Your child is diagnosed with ADHD or ADD and millions of children have this diagnosis. Back in the 1950’s and 60’s children were not diagnosed very often with a diagnose that many believe is a disability or a dysfunction. Children were considered high energy or hyperactive or bored with school. It is hard for most adults to sit quietly listening to a lecture at work so imagine a child at school all day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that providers prescribe behavior therapy and counseling before medication.

The bottom line is this do you want to help your child learn skills to modify his own behavior and emotions . Changing behaviors can be challenging however it can happen with excellent parental guidance and an excellent practitioner that works with the child and teen and parent.

I have seen children go from failing to A’s. I have seen children that are disrespectful and do not listen become respectful and helpful and responsible youth.

Counseling can help your child with healthy thoughts promote team work and unity and mutual respect. Counseling can help a child become aware of how his or her thoughts impact ones emotions and behaviors. Counseling can help your child see how his or her behavior is impacting them in negative ways as well as family and peers.

Almost 9 out of ten adults believe that electronics: smart phones, I pads, Lap tops, Internet, TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, You Tube, Hulu, Snapchat, Face book, Instagram, and video games disrupt interpersonal communication and that screens also disrupt sleep for adults and children.

Screen exposure has a detrimental effect on an infants brain. Over use of screens and electronic devices will interfere with your child’s natural development.

Teaching your child to stimulate their minds without technology and finding a balance in their lives is key otherwise addiction to technology is a potential huge problem down the road.

Young children can: draw, play w play dough, dolls , stuffed animals, listen to relaxing music and more.

Children under five years old should have strict parental limits on time on electronics. A child’s brain is still developing and should not have access to screens due to a high level of stimulus.

Exposure to screens: smart phones, Internet, tablets, you tube, video games, is linked to ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and to behavioral issues in children and teens!

Children 5-12 should be monitored by parents at a high level. Media exposure is connected to fears and anxiety disorders and children learn best when their brains are not over-stimulated by screens.

Media is taking the place of spending time with family and friends and direct one on one communication and social skills. Screen time is impacting your child and teens sleep as well as their mood and behavioral issues due to lack of quality sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that providers prescribe behavior therapy and counseling before medication. Parenting and individual child and teen counseling can create desired changes in ADHD behaviors. Behavior therapy gives children choices to manage their own behavior and to make healthy choices and decisions. A behavioral approach will work for a majority of children and teenagers in counseling therapy. Data shows the long term trajectory of ADHD symptoms does not change with medication . Behavior therapy looks at the root of the behaviors and helps create change.

Medication does not look at a child’s thoughts or problem solving or behavior management it simply may numb your child out. However when your child or teen refuses to take the medication he or she will not have the skill set to manage his or her moods and emotions and it will be harder to learn the longer he or she has been relying on medication and not dealing with the underlying problems. Behavioral counseling and therapy is not done overnight however results can be seen in weeks depending on the child and family. Parents are involved at a high level to help implement behavior therapy and being consistent is very important.

Research shows using ADHD behavior therapy early on helps prevent other negative behaviors like oppositional defiance, anxiety, depression, conduct disorders , a low sense of self , self esteem and more.

It is important that children with ADHD receive positive praise and rewards after engaging in appropriate behavior. Improvement in parent child relationship was vital to a reduction in ADHD child behavior according to a large study done in Japan. Japan does not typically use Pharmaceuticals to treat ADHD .

ADHD effects children and adolescents worldwide at the rate of 3.5 percent of the worlds children according to researchers. ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the USA and worldwide. The main symptoms of ADHD are : hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention deficits.

Over sixty five percent of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in a large study showed the symptoms into their mid twenties.

Healthy diets have a huge impact on ADHD according to research in Spain. Mediterranean diets filled with lots of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats provide the best nutrients for ADHD according to a recent study.

Over one million children are mis diagnosed with ADHD each year. This is concerning since many are put on stimulant medications and long term impacts of stimulants is not known for youth.

Many children are diagnoses with ADHD because they are young and immature and they do not have ADHD. Many children are simply emotionally immature and or intellectually immature. Many ADHD diagnosis are driven by behaviors at school. Teachers are overwhelmed and they do not have the resources to take time to manage a child’s behaviors with many classrooms having a 30:1 ratio . Teachers really need many more assistants and if they did the suggestion of an ADHD diagnosis would disappear most likely.

