Understanding Postpartum Depression

For mother’s in the Foxboro area experiencing post-partum depression, here is some information that may help you determine if you should seek professional attention. Hormonal changes, as well as stress and lifestyle changes that follow childbirth, can cause mood disturbances. Sometimes, however, this is more severe than just the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression occurs in some women after having a baby, although studies vary widely in the reported prevalence of postpartum depression—anywhere from 5% to 25% of women may experience postpartum depression, which is primarily characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms within the first year after giving birth. Telltale signs include:

·         Sadness

·         Hopelessness

·         Low self-esteem

·         Sleep disturbances

·         Appetite disturbances

·         Feelings of emptiness

·         Inability to be consoled or comforted

·         Social withdrawal

·         Low energy

In postpartum depression, these feelings are often tied to ideas of inability to take care of the baby or feelings of inadequacy as a mother. This often facilitates inappropriate feelings of guilt and self-blame, furthering the depression. Postpartum depression persists for weeks or months, and is not simply a routine mood swing. It generally does not resolve on its own without medical attention.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Doctors and researchers of the Boston area are still unclear as to what causes postpartum depression, although there are several viable hypotheses. Some scientists have suggested that postpartum depression may arise from depleted vitamins or hormonal changes; however, trials of hormone treatment have not been successful in alleviating the depression, and some of the studies failed to find a demonstrable correlation between hormones and depression. Although hormones may play a role in the etiology of postpartum depression in Boston, they are not likely to be the sole cause. Another complicating factor is that sometimes fathers can also develop postpartum depression, despite not undergoing the same hormonal changes. Another possible cause would be the profound and often stressful lifestyle changes that come with a newborn baby; however, some women experience postpartum depression in their most recent pregnancy without having had it in previous pregnancies.

Although the exact causes of postpartum depression still remain unclear, research has identified some risk factors that may predispose a woman toward being more susceptible to postpartum depression. These risk factors include:

·         Psychological or physiological trauma associated with the birth itself

·         Elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone that plays a role in milk production

·         Depletion of oxytocin, an important hormone implicated in social bonding

·         A prior history of depression

·         Low self-esteem

·         Prenatal depression or anxiety

·         Life stress, including stress related to childcare

·         Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy

·         Low socioeconomic status

It should be noted that although these factors are correlated with postpartum depression, a definite causal relation has yet to be established. Etiologically, postpartum depression is still somewhat a mystery.

Preventing and Treating Postpartum Depression in Boston

For most women in Boston and across the nation who struggle with postpartum depression, early intervention is a key factor in ensuring a good prognosis. Many physicians feel that women who may be at risk should be screened so that psychosocial interventions, namely psychotherapy, can be provided. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-item questionnaire often used by clinicians. Physicians also recommend optimal nutrition during pregnancy and after giving birth, although no causal link has been demonstrated between nutritional problems and postpartum depression.

Treatment for postpartum depression occasionally includes medications but is often more focused on psychotherapeutic modalities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is a common method for managing the condition, and has been shown to be equally as effective as the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), without the side effects. Although research into electroencephalographic correlates of postpartum depression has not yet been undertaken, it remains hypothetically possible that someday neurofeedback therapy could be proven to have efficacy for treating postpartum depression. If you reside in the Foxboro area and would like to schedule a consultation with your local BrainCore clinic to discuss your options call 1-844-BRAIN-ON (272-4666) or visit our website today!

Neurological Disorders Arising from Cortical Lesions

A brain lesion is an abnormality in part of the brain tissue, often resulting from a stroke, from a traumatic brain injury, or from a tumor or other disease process. Cortical lesions are lesions occurring in the brain’s cortex--- the part of the human brain responsible for higher functions like cognition, as well as for sensory and motor functions. Depending on the location of the lesion, neurological disorders can arise after a stroke or injury in Boston, with the type of problems dependent on the location of the lesion. Different types of neurological disorders arise from lesions in different areas of the brain, with injuries to the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, temporal lobes, or occipital lobes producing different effects that correspond to the functions of the damaged area.

Neurological Disorders from Frontal Lobe Lesions

The brain’s frontal lobes are most strongly associated with what is called “executive function”. This refers to the ability to plan future actions, to contemplate the consequences of possible alternate courses of action, to modulate one’s responses based on what is socially acceptable, and to recognize patterns in systems or events. When a lesion in Boston occurs in the frontal lobes, executive function can become compromised as a result. Various behavioral changes can arise as a result. Sometimes a frontal lobe lesion will decrease a person’s volition and motivation, functions which are largely handled in the frontal lobes. The person can also become less socially inhibited and display inappropriate behaviors, or otherwise become more impulsive than they were before the injury occurred.

