ADD Treatment Center - ADD/ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Resources

<body topmargin="0" leftmargin="0"> <p>This page uses frames, but your browser doesn't support them.</p> <b><font size="5">W</font></b>While most of us may sometimes desire a little more alertness and perhaps sharper focus, some of us have an exceptionally difficult time focusing, concentrating, and being still. When these problems begin to interfere with our daily lives or with the lives of those around us, this “condition” may qualify as a disorder known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, or Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD. This is predominantly a genetic, neuro-physiological condition generally present in the frontal lobes of the brain. ADD/ADHD is characterized by the excessive outward symptoms of distractibility, impulsivity and, in some cases, hyperactivity. It is suspected that these symptoms, most visibly hyperactivity, are the result of the mind and body compensating for a very under aroused central nervous system. Often those with the disorder struggle with additional complexities such as anger, moods, depression, low self-esteem or self-image, oppositional defiance, disrespect for authority and other related issues. These typically are the logical outgrowth of the labeling or marginalizing that may go on within themselves, within schools and social settings, as well as the home or workplace.<br> </p> <p style="text-indent: 5; margin-left: 5; margin-top: 5; margin-bottom: 0"> The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder can have far reaching implications. Adults and children are likely to be seen as underachievers, having great potential but consistently performing below their abilities. They may appear disrespectful or non-caring by not listening when they should or by losing interest easily. They may seem forgetful or uncooperative. They may appear to lack judgment in social situations by interrupting, speaking their mind or failing to consider the needs and social conventions of others. Commonly, academic problems are pronounced. They are likely to have poor reading comprehension, poor writing mechanics and bad spelling. They may show difficulties in completing tasks or not turn in completed works on time, or at all. Even with tutoring or coaching they may seem to lack the discipline required for improving organizational skills or for developing good study habits. <br>  </p> <p style="text-indent: 5; margin-left: 5; margin-top: 5; margin-bottom: 0"> <a name="ADD Brain"></a>ADHD occurring in both males and females with or without hyperactivity is understood to be a disorder of relative “under arousal”. Such individuals show lower and/or slower than average physiological reactions to stimuli. Excessive levels of “low frequency” (drowsy) patterns appear in the brain’s electrical activity. This excess in low frequency brainwave activity is often most pronounced during reading, listening or other non-stimulus tasks, and can look much like Stage 2 sleep. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and others are currently the most commonly recommended and prescribed treatment for ADHD by psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners across the United States and Canada. This is because with the introduction of stimulant medication into the body, the patient’s brain activity is pharmaceutically elevated out of a low frequency, under aroused state. Adequate levels of stimulants seem to allow for some measure of focus and attention. One may observe that when we first get hyperactive children to sit or be still, they rapidly drop off into a drowsy state. These folks seem to live at the edge of sleep, much like a driver who is getting tired and involuntarily drops off, even while fighting it. If the tired driver could just get up, move around or just do something different he would become more alert. Hyperactivity in the same way is thought to be the body’s way of attempting to maintain normal arousal in an effort to prevent drowsiness. This is why amphetamine medications (speed) create the so-called “paradoxical” effect of calming down ADHD behavior. <br> Although excessive levels of low frequency brainwave patterns mark ADHD, their neurology shows brief periods of activation in the raw EEG data during a patient’s performance of a task. These brief “operants” of focus and alertness are spontaneous periods when the brain becomes more activated and are the moments that neurofeedback therapy reinforces.</p> <p class=p4 align=left style='margin-top:5;margin-right:0; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:5;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left; text-indent:5;'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:18.0pt'>T</span></b><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>he following guidelines or "tips" might be helpful in dealing with issues in couples where one partner has ADD. These tips offer a starting point for discussion. The best way to use them is to read them out loud, together. If a suggestion seems relevant to you, pause over it and discuss it. As you do this, you can begin to set up your own way of dealing with ADD in your relationship. The keys to it all, as is the case with most problems in couples, are improving communication and resolving the power struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:5;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt'> </p> <ol> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-top:13;margin-right:0;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:5;margin-bottom:13;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Make sure you have an accurate diagnosis. Once you are sure of the diagnosis, learn as much as you can about ADD. There is an increasing body of literature out on the topic. The more you and your mate know, the better you will be able to help each other. The first step in the treatment of ADD is accurate diagnosis and education.</span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Keep a sense of humor! If you let it be, ADD can be really funny at times. Don't miss out on the chance to laugh when the laugh is there. At that psychological branch point we all know so well-ADD or no ADD-when the split-second options are to get mad, cry, or laugh, go for the laughter. Humor is a key to a happy life with ADD.