Girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD are at higher risk than girls without ADHD for multiple mental disorders that often lead to cascading problems such as abusive relationships, teenage pregnancies, Anxiety, Depression, poor grades and drug abuse. Over ten percent of girls were diagnosed with depression and depressive symptoms. Almost forty percent of girls met the mental health criteria and diagnosis for anxiety disorders: phobias, panic attacks, social phobia, generalized anxiety. PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. Over forty two percent of the girls were diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder criteria from the Diagnostic Mental health manual. Girls showed: irritability, anger, hostility and more that result in problems at school, socially , as well as with family members. Over 12 percent of the girls with ADHD had conduct disorder in their mental health diagnosis as well. Conduct disorder is a step up from oppositional defiant disorder with behaviors like setting fires, aggression and violent behaviors, harming animals. These behaviors are potential predictors of drug abuse, abusive relationship, and crime for the girls that will become adults according to the recent research study in Los Angeles. Almost 800 girls with the ADHD diagnosis were evaluated.

If the above behaviors are going on parents should bring their child in for a full assessment to address these issues. The earlier the intervention the better. Lifeworks AZ works with parents and well as the child to manage ADHD behaviors and create balance and success at home as well as at school and in all aspects of the child and family’s life.

Over seventy five percent of children ages 2-5 years old are being medicated when diagnosed with ADHD. The problem is that a pill will never teach your child to : make healthy choices, learn mood management, learn healthy communication skills, build your child’s self esteem, teach your child how to build internal skills to focus and stay on task, teach your child hard work, teach your child to be persistent, teach your child to problem solve, teach your child how to improve their social skills with other children and family members.

Experts state that counseling and therapy are vital for children with ADHD however only 20% of youth or less receive counseling and therapy and parenting skills.

The absolute best approach per 100 years of research regarding children and behavior  is an approach that combines individual counseling with parenting tips and family system tips to modify behavior. All of these elements are vital in creating desired change in your child or teenager.

Many studies recently show that ADHD children that are : restless, impulsive, lack focus and concentration can be treated with behavioral counseling and therapy. Recent research shows that for a child with ADHD to learn complex cognitive tasks he or she must be able to fidget and squirm and being sedated with a pill is not suggested to help children and teens.

Before stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, and Adderall began their rise to popularity in the 1970s, treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focused on behavioral therapy.

ADHD drugs serve to mask problem behaviors. ADHD drugs are classified in the same category as: cocaine, Opium, and Morphine. What does this mean to me as a parent? The potential risk of addiction and abuse on your child’s brain is high. Over 3 million children are taking ADHD medications throughout the USA. Over 5 million are diagnosed with ADHD throughout the United States of America.

In a recent study researchers state that over One million children and Teenagers are mis-diagnosed for ADHD and many experts believe that ADHD has zero neurological markers and can be that children are inattentive and at times struggle with focusing issues and need to work on this behavior.

Many ADHD diagnosis are driven by large class rooms and teachers over worked whom are overwhelmed in managing many children. Many experts state ADHD behaviors have to do with a child and his or her emotional and or intellectual maturity.

A study that reviewed over 10,000 articles on ADHD medications state that a child’s sleep is impaired while taking ADHD medications. The sleep impairment was connected with : emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning in children and teenagers according to this study. Inattention and defiance for connected to the lack of sleep or poor sleeo in children taking ADHD medications: Adderal and Ritalin medications.

Short term side effects can be : insomnia, irritability, tearfulness, toxic psychosis, nervousness, nausea, dizziness, personality changes, headaches, heart issues, tiredness, drowsiness, blood pressure changes, chest pains, abdominal pains, anorexia, weight loss, depression, suicidal thoughts, tics, bizzare behaviors tourettes syndrome.

Long term side effects may include: normal growth is inhibited, height and weight may be impaired, immune system problems and more research is coming out.