Neurological Disorders from Parietal Lobe Lesions

The parietal lobes play an important role in integrating sensory information, as well as in mathematical and spatial reasoning processes. The neurological disorders that result from parietal lobe lesions in Boston often correspond to which hemisphere is affected. Right parietal lesions often compromise mental imagery and the ability to visualize spatial relationships. Sometimes a right parietal lesion can also lead to a neurological condition called “left hemispheric neglect”, in which the person is no longer aware of, or in control of, the left side of their body. Left parietal lobe lesions often cause neurological disorders involving a loss of mathematical, reading, and symbolic reasoning abilities. Other neurological disorders associated with parietal lobe lesions in Boston involve ataxia, a loss of motor coordination ability; amorphosynthesis, a loss of perception of one side of the body, generally the side opposite the side on which the lesion occurred; and Gerstmann syndrome. Gerstmann syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to write, loss of the ability to perform mathematical calculations, left-right disorientation, and finger agnosia.

Neurological Disorders from Temporal Lobe Lesions

Among the primary functions of the temporal lobes, which contain a brain structure called the “hippocampus”, is the formation of long-term memories. The temporal lobes are also involved in processing auditory sensory information; establishing object recognition and interpreting the meaning and importance of visual input; and recognizing and processing language. These functions can become impaired in Boston when lesions result from injury or stroke. One common result of temporal lobe lesions is the loss of the ability to remember visual stimuli, called visual agnosia. Another of the neurological disorders associated with temporal lobe lesions in Boston is prosopagnosia, a disorder in which a person loses the ability to recognize faces.

Neurological Disorders from Occipital Lobe Lesions

The occipital lobes, located at the back of the brain, are best known for containing the areas that process various aspects of visual information. Occipital lobe lesions in Boston most often lead to some form of vision loss. Often this take the form of homonymous hemianopsia, in which one side of the visual field is “cut off” in both eyes. Damage to the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobes can cause total cortical blindness. When areas of the occipital lobes adjacent to the temporal or parietal lobes are damaged, phenomena like color agnosia--- a loss of the ability to recognize color--- and movement agnosia--- a loss of the ability to recognize motion--- can occur.

BOSTON: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Dietary Factors in ADHD

Many parents of children with ADHD wonder if there is anything they can do, in terms of their child’s diet and nutrition, to allay symptoms of ADHD. Although changes in diet are generally not, in themselves, sufficient for treating ADHD, researchers have identified several valid dietary changes that may be helpful for reducing hyperactivity and lack of concentration in Boston children who have ADHD. This includes avoiding artificial food dyes; supplementing zinc and magnesium intake; and adding Omega-3 supplementation, which may help boost attention and focus.

Artificial Dyes and ADHD

As early as the 1970s, a link between artificial dyes and preservatives and ADHD had been proposed. In later research in the late 2000s, research found evidence that in children with ADHD, certain food additives can exacerbate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although the evidence is inconclusive, it is perhaps wise to avoid artificial dyes in food for ADHD children in Boston. Although foregoing artificial dyes and preservatives will not cure ADHD, it may be a helpful adjunct in reducing symptoms.

Zinc and Magnesium for ADHD

In some studies, the populations studied were found to be mildly deficient in zinc or magnesium. Zinc is a micronutrient that plays a variety of roles in the human body, notably in the formation of many important enzymes, and in DNA and RNA processes. In the human brain, zinc can modulate brain excitability, playing a role in learning and associated neuron processes. Magnesium is another essential micronutrient; in the brain, it is a key component of some neurotransmitters. As with zinc, a few isolated studies have found mildly low magnesium levels in people with ADHD.

B Vitamins and ADHD

B vitamins are another supplement that may be somewhat helpful for people in Boston who have ADHD. B-complex vitamins are important in nervous system processes. Vitamin B6 is important for synthesizing neurotransmitters; in ADHD, as in many other psychological disorders, abnormalities in neurotransmission and neurotransmitter availability are an important physiological correlate. Although the evidence is largely anecdotal, B vitamins may be somewhat helpful for concentration and energy level regulation in people with ADHD in Boston.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and ADHD

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely available in capsules of fish oil, which is a substance rich in this class of lipids. Some research has indicated lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in people with ADHD, as well as some improvement of symptoms when omega-3 supplements are added to the diet. One omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is a major component of neuronal plasma membranes, and serious DHA deficiency is associated with cognitive decline.

