01.12.10
More Tools to Help Manage ADHD Within the Family
By Leslie Rouder, LCSW
We often find that in a family where there is a child with ADHD, the other siblings (without ADHD) may get less attention. This is true, even when the attention is negative or punitive in some manner. It is important to be aware when (and if) this is happening, as it may cause resentment, jelousy and other negative consequences. It is also important to allow the other siblings to express feelings of anger or frustration, as well as participate in finding solutions to problems within the family.
Find ways to negotiate deals within the family rather than have every issue become a huge struggle. Try to get into the habit of sitting together as a family on a regular weekly basis and making concrete agreements in writing. Let each party agree upon what they are willing to do and what the consequences will be if anyone does not keep their part of the written contract. Keep all parties accountable under the written agreement.
Make time to discuss your management style and arrangements with your spouse so that you are both on the same page and present a “united front.” This will avoid any manipulation on the part of the children and keep structure and consistency in your parenting role.
Make use of outside feedback from teachers, therapists, other parents, or anyone else who may have consistent contact with your children. This will help you stay more objective and make use of other peoples knowledge or sugestions.
Always remember to be hopeful and stay positive in regard to the family. Look for the gifts and special talents in each of your children and remember that many individuals flourish and go on to having very productive lives with ADHD. Stay positive and hopeful. If you find yourself struggling with this, do not hesitate to seek outside help from a therapist or spirtual counselor. Your children will infinitately benifit from your ability to sustain a positive and hopeful attitude within the family.
Leslie is a licensed therapist and ADHD coach. She can be reached at Leslie@addadults.net
12.29.09
Tools for coping with ADHD and the Family
By Leslie Rouder, LCSW
Lately there have been a lot of questions in regard to how best to manage ADHD within the family. ADHD is not isolated to the individual (or individuals) in the family that have it. It effects the entire family on a daily basis in significant ways. So for this reason, my next few blog entries will address some of these concerns.
When a family member presents with what we would consider many common add symptoms, and has been properly diagnosed, the next step is to educate the whole family so that everyone understands what the diagnoses of ADHD actually means. Make sure to clarify that having ADHD is no one’s fault and to provide each family member the opportunity to ask questions. Do take your time to answer all questions because understanding what ADHD is all about can often alleviate many of the problems that arise in the family.
Try not to label the individual in the family as being “the one with ADHD”. Giving someone in the family a role or reputation of the “problem person” can set the family up for more of the same behaviors they are trying to avoid. What we expect from our children is often what we get. Focus on the strengths and special talents that all of the children in the family have and particularly focus on the special talents, creativity and sense humor that is indicative of children with ADHD. This will encourage those positive talents to be further developed and flourish.
Well, that’s all for the moment. Till next time, signing off.
12.12.09
Treating ADD with Brain Boosting Nutrients
By Leslie Rouder, LCSW
Although it is believed that treating ADD with proper medication and some form of counseling is the most effective treatment modality that we know of, it is also true that medication is not effective for all people. According to Edward Hallowell, MD, medication may not be effective for as much as 20% of the population. In addition, medication is not a cure for ADD and should be used in conjunction with other natural treatment modalities such as exercise and nutrients. This article will focus on several of the most recommended nutrients in the management of ADD and its symptoms. Remember to always check with your physician before starting any treatment modality in which you are ingesting natural herbs or supplements to avoid any conflicts with other supplements or medication you may be taking.
Food and the ADD Brain
Always eat balanced meals that include protein, fruits, vegetables, and fiber rich carbohydrates such as whole grain and wheat products. Eating protein in combination with these other nutrients reduces surges in blood sugar levels which lead to hunger, inattention and hyperactively. Protein rich foods include fish, lean beef, pork, eggs, dairy and soy and are vital in the production of neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals used by the brain’s cells to communicate with each other.