An ADHD child may just need a more involved teacher with an imagination to capture the child’s imagination. An ADHD child may need more tools to focus and pay attention at home as well as at school.

ADHD diagnosis has increased almost 50% in the past ten years and medication prescriptions are close to a Thirty percent increase approx. in the past decade.

Children that are on ADHD medications are more likely to be at risk for bullying and being abused. This study was done in the Journal of Child Psychology.

Many children and teenagers are prescribed stimulant medication to address their ADHD and these medications are the most commonly sold and shared among children and teenagers throughout Arizona .

ADHD CHILD COUNSELING THERAPY Behavior Modification Phoenix, Scottsdale Arizona

Before stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, and Adderall began their rise to popularity in the 1970s, treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focused on behavioral therapy. But as concerns build over the mounting dosages and extended treatment periods that come with stimulant drugs, clinical researchers are revisiting behavioral therapy techniques. Whereas stimulant medications may help young patients focus and behave in the classroom, research now suggests that behaviorally based changes make more of a difference in the long-term. ADHD drugs are tested for 8-12 weeks in experiments and most children stay on the drug for years not knowing how it impacts the brain. Many children suffer withdrawal symptoms and behavioral changes when taken off the drugs similar to what a drug addict experiences when stopping long term drug use.

Recent research findings suggest that behavioral and cognitive therapies focused on reducing impulsivity and reinforcing positive long-term habits may be able to replace current high doses of stimulant treatment in children and young adults.

Lifeworksaz has been working with ADHD children and teens using a combination of cognitive therapies, behavior modification, play therapy, and more to teach children how to manage ADHD with excellent results.

Recent surveys indicate that 12 percent of all children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD’s core symptoms include hyperactivity, inattention, inability to perform monotonous tasks and lack of impulse control. Children with ADHD have trouble in school and forming relationships, and 60 percent will continue to suffer from the disorder well into adulthood if they do not receive counseling and therapy.

Over 3 million U.S. children and adolescents with ADHD were being treated with stimulant drugs. New research reveals that these drugs are not necessarily the panacea they have been thought to be.Research outcomes suggests that if ADHD children and adolescents could learn good study habits early on, medication could become less necessary.

Other research has examined the role of behavioral interventions not only for school-age children, but also for their parents. Parents of children with ADHD tend to exhibit more parenting-related stress and difficulties than do those of non-afflicted offspring. After training parents in stress management and giving them behavioral tools to help their children, significant improvement in their children’s ADHD-related behavior appeared.

Cognitive therapy may also boost improvement: In a 2011, showed that children with ADHD show extra activity in brain areas associated with “task-irrelevant” information during working memory tasks (those that depend on one’s ability to hold and focus on information for immediate reasoning and recall), suggesting that they have less efficient cognitive control. Cognitive therapy and counseling can improve control and ability to focus.

Will medication teach your child life skills? Will meds teach your child values and respect? Will meds help build your child’s self esteem? Confidence? Will medication help your child learn appropriate social and relationship skills? Will medication teach your child or teen have to become motivated and find passion and purpose for the future? Behavior and life skills and counseling can do all the above.

Before stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, and Adderall began their rise to popularity in the 1970s, treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focused on behavioral therapy. But as concerns build over the mounting dosages and extended treatment periods that come with stimulant drugs, clinical researchers are revisiting behavioral therapy techniques. Whereas stimulant medications may help young patients focus and behave in the classroom, research now suggests that behaviorally based changes make more of a difference in the long-term. ADHD drugs are tested for 8-12 weeks in experiments and most children stay on the drug for years not knowing how it impacts the brain. Many children suffer withdrawal symptoms and behavioral changes when taken off the drugs similar to what a drug addict experiences when stopping long term drug use.

Recent research findings suggest that behavioral and cognitive therapies focused on reducing impulsivity and reinforcing positive long-term habits may be able to replace current high doses of stimulant treatment in children and young adults. Lifeworksaz has been working with ADHD children and teens using a combination of cognitive therapies, behavior modification, play therapy, and more to teach children how to manage ADHD with excellent results.