Sugar and ADHD in Boston: Popular Misconceptions

It would seem that limiting sugar for ADHD children in Boston would make sense. However, scientific research has found that much of the supposed relationship between sugar and hyperactivity is largely imagined. In one study, parents who were told (falsely) that their children had consumed a large amount of refined sugar, reported increased hyperactivity, inattention, and resistance to parental demands; those who were told their children had not ingested sucrose did not report these effects. This strongly suggests that the idea that sugar (sucrose) makes children “hyper” is largely unfounded. Although excessive amounts of refined sucrose are not particularly healthy, and should be kept within reasonable limits, sugar does not actually exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.

What is Neurofeedback Training? BrainCore Boston Explains

Neurofeedback training is quickly becoming one of the most popular drug-free therapy options in all of North America. Using it, patients are able to naturally address the symptoms of numerous conditions including ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, and even Migraines.
In this video, Dianne Kosto of BrainCore Therapy of Greater Boston gives an in depth explanation of what makes neurofeedback training so effective. She also answers the more basic question of: what is neurofeedback?

If ever the online video in this article is not functioning, you should visit here.
Also, make sure to visit our website at:  http://braincoreofgreaterboston.com/boston-adhd-therapy/

Focal Signs in Neurology

There are a range of injuries and symptoms that can arise from concussions and other forms of brain damage in Boston. Concussion treatment often depends on what injuries or deficits have arisen as a result of the injury. Brain damage in Boston can be either diffuse or focal in nature. Focal signs indicate damage in a particular part of the brain, such as a lesion left in the wake of a stroke. Focal signs are of particular interest in neurology; much of what is now known about the function of the lobes of the cerebral cortex was learned by observing what goes wrong when certain areas are damaged. The effects of a focal brain lesion can vary substantially depending on what area of the brain is affected. 

Frontal Lobe Signs in Neurology

The frontal lobes of the brain are associated with executive function, which includes planning, reasoning, motivation, and impulse control. They are also associated with some motor functions. Frontal lobe signs associated with brain damage or injury often include either executive function deficits or motor deficits. Some well-known frontal lobe signs include:

·         Unsteady gait

·         Hypertonia, or abnormal muscular rigidity

·         The paralysis of a limb on one side of the body, opposite to the side of the brain that was injured

·         Paralysis of head and eye movements

·         Expressive aphasia, also called Broca’s aphasia, which is an inability to express oneself with language despite retaining language comprehension abilities

·         Seizures

·         Personality changes, such as abnormal impulsivity

·         Loss of smell

·         Frontal release signs, or the reappearance of primitive reflexes 

Parietal Lobe Signs in Neurology

The parietal lobes integrate sensory information, including navigation and sense of space. Parietal lobe signs in neurology may include:

·         Impaired sense of touch

·         Impaired proprioception, awareness of the body’s location and movement in space

·         Sensory or visual neglect syndromes, in which part of the body’s visual field, proprioception, or other sense is impaired

·         Loss of ability to read, write, or perform mathematical operations

·         Astereognosia, loss of the ability to recognize objects by touch 

Temporal Lobe Signs in Neurology

Temporal lobe signs in neurology often involve deficits in memory or auditory processing. Such deficits often include:

·         Cortical deafness, loss of ability to hear despite the ears themselves being intact

·         Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

·         Auditory hallucinations

·         Loss of ability to comprehend language (Wernicke’s aphasia) or music (amusia)

·         Memory disturbances

·         Amnesia

·         Complex hallucinations

·         Complex partial seizures 

Occipital Lobe Signs in Neurology

Occipital lobe signs in Boston generally produce deficits in visual capabilities. The occipital lobe is functionally divided into several areas that process different aspects of vision. Signs of occipital injury often include:

·         Cortical blindness, a total loss of vision even though the eyes themselves are functioning normally

·         Anton’s syndrome, a total loss of vision of which the person is not aware

·         Loss of vision on one side of the visual field in both eyes (hemianopsia)

·         Inability to recognize faces, objects, or other visual information (visual agnosias)

