Our society has become highly skilled at identifying symptoms and making drugs to alleviate them. One in six Americans currently takes psychiatric medications, and the use of these drugs has risen by 65% in the last 15 years.
The treatment of ADHD is currently a hot topic concerning the overuse of psychiatric medications. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This brain condition affects attention, self-control, and the ability to sit still. For boys, this may show up as hyperactivity. For girls, it can often show up as daydreaming in class. Needless to say, ADHD is more likely to be identified in boys, while girls tend to go undiagnosed or treated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Millions of US children have been diagnosed with ADHD. A national parent survey from 2016 reported on medication for children 2–17 years of age diagnosed with ADHD:
Overall, 62% were taking ADHD medication:
- Ages 2–5: 18%
- Ages 6–11: 69%
- Ages 12–17: 62%
Can ADHD Only Be Treated with Drugs?
With the statistics listed above, it may seem logical to jump on the prescription bandwagon. However, when Dr. Divya Kakaiya noticed the early signs of ADHD in her son, she sought out a more integrative approach. As a psychologist, neuroscientist, and mom, she saw these staggering statistics related to medication usage and decided she was going to find a better solution– a solution backed by 40 years of research. So Dr. Kakaiya implemented the effective brain regulation of neurofeedback to her psychotherapy practice at Healthy Within.
Dr. Kakaiya’s son improved through neurofeedback sessions, and his ability to remain on task, stay focused, and complete his homework promptly continues to hold up well. 15,000 other clinicians use neurofeedback worldwide with similar positive results.
What Can I Do to Help My Child with ADHD?
Children with ADHD and parents who are well informed about the negative side effects of stimulant drugs are by far one of the largest groups of clients we see at Healthy Within. We have helped many children who were extremely hyperactive in the classroom. Their teachers were insistent that the parents put them on medication.
Instead of resorting to medications, parents brought their children in for neurofeedback therapy. After about 12 sessions, teachers reported back to parents that the child had settled down and automatically assume the parents have their children on ADHD medication. Parents are excited to let these teachers know that their child is improving thanks to neurofeedback, not pharmaceuticals. Those very teachers are now recommending their students to us!
Healthy Within is an integrative brain health center, experienced in incorporating neurofeedback to help people re-engage in their wholeness and wellness. We also help clients with anxiety, PTSD, depression, concussions, OCD, stroke, dementia and more!
Contact us for more information on how you, your child, or your practice can benefit from neurofeedback.
