ADD/ADHD
Education is paramount and when we hear of difficulties a child may have in class, whether it be in learning or behavior, it usually causes concern in parents. For many kids, this is when they are started on medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta, these being the most commonly prescribed. All of these drugs are stimulants and all of them affect the brain. I believe that many parents are concerned over the long term effects these drugs may have on their child's developing brain.
At our medical center, we have a test that we administer children who may have these types of issues. It is called the Test of Variable Attention or TOVA. It is an accurate, reliable and objective measure of attention and impulsivity. It is a computerized test of attention that helps in the screening and treatment monitoring of children and adults with attention disorders. The TOVA is unaffected by language or culture. It is sufficiently long so that even if someone can focus or partially compensate for 10 or 15 minutes, this 21.6 minute test will capture them. The results can be printed out upon completion of the test and the cost is very reasonable.
What can these test results help us do for your child (or adult). First and foremost, it takes the guessing or filling out forms to determine whether a child has or doesn't have ADD / ADHD and gives a diagnosis. Secondly, if your child is on medication, it may help reduce the medication as many respond to lower doses of medication than what they are currently taking. Thirdly, children change and this test allows us to observe attention disorders and manage treatment over time. It also allows us to diagnose other problems such as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Is it always necessary to take prescription drugs for attention disorders? Are there alternatives? Does diet play a role? Most parents instinctively know the answer to these questions. No, prescription medication may not be necessary. Yes, there are alternatives to prescription drugs, and yes, diet does plays significant role in your child. A comprehensive discussion regarding nutrition, foods and diet is part of every evaluation. At our medical center, this is usually an hour long discussion with the doctor ,and part of the analysis of your child's well being. After all, that’s what we are here for: Let’s treat the cause, not the symptoms!
 |
|---|