Sue Scheff: Parenting ADHD

Source: ADDitude Magazine

John’s mom came to his session in tears. “What can I do about the horrible mood that John is in every day after school?” Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) often experience emotions more intensely than their peers, and can become overwhelmed by sadness or worry. Depression and anxiety, which are primarily disorders of mood regulation, commonly coexist with the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Some children need medical intervention to combat depression or anxiety, so it’s important to consult with your child’s doctor. But most children can be taught to regulate their bad moods and ADHD behavior problems with some simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. CBT is a form of therapy that teaches people how to control their moods or behavior by changing their thought patterns. Here are some of the methods I taught John and his parents to help him feel in charge of, rather than controlled by, his “mood monsters”.

Make the moods visible.

Children often experience anxiety as a sense of dread. Maybe your child is terribly afraid of going to her room alone. When you ask why, she answers, “I don’t know.” Ask your child to draw a picture of what her bad feelings look like, and give a form to her anxiety. Having an image of the “monster” makes it easier to fight it off.

Give feelings a name.

Labeling depression, anxiety, or other feelings can make them easier to manage, too. Practice identifying feelings and facial expressions. (Try the “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster at childtherapytoys.com.) Take turns with your child, pointing to faces that look “Mad,” “Excited,” “Sad,” or “Worried,” and describing a time when each of you experienced such a feeling. This exercise reminds kids that grown-ups have different types of feelings, too, and that they learn to master them.

Chase away bad feelings.

Relaxation, breathing techniques, and visual imagery can help kids fight off depression and anxiety. Practice these in the evenings (they’ll also help your child unwind before bedtime). Once he’s mastered a calming technique, he can use it to stop a bad feeling in its tracks.

Relax: Have your child lie down and focus on and relax one body part at a time—hands, arms, chest—until his entire body is calm and anxious feelings have been crowded out.

Breathe: Teach your child to breathe in deeply, count from one to three, then breathe out. As breathing slows, the body becomes more relaxed. If your child focuses on each breath, he won’t be able to focus on the bad thoughts, moving them from the center of his attention.

Visualize: Ask your child to think about happy times or a good feeling. One boy I worked with would imagine himself “being licked by a whole bunch of puppies.” Another child pictured walking through a cool forest. If your child is fearful of a particular situation, such as a test, he should picture himself successfully completing the test.

Practice what you teach.

When children see their parents taking a deep breath or talking about feelings, they adopt such techniques more readily to fight off mood monsters. Help your child learn to calm himself, rather than feed his worry: “I know we can find a way to make this better for you. How should we solve this?” Chances are, your confidence will inspire him to find a solution.
Read more here.

What Is ADHD? Diagnosis and Treatment Information

Source: ADDitude Magazine

An expert on ADHD and learning disabilities talks about the biology behind attention deficit disorder and why it’s sometimes so difficult to diagnose and treat ADHD symptoms in children.
by Larry Silver, M.D.

In my 40 years as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I have treated thousands of youngsters. With some children, I am able to make a quick evaluation about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and outline a course of treatment. With others — more often than I care to admit — I have to tell parents that it’s not clear what is wrong. It’s not that I lack the expertise or diagnostic skills. It’s just that psychiatry isn’t quite as far along as other medical specialties.

A pediatrician can do a throat culture and tell at once whether a child needs an antibiotic; appropriate treatment follows the diagnosis. In contrast, psychiatrists are often required to initiate a specific treatment and worry about clarifying the diagnosis later on. As I often tell parents, we must “put out the fire and blow the smoke away” before we can figure out what started the fire.

If a child is having problems in school, he may have attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), but it’s also possible that he has a learning disability. Or depression. Or anxiety. Sometimes what looks like ADHD is the result of family tensions.

If ADHD seems to be even a part of such a “mixed clinical picture,” I typically prescribe medication. If this solves the problem, terrific. But in many cases, another intervention is needed to address persistent academic, emotional, or family problems. Only weeks or months after treatment has been initiated will the full clinical picture become clear.

I understand parents’ concern about medicating their children. My clinical knowledge notwithstanding, I agonized over whether my granddaughter, who has ADHD, should be on meds. (Ultimately, we decided she should.) I have found, however, that parents often feel better about ADHD meds when they understand a bit about neurotransmitters, the remarkable compounds that govern brain function.

How neurotransmitters work
Before I tell you about these special brain chemicals, let me explain a bit about brain anatomy.

There are millions of cells, or neurons, densely packed into various regions of the brain. Each region is responsible for a particular function. Some regions interact with our outside world, interpreting vision, hearing, and other sensory inputs to help us figure out what to do and say. Other regions interact with our internal world — our body — in order to regulate the function of our organs.

For the various regions to do their jobs, they must be linked to one another with extensive “wiring.” Of course, there aren’t really wires in the brain. Rather, there are myriad “pathways,” or neural circuits, that carry information from one brain region to another.

