Attention Deficit Hyperacitivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Simply stated, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a result of dysfunction in key areas of the brain that are responsible for focusing, sustaining, and shifting attention.

The anterior system, involving the frontal and temporal lobes, is the primary system for focused attention and sustained mental concentration. The posterior system is responsible for shifting attention as necessary, and for noticing new things in the environment.

When the anterior system is not functioning correctly in AD/HD, typically it is “underaroused.” It feels like you do when you haven’t had enough sleep and you need that cup of coffee. However, the issue is not sleep. The problem is that the brain can’t finish waking itself up like regularly functioning brains do. This is why stimulants will work in the short-term – it’s like a cup of coffee for the brain.

This is also why some people seem “hyperactive.” They are trying to create enough activity to keep their brains awake. (Think of how you feel after a long road trip at night and you’re almost home, and dead tired.) This activity is not necessarily a conscious choice; rather often it’s a response to the brain’s own attempt to finish waking up.

When the posterior system is not functioning well, a person may appear over-focused. They people are often not able to shift their attention when necessary, and may go on “endlessly” on one topic, clueless to social cues to move on in the conversation. This type of attentional dysfunction is less often considered under the ADD/ADHD grouping.

Six Types of Attention Deficiencies Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, Daniel Amen, M.D. has been able to demonstrate these dysfunctions in real time. He has profiled six distinct types of attentional dysfunction.

• Type 1: Classic ADD – inattention, distractible, disorganized, hyperactive, restless, impulsive.
• Type 2: Inattentive ADD – inattentive, sluggish, slow-moving, low motivation, “spacey,” “daydreamers,” “couch potatoes.”
• Type 3: Overfocused ADD – trouble shifting attention, stuck in endless loops of negative thoughts/behaviors, worry excessively, obsessive, inflexible, can be oppositional and/or argumentative.
• Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD – mood instability, very impulsive, inattentive, irritable, aggressive, dark thoughts.
• Type 5: Limbic ADD – chronic low grade depression, negative, low energy, inattentive, feeling hopeless/worthless.
• Type 6: “Ring of Fire” ADD – overly sensitive to the environment, hyperverbal, very oppositional, angry, irritable, inattentive, extremely distractible, cyclic moodiness. (May be categorized as “bipolar” by some.)

(From Healing ADD, by Daniel G. Amen, M.D., 2001)

ADD/ADHD is characterized by areas of under-arousal in the brain which show up as excessive amounts of low frequency brainwaves which makes it difficult to concentrate long enough to accomplish a task quickly or efficiently. It is a functional disorder of the brain, meaning that the function of the brain, not the actual brain tissue itself, is the source of the problem.

The brain can be taught to function more effectively, leading to a reduction or elimination of distressing symptoms. Because the problem is poorly functioning brainwaves (the electrical system of the brain), using methods that don’t help the brainwaves improve can only provide temporary relief, if that. Chemicals like caffeine or Ritalin can do the job that the brainwaves are supposed to do, but only short term, and never without side effects.

Training the brain to produce the necessary brainwaves at the right time is beneficial in several ways. The brain learns to wake itself up without chemical assistance. The proper brainwave functioning will lead to more balanced brain chemistry, as the brainwaves prompt the chemical messages in the brain. And, there are no negative side effects with a well-functioning brain!

General Symptoms Leading to a Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD

The following are some of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Having five or more of these symptoms may indicate ADD.

• Short attention span
• Impulsive behavior
• Difficulty in completing tasks
• Risk taking behavior
• Mood Swings
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Easily Distractible
• Squirming or fidgeting
• Easily bored

You may notice that these symptoms can also describe the boredom of a bright child in an unchallenging environment, as well as a frustrated person with undiagnosed or under-diagnosed learning disabilities. These are also age-appropriate behaviors in very young children. It is important to have your child (or yourself!) thoroughly evaluated. Do not rely on a simple checklist when deciding whether to use brain-altering medications.

ADD/ADHD in the Adults

It is now clear that, while a few people do “outgrow” AD/HD as they mature into adults, most do not. This is likely due to the fact that the situation that created the underarousal has not sufficiently changed; the brain has not been properly challenged to get back on track. Stimulants do not challenge the brain to produce proper brain waves any more than a crutch will strengthen your leg muscles. Both have their places, but are meant to be temporary and do not provide the ongoing development.

In the workplace an individual's symptoms may manifest as chronic forgetfulness, disorganization, a messy work environment that does not work for them, numerous mistakes and/or habitual procrastination. These are obviously not traits of good employees and may explain why many with this disorder change jobs frequently.

Many individuals who suffer from ADD/ADHD have tendencies toward depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. You may know them as caffeine addicts, or they may prefer more sedating options. They often have difficulties socially, stemming from their limited ability to read social nuance. Their attempts at sarcasm may be surprisingly mean, while they are confused by the negative reaction of others.

Effective Non-Drug Method for Treating ADD/ADHD

We use Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) to create positive, lasting changes in adults and children struggling with the symptoms and difficulties of ADD/ADHD. This drug-free method is a safe and effective treatment, and has been demonstrated by over 30 years of research and clinical success. Long term follow-up studies show lasting changes.

A recent study by Beauregard (2006) used fMRI imaging to show that brain wave biofeedback improved the circuitry of the brain in those with ADHD. That study also showed significant improvement in performance tests and behavior ratings where a control group showed no such improvements. Studies by Monastra et al. (2002) show that children on stimulant medications can stop taking their drugs without a resurgence of symptoms after EEG biofeedback training.

Brain wave training is one form of biofeedback

In all forms of biofeedback you monitor an aspect of your physiology and train with a live display of your own output. In brain wave training with an EEG you sit comfortably and let music and graphics guide your mind toward relaxed concentration. This reduces excess mental turbulence and allows the brain to find more efficient ways to operate. The results are pervasive with broad benefits for mental executive functions, mood stability and even improved quality of sleep.