Children and adolescent teenagers that experience stress and trauma are more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis. Psychosocial issues are rarely looked at by pediatricians according to recent ADHD studies. Children with ADHD may display: disruptive behaviors, impulsivity, issues with organization, issues with memory, challenges with problem solving and more.

ADHD like symptoms are often found in children and teens that have family stressors and or environmental stressors. Family discord and divorce are some examples where ADHD like behaviors are likely to be seen. Research shows that environmental stressors may increase levels of stress to a high toxic level. This level of stress may impair a child or teens brain development, behaviors, and overall it may impact their physical health as well as their mental health.

When environmental stressors like divorce or family stress is not looked at many practitioners may diagnose a child or teen with ADHD and are at risk of overlooking a child’s past trauma or current trauma as well as environmental factors that are the triggers for the behaviors like Impulsivity, disruptive behaviors, challenges with focus or problem solving etc.

Financial hardships, domestic violence, divorce, mental illness in families, incarceration of parents, discrimination death, grief and loss must be looked at in depth before one gives a child or teenager a diagnosis of ADHD.

Children and teens can learn ways to mange behaviors and moods via therapy and counseling. Parents can learn tips to assist in healthy behaviors at home and at school through child therapy and family counseling from a professional who specializes in these areas. Lifeworksaz.com provides child, teen, adolescent, and family therapy in Phoenix, Scottsdale Arizona. David Abrams MAPC, LPC has expertise working with ADHD children and teens for over fifteen years as well as parenting techniques for ADHD

www.Lifeworksaz.com , David Abrams MAPC, LPC CAGS has been working with children and teens for over 15 years with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Social issues, Motivation, Anger issues, Mood issues, family issues, school issues, and much more.

There are many components to mood, emotional, and behavioral disorders like: ADHD, Depression and anxiety in youth. I touch on a few areas that impact mental health. All must be addressed to create the most health and balance in your child or adolescent teen.

In the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry titled Gluten Sensitivity is a neurological illness; it states that a common dietary protein introduced to the human diet relatively late in evolutionary terms, can create human disease not only of the stomach or intestinal tract, but ones skin, as well as the nervous system.

The role of diet in the development of mental health disorders is overlooked in the general medical models and as mental health psychotherapists we receive no training in nutrition they will rarely consider an issue such as food allergies or gluten sensitivity when looking to treat a patient.

There are specific tests to test for gluten. Traditional blood tests and intestinal biopsies are not as accurate as the newer tests that test for gluten antibodies.

Here is a list of illnesses associated with gluten sensitivity: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Arthritis, Diabetes, osteoporosis, brain fog, cancer, chest pain, depression, migranes, alzheimers, dementia, parkinsonism, and more.

There are many stories of how getting off gluten helped with severe depression and anxiety disorders. Individuals stating they were thinking clearly and were not depressed anymore since getting off gluten. Many state they have more energy since weaning off gluten. Feeling free of depression as well as free of unclear thinking. Being able to think clearly again once off gluten.

Medications for ADHD can lead to : anxiety, addiction, and psychosis.

The definition of childhood is being replaced with ADHD meds and is having a horrific impact on society. Children and adults.12/20/16

I do not believe that all depression or all ADHD is caused by Gluten, however, I do believe that there are many components that impact health and disease.

Drugs used to treat ADHD have resulted in cases of permanent Tourettes syndrome. Research to support this has been extensive going back over thirty five years.

ADHD symptoms were reduced by 30 percent for those that were able to eliminate gluten for 6 months among children and teenagers and adults ages three to fifty seven years old.

Depression and anxiety disorders are very severe with those with gluten sensitivity. Neurotransmitters are being blocked like serotonin by cytokines these are essential in regulating mood like anxiety and depression.

Almost fifty percent of children with autism spectrum disorder have stomach issues and problems.

There is great research on mind and body. What you tell yourself impacts your mood, behaviors, and feelings. There is great research on this over a 100 years. CBT Cognitive behavioral therapy in psychology and counseling is a powerful tool to treat unhealthy behaviors, Anxiety, ADHD, depression and more. CBT is not the only way to treat mental health disorders.