Information is transmitted along these pathways via the action of neurotransmitters (scientists have identified 50 different ones, and there may be as many as 200). Each neuron produces tiny quantities of a specific neurotransmitter, which is released into the microscopic space that exists between neurons (called a synapse), stimulating the next cell in the pathway — and no others.

How does a specific neurotransmitter know precisely which neuron to attach to, when there are so many other neurons nearby? Each neurotransmitter has a unique molecular structure — a “key,” if you will — that is able to attach only to a neuron with the corresponding receptor site, or “lock.” When the key finds the neuron bearing the right lock, the neurotransmitter binds to and stimulates that neuron.

Read entire article here: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1572.html

How to Raise an ADHD Superstar

As a mother of an ADHD son, I am constantly reminding others that being ADD/ADHD is not a handicap - these kids are highly intelligent! Being a parent we will do what is best for our children, whether it is medication (which to some is controversial) or using specific diets such as the Feingold Program. Either way, we as parents have to find what works best for our families and child.

Source: ADDitude Magazine

Meet the mothers of three ADHD super-achievers — an Olympic record-breaker, a TV heavyweight, and a world-class adventurer — and learn how they helped their kids beat the odds.

What does it take to succeed despite attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD)? It takes hard work, for starters — a willingness to meet challenges head-on. It takes support from family members, teachers, therapists, and coaches. And, of course, it’s hard to overstate the benefits of ADHD medication.

But, of all the ingredients needed to make a happy, successful life, nothing is more important than good parenting. Behind almost every ADHD success story is a devoted parent (or two). In honor of mothers, let’s give credit where credit is due.

The three mothers profiled here helped their sons and daughters achieve great things — more than they could have imagined. Steadfast and resourceful, they saw strength where others saw weakness, and kept looking for ways to help their children after others were ready to give up. Let their stories inspire you!

Read entire article here: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1998.html

Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) Standing Up for Your Child's Educational Rights

By ADDitude Magazine

Learn your child’s educational rights to get him the support he needs in the classroom.

In an ideal world, teachers and school administrators would be as eager as parents to see that children with ADD get what they need to succeed in school. Unfortunately, teachers are pressed for time as never before, and school districts are strapped for cash. So it’s up to parents to make sure that their kids get the extra support they need.

“The federal government requires schools to provide special services to kids with ADD and other disabilities, but the school systems themselves bear much of the cost of these services,” says Susan Luger, director of The Children’s Advisory Group in New York City. “Though they’ll never admit it, this gives the schools an incentive to deny these services. The process of obtaining services has become much more legalistic over the past 10 years.”

Click here for the entire article.

Sue Scheff: ADHD Medication at School

By ADDitude Magazine

Guidelines to follow if your child needs a dose of ADHD medication during the school day.

If your child takes medication for attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), make sure it's administered on schedule and that it's working as intended. Along with the doctor, the classroom teacher and school nurse can be valuable allies in this effort. Include the following steps in your medication plan.

Make sure your child's symptoms are "covered" whenever necessary.Consider the possibility that he may need coverage beyond school hours—so that he can complete homework assignments and enjoy after-school activities and social relationships.Remember that the duration listed on a medication's package materials is only an approximation. A four-hour tablet might control symptoms for as few as three hours—or as many as five. A 12-hour form might last only 10 hours.

Read entire article here: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1035.html

Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) The Truth about TV and ADHD

By ADDitude Magazine

Is watching TV linked to a rise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Here's what you should know about the causes of ADHD in children.

If you're like a lot of parents, you've probably used your television as a baby-sitter. Anxious to grab a few moments to fix dinner, straighten up, or take a breather, you've turned to the flashy colors and graphics of SpongeBob or Rugrats to mesmerize your child.

Read the entire article here.

Sue Scheff (P.U.R.E.) Can Children Outgrow ADHD?

By ADDitude Magazine


Parents of children with attention deficit disorder often wonder if their kids will stay on ADD drugs for life. A medical expert explains.



I recently diagnosed eight-year-old Aidan with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). When I met with his parents to explain the disorder, each time I described a symptom, his mother exclaimed, “That’s me!” or “I’ve been like that all my life, too.” At the end of the appointment, she asked me if she should be evaluated, as well.



As an adult, Aidan’s mother had jumped from job to job, and had difficulty meeting household demands. As a child, she had struggled through school, often getting into trouble and getting poor grades. After a thorough evaluation of her chronic and pervasive history of hyperactivity, distractibility, and other symptoms of ADHD, she was diagnosed by a psychiatrist who works with adults.



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Sue Scheff: ADHD and Heart Problems

By Connect with Kids

“The concern is that there is the possibility of sudden cardiac death, although it’s not well-established whether it’s related to the medication or not. But certainly those children who have a history of structural cardiac abnormalities should not be taking this medication.”