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Declare a truce. After you have made the diagnosis and have done some reading, take a deep breath and wave the white flag. You both need some breathing space to begin to get your relationship on new footing. You may need to ventilate a lot of stored-up bad feeling. Do that, so you won't lug it with you everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Set up a time for talking. You will need some time to talk to each other about ADD-what it is, how it affects your relationship, what each of you wants to do about it, what feelings you have about it. Don't do this on the run <span class=SpellE>i.e.</span>, during TV commercials, while drying dishes, in between telephone calls, etc. Set up some time. Reserve it for yourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Spill the beans. Tell each other what is on your mind. The effects of ADD show up in different ways for different couples. Tell each other how it is showing up between you. Tell each other just how you are being driven crazy, what you like, what you want to change, what you want to preserve. Get it all out on the table. Try to say it all before you both start reacting. People with ADD have a tendency to bring premature closure on discussions, to go for the bottom line. In this case, the bottom line is the discussion itself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><![if !supportLists]> <span style='font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; font-size:7.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; mso-list:Ignore; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'> </span><![endif]><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Write down your complaints and your recommendations. It is good to have in writing what you want to change and what you want to preserve. Otherwise you'll forget.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><![if !supportLists]> <span style='font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; font-size:7.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; mso-list:Ignore; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'> </span><![endif]><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Make a treatment plan. Brainstorm with each other as to how to reach your goals. You may want some professional help with this phase, but it is a good idea to try starting it on your own.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Follow through on the plan. Remember, one of the hallmarks of ADD is insufficient follow-through, so you'll have to work to stick with your plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Make lists for each other. Try to use them constructively, not as threats or evidence in arguments of what you have requested that hasn't been done.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Use bulletin boards. Messages in writing are less likely to be forgotten. Of course, you have to get in the habit of looking at the bulletin board!<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Put notepads in strategic places such as by your bed, in your car, in the bathroom and kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p5 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 28.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Consider writing down what you want the other person to do and give into him or her in the form of a list every day. This must be done in a spirit of assistance, not of dictatorship. Keep a master appointment book for both of you. Make sure each of you checks it every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Take stock of your sex lives in light of ADD. As was mentioned earlier, ADD can affect sexual interest and performance. It is good to know the problems are due to ADD, and not something else.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Avoid the pattern of mess-maker and cleaner-upper. You don't want the non-ADD partner to "enable" the ADD partner by cleaning up all the time, in the manner that the nonalcoholic spouse may "enable" the alcoholic spouse by covering up all the time. Rather, set up strategies to break this pattern.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Avoid the pattern of <span class=SpellE>pesterer</span> and tuner-outer. You don't want the non-ADD partner to be forever nagging and kvetching at the ADD partner to pay attention, get his or her act together, come out from behind the newspaper, etc. People with ADD frequently need a certain amount of "down time" every day to recharge their batteries. It is better that this time be negotiated and set aside in advance rather than struggled over each time it comes up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Avoid the pattern of the victim and the victimizer. You don't want the ADD partner to present himself or herself as a helpless victim left at the merciless hands of the all-controlling non-ADD mate. This dynamic can evolve easily if you aren't careful. The ADD person needs support and structure; the non-ADD mate tries to provide these. Unless there is open and clear communication about what is going on, the support and structure can feel like control and nagging.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Avoid the pattern of master and slave. Akin to number 16. However, in a funny way it can often be the non-ADD partner who feels like the slave to his or her mate's ADD. The non-ADD partner can feel that the symptoms of ADD are ruining the relationship, wrapping around it like tentacles, daily disrupting what could be, and once was, an affectionate bond.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Avoid the pattern of a sadomasochistic struggle as a routine way of interacting. Prior to diagnosis and intervention, many couples dealing with ADD spend most of their time attacking and counterattacking each other. One hopes to get past that and into the realm of problem-solving. What you have to beware of is the covert pleasure that can be found in the struggle. ADD is exasperating; therefore, you can enjoy punishing your mate by fighting with him or her. Try, rather, to vent your anger at the disorder, not at the person. Say "I hate ADD" instead of "I hate you," or say "ADD drives me crazy" instead of "You drive me crazy."