There is vast research on exercise and mental health. Exercise is a great tool to manage: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Autism, ADD and more.

There is research to show that inadequate sleep impacts mood and behaviors. Children over 8 and teens need at least 9-10 hours of sleep. Obtaining 8 hours is better obviously than 6 hours.

Lifeworksaz.com looks at all areas of a child’s life to create health and balance and success.

ADHD treatment child and adolescents in Phoenix Arizona and Scottsdale using: Behavior modification and other approaches for a child’s success.

Children with ADHD have issues above and beyond : hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness. Poor academic performances and poor behaviors at school, challenging relationships with peers and family members, difficult relationships with teachers and parents.

Children and adolescent teens that get along with parents and peers, have success at school academically, and parents with effective parenting skills are those with ADHD that have the best chance of adult success.

 Child and teen Behavioral therapy teaches children and parents skills to manage and master the three mentioned areas: healthy relationships, academic success, and teaching parents effective tools to address an ADHD child.

Psychosocial counseling and therapy for ADHD children and teenagers is called behavior modification or behavior therapy .

Best approaches in counseling is called a multi-modal approach. What this means is best results have been shown for ADHD children and adolescents when : parents, Psychotherapist with expertise with ADHD and youth work as a team. Incorporating behavior programs with this school can also show a team approach. Many schools are busy and overwhelmed with behavior issues and limited funding and teachers have so many students the child can not receive as much support as a parent or one on one counseling can provide .

Tailoring a specific program for your child is essential. Each child with ADHD has his or her own personality and temperament as well as unique family dynamics and environmental dynamics. A unique program is vital for your child’s success in modifying behaviors. It is best to start behavioral therapy as early as you can . The longer a parent waits for counseling the more time it will take to modify behavioral habits. Best therapy skills are building rapport with a child and parent while using ADHD behavior modification.

Parents can learn to reach behavioral goals, stay consistent, provide a reward based/conseq system, identify small goals that are manageable and not overwhelming to your child.

The first step is meeting with a counselor that works with behavior modification. Developing rapport and learning about the child and family dynamics is essential. Obtaining a history of behaviors that are working and behaviors that are not working is vital for treatment of ADHD and child behavioral issues.

For more contact David at Lifeworksaz.com he has specialized in working with children and teens and families for over 18 years.

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

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 and the USA. Over 20 percent in a survey state they have been asked or approached to sell their medications or to share some pills with them even though they obviously do not have a prescription for the medication ( ADHD).

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.

Ina 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 and the USA. Over 20 percent in a survey state they have been asked or approached to sell their medications or to share some pills with them even though they obviously do not have a prescription for the medication ( ADHD).

Many experts believe : parenting and Behavior modification, Family counseling , CBT therapy, are the absolute best ways to manage ADHD symptoms and teach your child life long skills to manage his behavior’s and mood.

Extensive research at Harvard and many studies world wide show that childhood stress impacts your child and teens biology and

development can be derailed by the length and frequency of stress in the body and in the brain. Early exposure to stress can affect the brain and body of young children. Learning to mange stress and cope with mild stress is vital for your child’s healthy development according to tons of research. Stress increases a child’s: heart rate, blood pressure, a variety of hormones, cortisol and more. Toxic stress is shown to damage brain regions that impact: learning, focus, memory and more.

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Counseling child ADHD:SCOTTSDALE, Chandler, Tempe, Goodyear AZ, Arcadia, Phoenix Arizona

ADHD Diagnosis is on the rise with one in five children diagnosed with ADHD in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Goodyear, Arizona.

ADHD medications are tested for 8-12 weeks and most however your children stay on these medications for years or decades. Do you want your child on a medication when you do not know what the long term effect is of these medications? Dr Breggin has numerous books out on medication. He is a Harvard graduate and physician/ Psychiatrist. Some of his published books are : medication madness, toxic psychiatry and many more. He has great concern that many of these medications are addictive and that they alter your child’s brain that is still developing.