Recent surveys indicate that 12 percent of all children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD’s core symptoms include hyperactivity, inattention, inability to perform monotonous tasks and lack of impulse control. Children with ADHD have trouble in school and forming relationships, and 60 percent will continue to suffer from the disorder well into adulthood if they do not receive counseling and therapy.

Over 3 million U.S. children and adolescents with ADHD were being treated with stimulant drugs. New research reveals that these drugs are not necessarily the panacea they have been thought to be.Research outcomes suggests that if ADHD children and adolescents could learn good study habits early on, medication could become less necessary.

Other research has examined the role of behavioral interventions not only for school-age children, but also for their parents. Parents of children with ADHD tend to exhibit more parenting-related stress and difficulties than do those of non-afflicted offspring. After training parents in stress management and giving them behavioral tools to help their children, significant improvement in their children’s ADHD-related behavior appeared.

Cognitive therapy may also boost improvement: In a 2011, showed that children with ADHD show extra activity in brain areas associated with “task-irrelevant” information during working memory tasks (those that depend on one’s ability to hold and focus on information for immediate reasoning and recall), suggesting that they have less efficient cognitive control. Cognitive therapy and counseling can improve control and ability to focus.

Children with ADD should avoid breads, bagels, muffins, donuts, sugary cereals, cakes…for breakfast. All these substances have sugar or breakdown into sugars that are not going to allow your child the ability to focus at school or anywhere.

The best breakfast would be whole grains, egg whites, some dairy products.

Avoiding white breads, pizza, pasta, potatoes, sugars etc will have a profound impact on your child’s behavior.

Children on the healthy regimen will most likely have more focus, and less distractibility.

Thoughts? What do you think? What has worked for your child?
Sent from David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS
602.575.4030
www.LifeWorksAZ.com
Visit My Blog At http://davidstake.blogspot.com

The British medical journal The Lancet found ” a mix of additives commonly found in children’s foods increase the mean level of hyperactivity.” The finding lends strong support for the case that food additives exacerbate hyperactive behaviors: impulsivity, inattention, and overactivity.

The Food Std Agency advised parents to monitor children’s activity and if they noted a marked change with foods containing additives, to adjust their diets accordingly, eliminating preservatives and artificial colors.

Many parents are hesitant to seek outside help when behavior and mental
health are concerned, often for fear of labeling a normal childhood
phase as a problem. A good rule of thumb: but if you are concerned or
overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, ask for advice. Recognizing
symptoms is important so you can get your child help as early as
possible so the behavior can be addressed before it gets more intense
and the problems become larger. Some symptoms are: changes in appetite,
changes in sleep, irritability, social issues, social isolation,
thoughts of self harm or harming others, anger and aggression that is
creating challenges at home or at school, performance issues at school ,
somatic pain, physical complaints( headaches, stomach, etc) of course it
could be a medical issue as well but could be emotional, oppositional
behavior, mood swings, anxiety and fear that is interfering with:
school, family, social activities etc. Self harming behaviors, cutting,
risky behaviors, using illegal substances, stress, divorce, one parent
families, trauma, abuse( emotional, physical, mental, sexual), crying
often, stuffing emotions, isolating, withdrawing from once enjoyable
activities, and there are many more so if you have questions you should
set up an appointment with a mental health professional to do an
assessment. Bullying at school and other behaviors that impact your
child’s mental health must be addressed to prevent additional issues.
There are many behaviors that are red flags however it is important to
seek a professional to address most appropriate treatments.Lifeworks AZ
Pllc can do an assessment and treatment plan catered to the child or
teen’s specific challenges and can help them build confidence to address
their ADD or ADHD challenges and lead productive, positive, successful
lives.