·         Visual illusions

·         Visual hallucinations 

Limbic Signs in Neurology

The limbic system is a complex set of brain structures located in the midbrain, below the cortex. This includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and other structures. This region of the brain is associated with memory and with emotional regulation. Limbic signs in Boston may manifest as:

·         Retrograde amnesia, a loss or confusion of long-term memory prior to the injurious event

·         Anterograde amnesia, an inability to form new memories

·         Loss of emotion

·         Loss of olfactory function

·         Loss of decision-making ability 

Cerebellar Signs in Neurology

Signs of cerebellar injury or dysfunction in Boston generally affect the sense of balance and coordination. This may include:

·         Ataxia, impaired movement of the limbs or torso

·         Inability to coordinate fine motor activities

·         Involuntary left-eye movements

NEUROFEEDBACK IN BOSTON FOR BRAIN INJURY

Herbs in Functional Medicine: Four Ayurvedic Herbs for Mind and Memory

The term functional medicine in Boston and elsewhere refers to a holistic approach to health and disease that emphases whole-body health, focusing on the complex interactions between the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels that together comprise the human body. Functional medicine approaches to health care often incorporates principles and practices from traditional medicine systems. One such traditional medicine that overlaps with functional medicine is Ayurveda, an Indian system of theory and treatment about health and disease that has a very long history. Along with modern functional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine emphases the unity and complex interplay between mind, body, and personality; all of which influence one another. As seen in cultures in other regions of the world, ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine has long incorporated a wide variety of herbal remedies. Some of these are still used in functional medicine in Boston, as well as throughout the nation. Some herbal remedies with a history of Ayurvedic use have applications for mind and memory functions. Four of these are guduchi, brahmi, vacha, and cinnamon.

#1: Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a vine native to areas of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. This plant has long been considered a divine herb in Ayurvedic practice and is still used today in functional medicine. Guduchi contains immune-enhancing properties, which make it a useful herbal remedy for conditions like allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms due to seasonal allergies). Although research has yet to confirm it, guduchi’s traditional uses also include enhancement of mental clarity. 

#2: Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for epilepsy and asthma. It is still sometimes used in modern functional medicine. Brahmi contains naturally occurring chemical compounds that inhibit a chemical called acetylcholinesterase and activate another chemical called choline acetyltransferase, and these ingredients help to increase cerebral blood flow. Animal studies have corroborated that Brahmi extracts may protect against neurodegeneration. 

#3: Vacha

Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used historically in Old World cultures in Britain, Egypt, and India. In Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in modern functional medicine, it is often used for its sedative effects, as well as for its laxative properties. It was also traditionally used to counteract side effects of entheogenic ritual hallucinogens, which can often cause nausea or dizziness as side effects. Studies of vacha’s effects in rats have demonstrated that it has a neuroprotective effect, protecting against stroke, neurodegeneration, and neurotoxicity. 

#4: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is usually used for culinary purposes, but in Ayurvedic medicine and in modern functional medicine it is also used for its medicinal properties. In addition to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, compounds contained in cinnamon have been shown to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease in mice, which lends credence to its traditional use for mind and memory problems.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: NEUROFEEDBACK IN BOSTON

BrainCore of Greater Boston: ADHD Medication Side Effects and Alternatives

Dianne Kosto, BCN-T of BrainCore Greater Boston discusses common ADHD medications and their side effects. She also shares information about neurofeedback for ADHD - an exciting alternative option for residents in and around the Boston area.

ADHD Medications Boston

You may also be curious about this www.braincoreofgreaterboston.com

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are a well-known and well-publicized category of psychological disorders in Mansfield and elsewhere. When most people think of eating disorders, they think of anorexia nervosa, a disease characterized by fasting, highly restrictive diets, and distorted body image; or bulimia nervosa, a similar disorder characterized by alternating periods of binge eating and purgative activities, such as forced vomiting or laxative abuse. However, eating disorders come in other forms as well. One eating disorder that is decidedly common, but can be easily overlooked, is binge eating disorder, BED. Similar to individuals with bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder engage in episodes of binge eating, but they do not engage in attempts to compensate for the overeating by purging or fasting. As in other eating disorders, people with BED experience significant emotional distress and negative self-image in relation to food and eating, and are often abnormally preoccupied with issues of body weight and size. BED is a serious disorder that causes significant emotional distress, as well as being highly correlated with obesity. Evidence suggests that for many people with BED in Mansfield and across the nation, cognitive behavioral therapy may be a highly effective approach to treating this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

To be formally diagnosed with binge eating disorder, all of the following DSM-V criteria must be present:

·         Each binge involves eating considerably more food than a normal person would generally consume in that same time frame; it is also accompanied by a feeling of loss of control.