The absolute best evidence based research approach per 100 years of research regarding children and ADHD 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. Lifeworks AZ provides this. Working on: boundaries, social skills, communication, self esteem, impulsivity, focus, over coming challenges, organization, healthy behaviors, healthy habits is vital and no medication will give this to your child.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD do not improve children’s

symptoms long term. Children did not fare better as far as: inattention, hyperactivity, and social functioning. on these medications versus

children not on medications for ADHD. Researchers are confused by the results that attention, focus and self control should improve however, children not on medications for ADHD do just as well as children not on medications.. Researchers are confused by the results that attention, focus and self control should improve however grades do not improve for children in the long term.

Children do better with behavioral therapy combined with medication than without counseling and therapy according to research.

Obesity

Research shows in AZ a link between ADHD and obesity, but whether one leads to the other is unclear. One way to better understand the link is to follow children through to adolescence. Over thirty percent of children and teens in Arizona and Scottsdale, Phoenix AZ are overweight and obese. There appears to be a connection and a correlation between weight and ADHD.

The new study, which followed almost 7000 children in Finland, found that those who had ADHD symptoms at age eight had significantly higher odds of being obese at age 16. Children who had ADHD symptoms were also less physically active as teenagers.

Alcohol/ Tobbaco

A new study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and dependence and tobacco use by adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) vs those without ADHD. Medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse or substance dependence.

One million more U.S. children were taking medication for ADHD between 2003-04 and 2011-12. Twenty five percent of children meet the diagnosis for ADHD so is it a true disorder or is it just children that can not sit still for hours on end. Many adults can not sit in a classroom for an hour without wanting to get up and stay focused.

When children struggle with focusing on tasks, staying organized, controlling their behavior and sitting still, they may be evaluated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clinicians, however, shouldn’t stop there, according to a new study. Research shows these youth

Had adverse situations arise at home and that trauma can impact an ADHD diagnosis.

Experts state that children will have best long term results with behavioral counseling and therapy versus just taking a drug or medication. behavior management techniques for parents and coping skills and tools for children combined with behavior modification and skills training for children show excellent results. Behavioral interventions work if parents can commit to counseling with a specialist for behavior modification.

Lifeworks AZ  counseling scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler,has a specialization working with children and parents helping with ADHD symptoms as well as other emotional andbehavioral problems including: defiance , hyperactivity, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, anger management, goal setting, focus, attention, goal setting, respectful behaviors, ADHD, and more. You can contact lifeworks az therapy and counseling .David@lifework

A new study in 2014 links ADHD to Conduct disorder as well as an increase in alcohol and  tobacco use. Conduct disorders are behavioral and emotional disorders marked by:

Aggressive, destructive, defiant, and dishonest behaviors. Teens with a diagnosis of ADHD and conduct disorder had 3-5 times the likelihood of substance use issues with alcohol or tobacco in a study that looked at over 2,500 youth in the study group. Below are more articles on treatment and counseling info on ADHD and behavioral issues and disorders and how to create balance in your child’s life.

ADHD Counselor Counseling Therapy Behavior and Treatment

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.

ADHD child, Stress, doodling in Phoenix and Scottsdale Schools.

Many children struggle to stay focused in school and this is common in Arizona in Phoenix, Scottsdale as well as throughout the United States. Neuroscientists have discovered that doodling can have many positives for students and ADHD students as well. Doodling can ease impatient impulses as well as keep  child in his seat when his bored or distracted.

Research in psychology has shown that doodling can help your child stay focused, grasp new ideas and concepts and retain information that is being taught in the classroom. Creative thoughts and ideas can be expressed through doodling on a blank page.

Your child’s doodling can take many forms. It can be spontaneous marks that have pictures of geometric shapes, it can be faces it can be circles it can be so many different things. It can be a creative pattern that is abstract it can be graffiti like letters, it can be of a landscape, faces an object or objects a house, trees, however it is not taking notes.

Doodling and drawing are amazing tools for your child and teen to express thoughts and emotions and to ease stress and tension in your child’s day as well as in life in general. Doodling can relieve borden and most children feel bored regardless of how amazing the teacher may be they still loose focus and boredom sets in.

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.

ADHD Effective treatment needs therapy and counseling

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.

ADHD Child Diet Important

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.

ADHD Children Teenagers linked to Preservatives and Artificial colors

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.

ADHD Counseling Child Adolescents Teenagers Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale

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.