Vitamin Supplements
Multivitamin/mineral supplement
I personally believe that eating a healthy balanced diet is the best way to get all the necessary nutrients that one needs, but if you are unsure if you or your child are eating a fully balanced diet, supplementing with a good multivitamin/mineral can help. If you are giving chewable vitamins to your child, make sure they don’t have artificial ingredients or sugars in them, since this may increase levels of hyperactivity in some individuals. Hero’s Yummy Bears Multi-Vitamin and Mineral is an example of one such product that you might try.
Omegas -3s
Omega-3s are one of the most important supplements in treating the ADD brain. I recommend fish oil to all of my clients and take NKO Krill oil every day myself. Omegas -3s are found in cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines and studies have shown that individuals who lack this nutrient show deficits in cognitive functioning and ability to focus. Other good products recommended by various experts in the field include Nordic Naturals, OmegaBrite and Zone Labs. Barleans Omega Swirl smoothie is recommended for children or individuals that have difficulty swallowing pills.
B Vitamins
According to Richard Brown, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, dopamine levels in the brain are increased with the use of vitamin B-6. It is believed that increased levels of dopamine in the brain assist in higher levels of attentiveness. Supplement with B-6 or a high quality B vitamin formula (such as B-complex) that has adequate levels of B-6. Bio-Strath is one formula that is available both in liquid and pill form and Enzymatic Daily Energy B complex is another excellent product that I recommend and take on a daily basis.
Picamilon
Picamilon is a supplement that has shown to improve blood flow to the brain and acts as a mild stimulant. It is a combination of niacin and gamma-aminobutyric acid and B-vitamins and is shown to improve alertness in both children and adults according to Dr. Brown.
Minerals
Once again I would like to emphasize that a good balanced diet is the most beneficial and safe way to increase levels of vital minerals, however taking a good multi vitamin/mineral supplement can help if needed. Magnesium, zinc and iron are the three most important minerals in relationship to ADD.Magnesium has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain, while low levels of zinc have shown to decrease alertness and the ability to focus. This is due to the correlation of lower dopamine levels and adequate amounts of zinc. In addition, it has been determined that the effects of methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) are increased by the supplementation of zinc. Increased levels of dopamine are also affected by adequate amounts of iron. There have been several studies that indicate deficits in cognitive functioning and increased ADHD symptoms associated with low iron levels.
Herbs
I will caution anyone before using herbal remedies to check with their physician, as herbs are more potent than vitamin or mineral supplements and should be used under supervision. That having been said, the herbs most recommended by Dr. Brown are Ginkgo and Ginseng (which act as stimulants),Pycnogenol (which improves hyperactivity, focus, and visual-motor coordination according to several double blind studies) andRhodiola Rosea (shown to improve alertness, attention and accuracy). Caution should be used with young children in regard to Rhodiola Rosea due to its highly stimulating effects. However, it is recommended for students attending junior high school and up to college who need help in focusing for long periods of time while performing academic tasks such as studying and/or writing term papers.
Pycnogenol can be purchased at Nature’s Best. Rhodiola Rosea is available from Ameriden International and Swedish Herbal Institue-ProActive. When purchasing Ginkgo and Ginseng, the brands most recommended are Ginkoba and Gingold and can be purchased by mail order at Hsu’s Ginseng.
Leslie Rouder is a licensed therapist and ADD coach. She can be reached at Leslie@addadults.net or through her web site atwww.ADDadults.net.
11.28.09
ADD and the Holidays
As the holidays are upon us, I am noting more reported “common ADD symptoms” from my clients. It would make sense that with the extra tasks, errands, shopping, socializing, cooking, etc. that everyone would feel more stress around the holidays. (especially those with ADD) Having extra tasks to juggle along with one’s everyday responsibilities can make someone with ADD feel like they are “going over the edge” or “spinning one’s wheels”.
So, how best to find one’s balance? Here are a few suggestions that might help;
- Try to take some time for yourself everyday to reflect, meditate, and/or journal. (At night before going to sleep is a good time for this kind of reflection)
- Decide on 3 things that you want to accomplish each day and put them on your to-do list daily. ONLY 3 THINGS!!
- Take time to exercise daily.
- Be flexible but try to stick to your daily routine as much as possible.
