bergen county nj attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD: Treatment

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

    By: Elyse Ganss

    Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is characterized by a pattern of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that impedes normal functioning and activity. For example, someone who has ADHD may be unable to focus on a task or will constantly move around and fidget.

    Diagnosis of ADHD can only be given by a licensed clinician like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Typically, ADHD will only be diagnosed if there is a repeated pattern over a period time of inattention and hyperactivity. In children, a diagnosis requires a child falling behind in development. Adults who suffer from ADHD may have poor academic performance in school or issues at work as a result of inattention.

    Risk factors for ADHD include genetics, exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy, behavioral toxins, and low birth weight. Treatment for ADHD may include therapy or medication to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. When medication is needed, doctors typically prescribe a stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This improves thinking and attention.

    Therapy can help a person suffering from ADHD develop coping mechanisms like mindfulness or possibly meditation. Simple strategies like making lists, keeping a stable routine, utilizing a calendar, and creating reminder notes may help a person with ADHD improve functioning.

    If you or someone you know needs support for ADHD, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ .

    Sources:

    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

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    Memory in Children: Do Games Help Improve Memory in Children

    GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

    Memory in Children: Games Help Improve Memory in Children

    By Crystal Tsui

    There are many types of memory; episodic, working, procedural, sensory, and so on. But for children, the most important type of memory that they should be exercising is working memory. This is because working memory, a form of short term memory, is where information is consciously stored in the mind at any given moment. We use working memory to be able to remember something long enough to do something with the information.

    How does this apply to children? Well, children with better working memory can:

    • Apply previously learned information to new situations
    • Stay focused and on-task
    • Follow complex and multi-step directions

    Their attitudes change and they are better-behaved and less likely to daydream and act out during class.

    A study in Japan studied eight year old students completing a 10 minute task every day for two months. The students had to recall the second number in a four number sequence and the results showed that there was a 12% increase on their IQ scores than the control group. The study also reports the results on adults had the same effect, although not as dramatic. In conclusion, yes, memory games do improve working memory in children.

    Here is a link to an article that lists a bunch of games you can play with children and it includes directions for each game. https://childhood101.com/short-term-memory-games/

    If you or someone you know has trouble with attention, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ .

    Citations:

    https://childhood101.com/short-term-memory-games/

    https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/working-memory-games/

    https://www.health.com/syndication/healthy-woman-collapses-rare-brain-condition-icu

    http://www.sweetadditions.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Memory-Games.jpg