ADHD Child teen Medication Behavior problems.

Medications for ADHD are on the rise for active and impulsive and hyperactive children over the past twenty years. ADHD children are being labeled as having a serious neurological mental health disorder . Fifteen percent of High School students in America including Arizona show a diagnosis for ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The number of children with this diagnosis has soared from 500,000 to Four Million in the past two decades according to the article.

Some experts state that it is a legitimate diagnosis and approx. 5% of children have this diagnosis but it is being over sold to adults and children. Some experts believe it is a mechanism for dispensing more medication. Some experts state the increase in ADHD is in line with marketing and PR campaigns that push the medication via magazines, advocacy groups, bands like Maroon 5, and other Television personalities that are being paid.

Few dispute the fact that ADHD is a true diagnosis however many believe it is a blanket diagnosis for: poor grades, lack of focus, family stress, parenting issues, behavioral issues and more. ADHD diagnosis per the DSM ( Mental Health Bible) has been loosened and ADHD diagnosis now includes carelessness and a lack of focus as criteria for ADHD .

Some experts state main stream magazines and media advertise ADHD as a cure for bad grades and family stress. An implication in one ad is that a child will take out the garbage if on the medication. A Multi Billion dollar  Pharma company has subsidized 50,000 comic books where a super hero tells the children that medications help with behavior and attention. Pharma believes they are marketing in a responsible manner. Big Pharma states that the Physicians are the one’s that must dispense medication.

Most studies of ADHD meds are short term 8-12 week studies however many children and adults are on these medications for years. The long term studies are few and far between. So little is know about what these stimulants due to the brain after 12 weeks. The short term symptoms are listed in fine print and some have included: insomnia, irritability, suppressed appetite, heart issues,  and psychosis. Of course this depends on the medication and each child or individual.

A Psychiatrist was paid 1.6 million for numerous scientific studies related to ADHD. He stated his research was not influenced by any payments. His results were used to market medications as a solution for childhood behaviors in some experts mind’s.

The marketing included slogan’s like ” The med improves academic performance”. The med implies a child will go from a monster to a smiling child. One ad states ” Like Parent like child”. Recently over 16 million scripts were written for ADHD this is 5 times the amount diagnosed 5 years ago. One could argue that their is more awareness however many believe it is from  marketing dollars.

Evidence based research states a child has more behavioral improvements and success with behavior ‘s when child, teen, and family counseling are in place if a child is on medication.

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. Family counseling and parenting are vital in working with ADHD Children and teenagers.

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 aboveADH

There are many excellent techniques and skills when combined together that will make a huge impact on your child’s behavior at home and at school with ADHD or other challenges.

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 providing counseling skills to parents 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. There are other things that can help your ADHD child like physical exercise.

Recent research and past research show children and teenagers who took part in a regular physical activity program showed important enhancement of cognitive performance and brain function. Exercise research demonstrate a causal effect of a physical program on executive control, and provide support for physical activity for improving childhood cognition and brain health.

The improvements in this case came in executive control, which consists of inhibition (resisting distraction, maintaining focus), working memory, and cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks).

Exercise programs improved math and reading test scores in all kids, but especially in those with signs of ADHD. (Executive functioning is impaired in ADHD, and tied to performance in math and reading. Studies suggest that physical activity can have a positive effect on children who suffer from ADHD.”

The Journal of Attention Disorders found that just 26 minutes of daily physical activity for eight weeks significantly allayed ADHD symptoms in grade-school kids. .

The number of prescriptions increased from 34.8 to 48.4 million between 2007 and 2011 alone. The pharmaceutical market around the disorder has grown to several billion dollars in recent years while school exercise is on the decline.

A multi-country study that found that obese teenagers go on to earn 18 percent less money as adults than their peers, even if they are no longer obese. The rapid increase in childhood and adolescent obesity could have long-lasting effects on the economic growth and

Physical activity improves mood and cognitive performance by triggering the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, similar to the way that stimulant medications do without side effects.

In conclusion there a wide array of things that can help your child: individual counseling, Behavior modification plan customized to your child, DBT skills, CBT skills, Exercise, Parenting skills, stress management skills and more. It is a combined approach that has the best chance for excellent results.