Most parents consult with their child’s pediatrician or family
physician first. While some pediatricians may do the initial ADHD
assessment themselves, parents should always ask for a referral to an
appropriate mental health specialist for treatment. Pediatricians are
not mental health professionals and usually aren’t aware of the range
of non-medication, effective treatments also available. There are many
treatments for ADHD and ADD. Some treatments include: Behavior
Modification, Educational learning and coping skills, Problem solving
skills, Mood and stress management skills, skills to improve social
skills and healthy relationships, motivational skills , and much more.
Counseling, coaching, and psychotherapy combining individual therapy
with family therapy has the most effective outcomes in research studies.

A child psychologist or child therapist who has specific experience and
background in helping children and teens with ADHD or ADD should be
consulted for therapy (psychiatrists don’t usually do much
psychotherapy any longer). This is especially true if the child has
other learning or mental health difficulties, including anxiety
disorders fears, mood disorders, depression , behavioral issues,
oppositional defiance, conduct disorders, adjustment disorders and
social issues, relationship challenges and more. Psychotherapy used to
treat ADHD is usually conducted once-weekly for a 50-minute appointment
with the child or teen alone. Psychotherapy treatment can range from 5
sessions to 3months or longer depending on the child and family
dynamics.

The very nature of ADHD implies that a child or teenager will have
difficulty with self-control, impulsivity, paying attention, listening
to instructions at home and school, and following directions. Some
children seem to be predisposed to develop behavior problems by their
temperament; however, the symptoms of ADHD and ADD including
hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention seem to exponentially
exacerbate these negative behaviors. Managing these negative behaviors
often becomes a full-time job for parents. Lifeworks AZ helps parents
create a plan to manage children and family behaviors to create desired
positive outcomes. David R Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS has a great deal of
experience working with children, teens and families that have ADHD,
ADD, as well as other behavioral and mental health issues.

Lifeworks Az Therapy and counseling has expertise in: ADHD, behavioral
issues, relationships, motivation, anxiety disorder, Depressive
disorders, anger management, sports peak performance, Asperger Disorder,
social skills, sleep issues,,building self esteem and more using a wide
array of therapies to connect with each unique child and using David
Abrams MAPC, LPC 15 years of experience working with children , teens,
and families.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is the most common mental health condition among children and adolescents .

Many children in America are under diagnosed for mental health disorders : ADHD , depression , Anxiety Disorders, Oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorders , social anxiety , panic , ADD.
Adjustment issues do to family changes , divorce , single parenting, new schools , moving due to employment , grief and loss issues , low motivation , poor academics , and more .

ADHD and ADD are labels that explain certain behaviors . ADHD can be managed through a variety of skills and techniques that empower your child or teen to : stay calm, be more focused , manage and channel intense energy in a healthy manner , become more organized , create healthy habits , create rituals that will help manage a wandering mind, help a child or teen become more motivated for success.

Anyone with ADHD can learn effective time management skills as well as organizational skills to help with productivity and completion of desired tasks .

There is also some evidence to suggest that learning organizational skills lead to reductions in ADHD symptoms and gains in academic functioning. Many ADHD clients report that creating specific organizational systems and habits are vital to managing ADHD behaviors .

Social skills can be impacted by ADHD as well as learning strategies to empower oneself with strong social skills is vital for success .

Sometimes procrastination or lack of motivation seems to be a core issue with ADHD or ADD patients . The reality is that creating a system that is clear and effective that provides positive feedback and affirmation for success is just one key to overcoming ADHD and ADD challenges .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and talk therapy as well as creative therapies such as art therapy and sports therapy allow children to build on their strengths and create a successful and happy environment : socially , mentally , physically and emotionally .

Lifeworksaz Therapy counseling and coaching teens children and adults in Phoenix , Scottsdale , Ahwatukee , and valley wife .