- Join a weekly ADD support group or keep going to your support group if you are in one.
- Choose peace.
And lastly, enjoy your holidays and keep breathing. It will all be behind us before we know it! :)
Leslie Rouder is a licensed therapist and ADD coach. She can be reached at Leslie@addadults.net
07.26.09
Miami CHADD meetings starting in September
The Miami CHADD meetings will take place every 3rd Monday of the month starting September 14th. The meetings will be at 6:30 at Barry University Landon Hall Events Room. Feel free to contact me for further information.
05.26.09
Challenges of ADD and being in College.
I was recently asked by a college student how best to compensate for their lack of executive functioning skills around college assignments. She complained of not being able to organize her assignments, start them or stay on task and complete them. Here was the response that I provided to her.
If you have never been diagnosed with ADD, my suggestion would be to have a thorough evaluation with an individual qualified to diagnose ADD. That may be a school psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor of social worker who is well versed and trained in diagnosing ADD. Knowing what is causing these symptoms, will provide you with many answers. When working as a coach with my students at the university, I advise them to set up a regular study schedule. This helps them to stay on task in that they begin to develop regular study and school work time and habits. I also advise them to stay out of their dorm room (or home) and go to the library where there are many students studying and there are less distractions. The third thing I advise my students to do when feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do, is to take one small piece of the assignment at a time. Break each assignment down into smaller pieces. For example, if you have a large paper to write, the first action step you might take is to locate the research information to start the paper as the first step. Set up an amount of time that you can allocate to that task and set a timer. Next, write the first page only of the paper in an allocated amount of time. Set a timer for this as well. If you can only hold your attention for 30 minutes at a time, start by setting your timer for 30minutes. AS you develop the habit of working on a regular schedule you may find that you can go for longer periods of time without being distracted. Sometimes just starting the work provides you with the momentum to complete the task. You will need to experiment with what works best for you.
05.23.09
Will my child outgrow ADD?
30 to 40% of all children with ADD will outgrow this diagnosis or the symptoms of this diagnosis during puberty. That having been said, it should be noted that 60 to 70% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD as a child will not. In addition you should be aware that some individuals, as they get older (and particularly in adolescents), will learn how to compensate for their deficits and may look as if they have outgrown their ADHD. However, if you look more closely one will very often discover that the individual is really struggling and working much harder than their peers to compensate for their differences. In this case, the individual would still greatly benefit from treatment.
05.21.09
What are pros and cons of taking medication? Should my child be put on medication?
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Very often parents ask about the pros and cons of taking medication and whether it is right for their child. Before making a decision to take medication for ADD, it is very important that you educate yourself about the various types of medication and their possible side effects. If and when you are comfortable to try medication, here are some important things you’ll want to know.
The use of medication is considered to be the single most effective way of treating the symptoms of ADD and has historically been shown to be extremely effective with 80-90% of the people who try it. In addition, when used as prescribed, it has also been proven to be very safe, and there are no long term side-effects that are known at this time. Stimulants are the most commonly used medication for ADD, and when working properly, are known to increase concentration and the ability to focus. Some of the side effects in taking stimulants may be difficulty falling asleep, decrease in appetite, anxiety, nervousness, agitation, and sometimes headaches. Very often the negative side effects will go away after the dosage has been lowered.
When thinking about putting a child on medication, you want to be able to weigh the pros and cons. If the child is being adversely affected by not treating with medication, for example, the child is always having fights in school, being sent to the principal’s office, has no friends, does poorly in class work, and has very poor impulse control, and if the use of medication helps the child develop appropriate boundaries and aids in his or her sense of self-esteem, then medication may be a vital treatment in assisting that child in his or her development. Once again, you should feel comfortable and explore all the pros and cons of the medication you are thinking of before moving forward with this treatment modality.
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ADD support group?
If you are an adult with ADD or the partner of an adult with ADD looking for a support group in South Florida, please contact me at leslie@addadults.net or call me at (561) 706-1274. I am currently in the process of putting several new groups together that will be meeting weekly in Boca Raton.
