ADHD IN ADULTS
Information Resource on Natural Treatments for ADHD
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is a nuerological condition that can persist throughout life and is often left undiagnosed until adulthood. One of the most common misdiagnosis arises from aytpical presentations including lack of hyperactivity which is why disorder is split into attentive and unattentive types. I actually prefer the system derived by Dr Daniel Amen which identifies 7 types of ADHD. Read more here.
Generally ADHD is characterised by;
Generally ADHD is characterised by;
- A short attention span for everyday tasks (e.g. chores)
- Distractibility
- Procrastination
- Organization problems
- Problems with follow-through
- Poor impulse control (e.g. speak before thinking)
*Treatments mentioned below are for information only and are not offered by Calm Mind Psychology
Neurofeedback
|
Neurofeedback is an non-invasive brain training that involves sensors being placed on the head to assess and retrain functioning. The cap is placed over the skull and the sensors simply read the brain's activity, feeding back into a complex software that generates data that can explain a multitude of nuerological issues. Once the main issues are assessed a program is set and adjusted to improve brain functioning in the targeted areas.
Treatment sessions are approximately 30 minutes and need to be conducted 2-3 times a week totalling 20 sessions for maximum change. Neurofeedback can help with many issues including anxiety, memory, and ADHD by training energy away from overused areas toward areas that are needed for attention and concentration. Neurofeedback sessions are simple, you are hooked up (see image) and asked to watch a show, when your brain hits the targeted areas, the screen gets bigger creating a reward to the brain. Paradoxically trying to make the screen bigger has the opposite effect as you are likely using the same circuitry and the point is to utilise different circuitry. Find out more about Sydney based neurofeeback here |
|
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Basic brain stimulation is a simple way to activate certain brain areas to achieve a shift in mood or focus. It is by far not as targeted as neurofeedback and works on a different mechanism. Neurofeedback is non-invasive and uses biofeedback - the software reading the brain function feeds into the viewing material (TVshow) and makes the screen larger or smaller depending on whether the targeted areas are being used. Trans Cranial Stimulation simply runs a very very weak current through one area of the head exiting out another. This is a 'quick and dirty' way to activate areas for short term gains. However, long term use can create more lasting changes.
TDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) is a simple at home device that can help with depression, anxiety and symptoms of ADHD. The positive polarity pad is placed on the area of desired activation and the negative pad is placed on the area of deactivation or a point for the current to exit. It sounds strange to run a current through the brain but not only is it current less than a small 9 volt battery, let's remember that the brain is run on its own electrical activity.
For more information on the wide world of TDCS visit here; https://www.tdcs.com/activadose-tdcs
Nutrition and Supplements
No one can think well with a leaky gut. The gut is not only our second brain but all of the raw nutrients to make neurotransmitters and fuel our brain come from what we eat and how well we digest it. It makes sense that a diet of junk food and trans fats will dull the mind. The brain needs DHA and plenty of micro nutrients including minerals like zinc, selenium and magnesium and including b vitamins. There is too much to say on nutrition so let's look at my quick and dirty supplements that can boost focus.
Tyrosine, natures ritalin.
Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine, the neurotransmitter known to be an issue with ADHD.
N-Acetyl Tyrosine is a highly bio-available form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. It can be a highly effective nootropic for boosting cognitive function. And is particularly helpful in maintaining cognitive performance when you’re under practically any kind of stress. It is important to note that using dopamine enhancing supplements like tyrosine and l-dopa is cycling. Anything that creates a short term increase short not be used constantly in order to avoid dopamine depletion. There are other brain boosting supplements like Ginko biloba, great for an increase in peripheral circulation and memory, bacopa, another memory herb, many other nootropics (cognitive enhancers) including members of the racetam family such as noopept.
Tyrosine, natures ritalin.
Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine, the neurotransmitter known to be an issue with ADHD.
N-Acetyl Tyrosine is a highly bio-available form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. It can be a highly effective nootropic for boosting cognitive function. And is particularly helpful in maintaining cognitive performance when you’re under practically any kind of stress. It is important to note that using dopamine enhancing supplements like tyrosine and l-dopa is cycling. Anything that creates a short term increase short not be used constantly in order to avoid dopamine depletion. There are other brain boosting supplements like Ginko biloba, great for an increase in peripheral circulation and memory, bacopa, another memory herb, many other nootropics (cognitive enhancers) including members of the racetam family such as noopept.
Resources
Andrew Huberman Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFL6qRIJZ_Y&t=2235
Dr Russel Barkley channel https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023
ADDITUDE Magazine and Youtube channel https://www.additudemag.com
Dr Hallowell VAST - Variable Attention Stimulus Trait https://www.youtube.com/@EdwardHallowellMD
Dr Daniel Amen - 7 Types of ADHD - https://www.youtube.com/@AmenClinic
Dr Gabor Mate' - Trauma theory of ADHD - Scattered Minds book
ADHD Support Australia: https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/what-is-adhd/
Dr Russel Barkley channel https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023
ADDITUDE Magazine and Youtube channel https://www.additudemag.com
Dr Hallowell VAST - Variable Attention Stimulus Trait https://www.youtube.com/@EdwardHallowellMD
Dr Daniel Amen - 7 Types of ADHD - https://www.youtube.com/@AmenClinic
Dr Gabor Mate' - Trauma theory of ADHD - Scattered Minds book
ADHD Support Australia: https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/what-is-adhd/