·         Episodes of binge eating occur at least twice a week, for six consecutive months

·         Binge eating is not associated with inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or purging

·         The binge eating causes the person to worry

In addition to these four criteria, three of the following criteria must also be present:

·         The person feels disgusted, depressed, or guilty after an episode of binge eating

·         The person eats an unusually large amount of food at one time

·         The person eats more quickly than normal during a binge

·         The person eats to the point of feeling uncomfortable and nauseous due to the amount of food consumed

·         The person eats when they are bored or depressed

·         The person eats large amounts of food when they’re not hungry

·         During periods of normal eating, the person often eats alone due to guilt and shame about eating

Treating Binge Eating Disorder with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Studies indicate that for many people with binge eating disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective mode of managing this disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses goal-oriented procedures to address dysfunctional ways of feeling and thinking that contribute to maladaptive behavior patterns. Pathological binge eating behaviors are often associated with negative thoughts and emotions. For example, the person’s binging, which they feel they have little control over, causes them to feel guilty and ashamed, thus contributing to negative self-image and poor self-esteem as well as physical problems with weight and obesity. Negative emotional states, like depression or stress, may also contribute to the binging behavior. People suffering from BED may also experience negative, ruminating thoughts that reinforce poor self-image and low self-esteem.

Cognitive behavioral therapy in Mansfield and elsewhere can help people with binge eating disorder in the following ways:

·         Recognize underlying emotions and thought processes that trigger them to binge

·         Reassess their reasons for thinking and feeling this way

·         Learn strategies to stop themselves from engaging in the binging behavior

·         Cultivate a more realistic and positive self-image

What is Complex PTSD?

Although complex post traumatic stress syndrome (C-PTSD) is not yet formally recognized as a diagnostic designation, a case is being made in the psychiatric community for the recognition of this disorder as distinct from the currently defined form of PTSD. PTSD, as it is currently defined and diagnosed in Mansfield and elsewhere, is a result of exposure to acute trauma. It often occurs in individuals who have either witnessed or experienced tragedies, such as combat, a violent death, assault, or a natural disaster. C-PTSD is distinct from PTSD in that complex PTSD results from repeated trauma. It often develops as a result of prolonged sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. It can also occur in people who have survived a long-term hostage situation.

Causes of Complex PTSD

Whereas traditional PTSD is associated with acute psychological trauma, complex PTSD results from prolonged and systematic trauma exposure. Complex PTSD is often associated with relational abuse, such as spousal or child abuse. One of the distinguishing characteristics of C-PTSD, as opposed to “simple” PTSD, is the presence of disorders and problems with interpersonal attachment. Attachment in individuals who suffer from complex PTSD tends to take a pervasive insecure or disorganized form.

Diagnostic Criteria for Complex PTSD

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has put forth a potential set of diagnostic guidelines for complex PTSD:

I.                    Alteration in Regulation of Affect and Impulses

a.       Affect regulation

b.      Modulation of anger

c.       Self-destructive behavior

d.      Suicidal preoccupation

e.      Difficulty modulating sexual involvement

f.        Excessive risk-taking

II.                  Alterations in Attention or Consciousness

a.       Amnesia

b.      Transient dissociative episodes and depersonalization

III.                Alterations in Self-Perception

a.       Ineffectiveness

b.      Permanent damage

c.       Guilt and responsibility

d.      Shame

e.      Nobody can understand

f.        Minimizing

IV.                Alterations in Relationships with Others

a.       Inability to trust

b.      Revictimization

c.       Victimizing others

V.                  Somatization

a.       Problems with the digestive system

b.      Chronic pain

c.       Cardiopulmonary symptoms

d.      Conversion symptoms

e.      Sexual symptoms

VI.                Alterations in Systems of Meaning

a.       Despair or hopelessness

b.      Loss of previously sustaining beliefs

Many researchers advocate differences in diagnostic criteria for children versus adults. In this conceptualization of complex PTSD, the disorder is further divided into an adult symptom cluster and a childhood symptoms cluster.