– Dr. Richard Winer, M.D., psychiatrist

Approximately 2.5 million American children are on stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) -- medication that, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could potentially trigger heart problems. That’s why the American Heart Association has a new recommendation.

Devon, 17, takes the prescription medicine Adderall because she has ADHD -- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Devon also has a defective valve in her heart.

“I don’t know if my heart condition is going to change or get more serious,” says Devon.

Her mother has the same fear.

“I’ve lived with this all the time, wondering secretly what this medicine was really doing to my child,” says Colleen Baird, Devon’s mother.

Is there a link between ADHD medications and heart problems?

Recent studies show that children on stimulant medication are 20 percent more likely to visit the ER for heart-related problems than kids not on these medications. That’s why the American Heart Association is recommending that every child have an EKG (electrocardiogram) prior to taking stimulants.

“The concern is that there is the possibility of sudden cardiac death, although it’s not well-established whether it’s related to the medication or not. But certainly those children who have a history of structural cardiac abnormalities should not be taking this medication,” says Dr. Richard Winer, M.D., psychiatrist.

Experts agree that any child on medication should be closely monitored by a physician. Experts also say that not all ADHD kids should be taking medication and that there are other treatments. According to Winer, however, medication increases the odds of success.

“There’s always the possibility that a child might be able to function at a decent level using non-pharmacological approaches … but the odds are certainly much greater in favor of a child who actually does utilize medication as long as they’re physically able to do so,” says Winer.

Devon’s mom says it’s a painful dilemma: the medicine helps Devon’s functionality and grades in school, but it may also be damaging her heart.

On the other hand, says her mother, “If she wasn’t on her medication, I’d also live with the other fears, the impulsivity – driving in a car, getting in an accident … doing something that is just as dangerous for her.”

Tips for Parents

Although medication is not the only way to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) says research clearly demonstrates that it can be helpful. Stimulant medication can “improve attention, focus, goal directed behavior and organizational skills.”

Other treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, parent education and modifications to the child’s educational program. The AACAP says a child who is diagnosed with ADHD and treated appropriately “can have a productive and successful life.”

ADHD occurs in an estimated 3-5 percent of school-age children, beginning before age 7 and sometimes continuing into adulthood. ADHD runs in families with about 25 percent of biological parents also having the disorder. According to the AACAP, a child with ADHD often shows some of the following symptoms:

Trouble paying attention
Inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
Easily distracted
Loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework
Trouble finishing class work and homework
Trouble listening
Trouble following multiple adult commands
Blurts out answers
Impatience
Fidgets or squirms
Leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively
Seems "on the go"
Talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly
Interrupts or intrudes on others
The FDA recommends that parents ask the following questions before selecting medication as the best treatment for their child's ADHD:

Will this drug cause a problem with other drugs my child is taking?
Will t his drug affect any other conditions my child has?
How often does my child need to take this medicine?
How many days or weeks does my child need to take this medicine?
What if I miss giving my child a dose of the medication?
How soon will the drug start working?
What side effects does the medicine have?
What should I do if my child begins experiencing any of these side effects?
Should I stop giving my child the medication when my child's behavior starts to improve?

References

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
National Parent Information Network

Sue Scheff - P.U.R.E. - ADHD Symptom Checklist

By ADDitude Magazine

Do you have ADD? Use this checklist to understand common ADHD symptoms and test your own behavior before seeking an ADHD diagnosis.

You may have attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) if you notice the following symptoms persisting for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and immature. If you suspect that you have ADD or ADHD, contact your medical health-care professional...At least six of the following ADHD symptoms often apply:

Click here for the entire article.

Sue Scheff: 12 Parenting Strategies The Work with ADD Kids

12 Parenting Strategies That Work for ADD Kids by ADDitude Magazine

A dozen ways to be a better parent to your ADD child.

Most parents are good parents. But if your son or daughter has attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), "good" may not be enough. To ensure that your child is happy and well-adjusted now and in the future—and to create a tranquil home environment—you've got to be a great parent.

Click Here for the Entire Article.

Sue Scheff (P.U.R.E.) Using Chores to Teach Better Behavior to ADHD Children

By ADDitude Magazine

Household chores work wonders in teaching good discipline to ADHD children.

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Sue Scheff: The Feingold Program

The Feingold Program (also known as the Feingold Diet) is a test to determine if certain foods or food additives are triggering particular symptoms. It is basically the way people used to eat before "hyperactivity" became a household word, and before asthma and chronic ear infections became so very common. Used originally as a diet for allergies, improvement in behavior and attention was first noticed as a "side effect." It is a reasonable first step to take before (or with if already begun) drug treatment for any of the symptoms listed on the Symptoms page.

Visit http://www.feingold.org/

Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) - ADDitude Magazine and Website

LIVING WELL WITH ADD AND LEARNING DIFFERENCES

Wow - what a great informational website and magazine. ADD/ADHD is widely diagnosed among many children. Learn more about ADD/ADHD and other learning differences - click here.