Attention Deficit

Through computerized testing, the researchers essentially confirmed AND disputed work theorized by computer scientist, Marvin Minsky, in his book, The Society of Mind.Once again, the mind seems to have a difficult time describing its own activities.

Continue reading: Mental Processing is Continuous, Not Like a Computer

The effectiveness of ADDERALL XR for long-term use has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials. As with other psychostimulants indicated for ADHD, there is a potential for exacerbating motor and phonic tics and Tourette’s syndrome.

Continue reading: Children: Adderall and Safety

The article focuses on Dr. Torkel Klingberg of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden who trained around 40 kids with ADHD with a software program that addressed “working memory.” After more than 20 days of training parents reported that their children had greatly improved attention and lessened hyperactivity.

Continue reading: Training the Brain: Cognitive Therapy As An Alternative To ADHD Drugs.

The government is planning to strengthen warnings about possible psychiatric side effects from Concerta and related treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity, and is probing whether other ADHD drugs need updating, too.

Continue reading: A Probe into the Side Effects of ADHD Drugs

By advancing our understanding of the connection between mind, brain and behavior, this research may help in the design of complex devices – such as airliner cockpits – and may help in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders such as ADHD or schizophrenia.”

Continue reading: Multitasking vs Task Switching Research

Some people who need medication aren’t getting it and some who don’t need it are. Research says the people who use medicines the most to treat ADHD are wealthier and have better medical plans from their HMOs.

Continue reading: ADHD Drug Treatment

Ever wonder why so much hoopla surrounds ADHD? The media know it’s a top of mind issue for parents. However, pharmaceutical makers also know where their bread is buttered. The following article reflects the vast sums of money involved in the business of ADHD medications.         Press Release Source: Research and Markets Ltd. Research and Markets: Current Global ADHD Market Is Worth $2.7Bn and is Expected to Reach $3.4Bn by 2015Tuesday June 14, 10:15 am ET DUBLIN, Ireland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 14, 2005–Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c19199) has announced the addition of Pipeline Insight: ADHD - Shire Driving Diversity in ADHD to their offering. The current ADHD market has long been saturated with traditional methylphenidate and amphetamine based drugs, with the only innovations being …

Continue reading: Pharmaceutical Makers : Follow the Money

The FDA has taken an interest in the University of Texas’ preliminary research regarding Ritalin and cancer. While the research is alarming, it is far too premature to be conclusive

Continue reading: Ritalin and Cancer

The amount of TV watching certainly has a link with the reduced amount of time reading or doing homework,” he said. “The key is the amount of control parents have in limiting the amount of access. Get the TV out of the bedroom; be aware of what is being watched; limit the amount of TV watching.”

Continue reading: Too much TV Lowers Tests Scores

As I wrote about previously, Robert Jergen, an ADHD adult, wrote a book about his ability to regulate his ADHD. It seems that there is a trend to identify oneself with a particular ailment or disorder to sell books.

Continue reading: Dubious Disorders

..an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) that should be given to ALL students thus teaching to their strengths and strengthening their weaknesses. While advocating new teaching methods for ADHD students sells books, it is only a small portion of this nation’s massive education problem.

Continue reading: ADHD: An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for ALL Students

When so much negative publicity surrounds stimulant medication and psychotropic drugs, who can you believe? Well, according to their press release, trust the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology because it “Is The Expert Source on ADHD and the Use of Ritalin in Children.”
So, while they do have their place, it’s important to use the Internet as a place to get the latest data and research as well as warnings – including those posted by the FDA about stimulant medications.

Continue reading: Ritalin: Do your research!

The same video game that endlessly distracts kids from schoolwork may improve concentration and memory, according to a study on a small group of children with attention deficit disorder. Researchers found that playing Dance Dance Revolution, the arcade hit from Japan where dancers try to match the steps of a gyrating computer animation, led to an intriguing boost in reading comprehension.

Continue reading: Video Games Improve Reading Scores for Children with ADHD

“Psychiatrists are telling parents, whose children may be displaying poor behaviour, that their child has so-called ADHD due to a “chemical imbalance” in the brain. A parent would be prudent to ask the psychiatrist for evidence to support the claim of a “chemical imbalance". If they did ask however, they’d find that the evidence would not be forthcoming – as it doesn’t exist.”

Continue reading: ADHD Diagnosis Caution: No Test Exists to Support Chemical Imbalance Claim

The BBC reports that video games can have positive benefits, just not where one would expect them. Note, too, in the following report, no decision was made regarding chronic use and its effects.Computer games ‘do have benefits’ Computer games can aid children’s health and do not deserve a wholly negative reputation, an expert says.Mark Griffiths, professor of gambling studies at Nottingham Trent University, says they can be a distraction for children undergoing painful treatment.Writing in the British Medical Journal, he added that games can also help children with attention deficit disorders gain social skills.But he said violent games, like violent films, might fuel aggression in some.You can’t tar all games with the same brush Professor Mark Griffiths,Nottingham Trent UniversityHowever, Professor …

Continue reading: Computer Video Games Do Have Benefits

He became hyper-productive. Jergen kept a log outlining when and where he got the most work done. Then, he designed a work environment that would push out distractions and allow him to remain focused.

Continue reading: Turning Adult ADHD Around

The following story is from the Scotsman.com. Pay particular attention to the section where ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, and dyspraxia are described; they are notably different than our perceptions in the States.

Continue reading: He Is Still a Typical Teenager