<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>In general, watch out for the dynamics of control, dominance, and submission that lurk in the background of most relationships, let alone relationships where ADD is involved. Try to get as clear on this as possible, so that you can work toward cooperation rather than competitive struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Break the tapes of negativity. Many people who have ADD have long ago taken on a resigned attitude of "There's no hope for me." The same can happen to both members of the couple. As will be mentioned in many places throughout this book, negative thinking is a most corrosive force in the treatment of ADD. What I call the "tapes of negativity" can play relentlessly, <span class=SpellE>unforgivingly</span>, endlessly in the mind of the person with ADD. It is as if they click on as the sun rises and click off only when the unconsciousness of sleep shuts them down. They play, over and over, grinding noises of "You can't," "You're dumb," "It won't work out," "Look how far be-hind you are," "You're just a born loser." The tapes can be playing in the midst of a business deal, in the reverie of a car ride home, or they can take the place of making love. It is hard to be romantic when you are full of negative thoughts. The thoughts seduce you, like a satanic mistress, into "loving" them instead. These tapes are very difficult to stop, but with conscious and sustained effort, they can be smashed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Use praise freely. Encouragement, too. Begin to play positive tapes. Find something positive to say about your mate or about yourself every day. Build each other up consciously, deliberately. Even if it feels hokey at first, often as exercise feels <span class=SpellE>goo</span>d at first, over time it will feel good and have a sustaining effect.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><![if !supportLists]> <span style='font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; font-size:7.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; mso-list:Ignore; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'> </span><![endif]><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Learn about mood management. Anticipation is a great way to help anyone deal with the highs and lows that come along. This is especially true in ADD. If you know in advance that when you say<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p1 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:.5in list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>"Good morning, honey!" the response you get might be "Get off my back, will you!" then it is easier to deal with that response without getting a divorce. And if the other member of the couple has learned something about his or her moods, the response to "Good morning, honey!" might be "I'm in one of my ADD <span class=SpellE>flinks</span>," or something like that, instead of an attack on the other person.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Let the one who is the better organizer take on the job of organization. There's no point in flogging yourself with a job you can't do. If you can't do the checkbook, don't do the checkbook. IF you can't do the kids' clothes shopping, then don't do the kids' clothes shopping. That's one of the advantages of being in a couple. You have another person to help out. However, the job the other person does instead of you must then be adequately appreciated, noticed, and reciprocated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Make time for each other. If the only way you can do this is by scheduling it, then schedule it. This is imperative. Many people with ADD slip away like quicksilver: now you have them, now you don't. Clear communication, the expression of affection, the taking up of problems, playing together and having <span class=SpellE>flin</span>-all these ingredients of a good relationship cannot occur unless you spend time together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> <li> <p class=p2 align=left style='margin-left:5;text-align:left;text-indent: 5;line-height:100%;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:13.0pt 32.0pt list 46.0pt; margin-right:0; margin-top:13; margin-bottom:13'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Don't use ADD as an excuse. Each member of the couple has to take responsibility for his or her actions. On the other hand, while one mustn't use ADD as an excuse, knowledge of the syndrome can add immeasurably to the understanding one brings to the relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </li> </ol> <b><font size="5">O</font></b>ur medical and psychiatric community has only recently begun to understand more about attention deficit disorder with respect to neurophysiology, heredity, and psychology. Bodies of evidence in the form of clinical reports and research studies have been available to professionals for some time now, but only in the last four to five years have these materials been compiled and brought together under one comprehensive understanding about this disorder. With the onset of technology our understanding of brain function has tremendously improved and is continuing to improve each year. It is because of these improvements that advancements in the treatment of a verity of neurological disorders, including ADD have been realized. <p style="text-indent: 5; margin-left: 5; margin-top: 5; margin-bottom: 0"> <span id="PubSt21F"><b><font size="5">I</font></b>t is our intention, at the A.D.D. Treatment Centers to educate communities as to the impact ADD can have on society, on families and most importantly those individuals afflicted. We intend to freely provide comprehensive sound information and recourses to any one who needs them.  Finally, we are committed to providing powerful medical and psychological treatment programs to successfully reduces or alleviates attentional deficits, to minimizes or alleviates need for stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall and to empowers individuals with new skills for increased learning, social</span><span id="PubSt22F"> </span><span id="PubSt21F">development and self-esteem building. </span> </body>