as issues with organization, procrastination, mood swings, and inability to cope with stress, amongst other things. The disorder is typically diagnosed in childhood, with a prevalence rate of 11%, a male-to-female ratio of 3:1, and an adult population prevalence of 4% to 6%.

Additionally, it’s critical to draw attention to the difficulties and gender-based disparities that ADHD may bring about. In actuality, women are twice as likely as men to have ADHD, and because their symptoms differ just slightly from those of men, they typically become aware of their condition much later than men do. 

Internalized signs of ADHD in girls include inattentiveness, low self-esteem, and daydreaming. On the other hand, boys tend to externalize their frustration by being more impulsive in their behavior. Some adults struggle to balance work, caring for their children, organizing the house, and remembering everything on a daily basis. 

Depression or stress-related symptoms are often a trigger in requiring intervention in adulthood. Though women’s symptoms may be more subtle than men’s, scientific data demonstrates that both sexes are equally impacted by the condition and experience its crippling effects.

Treatments for ADHD

Current treatments for ADHD include medication, for example, stimulants, such as methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, dexmethylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, and others. Stimulants are thought to work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, promoting attention and motivation, whilst preventing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. 

Non-stimulating drugs, that include atomoxetine, bupropion, and alpha2-adrenergic agonists, can be prescribed. These benefit from the lack of unwanted side-effects in comparison to stimulants, which can induce agitation, insomnia, and lack of appetite. Transcendental meditation is a form of meditation thought to reduce problematic symptoms with repetitive practice; it should be practiced twice daily for at least 10 minutes, as it has been shown to boost blood flow in brain areas of attention during fMRI scanning. 

Both medical and meditative methods work to improve focus, curb impulsive behavior, and temporarily induce relaxation. However, there is a practice that might be a new suitable long-term alternative to improve ADHD. 

Neurofeedback Training & Long-Term ADHD

Neurofeedback is a learning process to train the elasticity of the brain to modify and regulate its cerebral activity, an interesting alternative to classic treatments. The electroencephalogram (EEG), which records brain activity, is used for the training. The EEG contains tiny sensors attached to the scalp that it used to capture the electrical signals generated by the brain. 

The goal is to identify the abnormal brain activity associated with ADHD, as the frontal region of the brain exhibits excessive activity in the form of slow theta wave activity in ADHD children. Then, to change the negative habits in the brain, mind positive everyday life activities are introduced into the patients life. The individual can view their brain wave progression on the monitor, providing immediate results that can be verified by the device. 

For the patient, it is a supportive procedure that inspires confidence and drives them to continue. More specifically, the frontal lobe’s medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as the posterior cingulate cortex, which show poorer EEG activity in people with ADHD, are the targeted brain regions for treatment.

Neurofeedback Training at NHA

Here at Neurohealth Associates, we specialize in Neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback may be helpful for training your mind, especially if you are unsure about putting yourself or your child on medication. 

This easy, noninvasive training can painlessly improve your mental health condition and outlook on life. Schedule a consultation with NeuroHealth Associates today and find out how we can help you.

Original information posted by The Badger.