LifeWorksAz.com
David@Lifeworksaz.com
602 575 4030

Studies show 12-15% of children have attention deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder ADHD. ADHD can impact a child’s self esteem ,academics,
grades, and family life.
Negative behaviors at school impact a child or teenagers self esteem and
can create: anger, stress, frustration, shame, disappointment, anxiety,
and a depressed mood.
Typical ADHD behaviors for children, teens, and adolescents include but
are not limited to: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. ADHD
behaviors appear in school and since school is a huge piece of a
child’s life these behaviors need to be addressed for success.
Many children learn healthy ways to cope with their ADHD, however many
do not and become labeled as “the bad child” “the bad Boy”
“the bad girl”. Some children and adolescent teenagers get labeled
as the troubled youth. The negative stigma attached to this label can be
carried around for a life time.
At lifeworksaz counseling for children and teens and families we focus
on strengths and building self esteem, social skills and confidence. As
children and teens build the foundation of self esteem they can learn
mood regulation, anger management Phoenix Arizona, stress management,
and positive life skills for the rest of there lives.
Many children and teens are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Some of the
common traits are: procrastination, fidgeting, distraction,
irritability, impulsiveness, and forgetfulness.
The most controversial treatments are using: Ritalin, Concerta, Adderal,
and dexadrine according to a recent article in a natural health
magazine.
The magazine states that amino acids and vitamins can help the brain
treat the underlying problems.
The article states that these drugs treat symptoms but do not treat the
underlying problems or the root that is the trigger to the behaviors
displayed in ADD or ADHD.Fails to give close attention to details or
makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities 
Has
difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities 
Does not
seem to listen when spoken to directly 
Does not follow through on
instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the
workplace 
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities 
Avoids,
dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained
mental effort (such as homework) 
Loses things necessary for tasks or
activities (toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools) 
Is
easily distracted by outside stimuli 
Is forgetful in daily activities
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat 
Leaves seat in
classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
Runs about or climbs too much in situations in which it is
inappropriate 
Has difficulty playing quietly 
Is ‘on the go’ or
acts as if ‘driven by a motor’ 
Talks too much 
Symptoms of
Inattention
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in
schoolwork, work, or other activities 
Has difficulty sustaining
attention in tasks or play activities 
Does not seem to listen when
spoken to directly 
Does not follow through on instructions and fails
to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace 
Has
difficulty organizing tasks and activities 
Avoids, dislikes, or is
reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such
as homework) 
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys,
school assignments, pencils, books, or tools) 
Is easily distracted by
outside stimuli 
Is forgetful in daily activities
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat 
Leaves seat in
classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
Runs about or climbs too much in situations in which it is
inappropriate 
Has difficulty playing quietly 
Is ‘on the go’ or
acts as if ‘driven by a motor’ 
Talks too much
Symptoms of Impulsivity
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed 
Has
difficulty waiting his or her turn 
Interrupts or intrudes on others
Children taking stimulant dugs for ADHD to treat this disorder are
several times as likely to suffer sudden unexplained DEATH according to
a study by the FDA and NIMH.
Approximately 2.5 million children in the US take ADHD medications such
as Adderall or Ritalin.
Lifeworks AZ Counseling provides counseling and therapy has an expertise
in working with children, teens, and families. David at LifeworksAZ
Counseling has worked with children, teenagers, and families in Anthem
Arizona, Arcadia Arizona, Biltmore Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona,
Ahwatukee Arizona, Phoenix Arizona, Goodyear Arizona, Chandler Arizona,
Mesa Arizona, and Valley Wide.

Research shows that an integrative approach is best in changing ADHD behaviors . An integrative approach combines: parent training and advise, education on ADHD, and child therapy and counseling.

Children with ADHD often suffer with impulsivity and poor social skills , poor stress management skills , listening , focusing , following directions . Children can learn life skills to help manage ADHD behaviors . CBT therapy is helpful in managing mood and stress for children.

Skills training can teach a child to modify aggressive behavior , improve family relationships , focus on homework and improve academic performance .

Teaching skills to children and parents is evidence based and has research to show it will work.