A child and adolescent symptom cluster for complex PTSD would encompass the following domains:

·         Attachment

·         Biology

·         Affect or emotional dysregulation

·         Dissociation

·         Behavioral control

·         Cognition

·         Self-concept

An adult symptom cluster for complex PTSD symptoms would include:

·         Difficulty regulating emotions

·         Variations in consciousness, including psychogenic amnesia, dissociation, or intrusive flashbacks of traumatic episodes

·         Changes in self-perception, often involving a chronic sense of helplessness, along with irrational self-blame and feelings of shame and guilt

·         Varying changes in perception of the person perpetrating the abuse; this may involve attributing too much power to that person, being preoccupied with revenge, or even idealizing that person

·         Alterations in relationships with others; this may take the form of isolation and withdrawal, inability to trust, or reliance on the idea of a “rescuer”

·         Loss of faith or overwhelming sense of despair

Treating Complex PTSD

As with diagnostic criteria for complex PTSD, researchers advocate differences in treatment approaches in children versus in adults, in order to account for differences between childhood and adult reactions to and results of trauma. Some of the principles and guidelines that have been proposed for treating complex PTSD in children include:

·         Identifying and assessing current threats to the child’s safety and well-being

·         Relational and strength based diagnosis and treatment

·         Treatment aimed toward enhancing the child’s self-regulatory abilities to improve their coping abilities

·          Determine when and how it is appropriate to fully address traumatic memories

·         Preventing and managing psychosocial crises and ongoing relational issues

In adults, complex PTSD researchers have proposed six core components for treatment:

·         Safety

·         Self-regulation

·         Self-reflective information processing

·         Integration of traumatic experiences

·         Relational engagement

·         Positive affect engagement

Is There A Difference Between ADD and ADHD?

With all the media publicity that attention deficit disorders have received in recent years, many people in Foxboro and elsewhere may wonder about the difference between Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD—especially parents who are concerned that their child may have one of these disorders. Although ADD is still used colloquially, it is technically not a diagnostic term used by clinicians. Only ADHD is technically a diagnostic term, and it is divided into three subtypes: ADHD- Predominantly Inattentive, ADHD- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and ADHD- Combined Type. The designation ADD could perhaps best be applied to people with the Predominantly Inattentive subtype of ADHD, who often lack the hyperactive component commonly associated with the disorder.

Do Doctors Even Use The Term ADD?

Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, is an older term that is sometimes still used by doctors, although not as a formal diagnosis. The terminology was officially changed in 1994 with the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, DSM-IV. Currently the formal designation for an attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity is ADHD-PI instead of ADD. Presumably, this convention reflects the fact that ADD and ADHD are subtypes of the same disorder rather than two distinct disorders.

ADHD- Predominantly Inattentive Type: “ADHD” Without the “H”

When most people think of ADHD, they picture that hyperactive, bouncing-off-the-walls child who can’t sit still long enough to pay attention in the classroom. However, not all people with ADHD are hyperactive. People in Foxboro, and throughout the nation, with ADHD-PI, the closest formal designation to what is usually meant by ADD, are often quite opposite. They tend to feel tired or lethargic much of the time, and may feel mentally sluggish or slow.

People with ADHD-PI do exhibit the inattentive symptoms of ADHD, including:

·         Failure to pay close attention to details

·         Tendency to make careless mistakes

·         Difficulty following instructions and keeping track of assignments

·         Difficulty concentrating on planning and executing tasks

·         Difficulty concentrating on conversations with others

·         A tendency to daydream when it is not appropriate to do so

·         Tendency to misplace objects

·         Inability to “multitask”

·         General forgetfulness

·         Difficulty remembering relevant information

Because children with non-hyperactive ADHD-PI do not tend to be as disruptive in the classroom environment as ADHD children, their difficulties are more likely to be overlooked. Like ADHD, ADHD-PI can severely impact academic performance, work performance, and self-esteem. People with lifelong ADHD-PI often fear structured or planned work activities due to their difficulty concentrating. Because their problems in school are often not recognized as an attention deficit disorder, they are often chastised because their behaviors are misattributed to laziness, carelessness, lack of effort, or lack of proficiency. As a result, they often develop a low self-concept and may underestimate their own capabilities, leading to academic and occupational underachievement relative to their actual intelligence and capabilities. They may also become more prone to depression or other mood disorders. For this reason, it is important that teachers and parents in Foxboro and elsewhere recognize the existence of ADHD without hyperactivity. Like ADHD, ADHD-PI responds well to stimulant medications and to neurofeedback therapy, a scientifically proven approach now available in Foxboro that does not produce any unwanted side effects.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD & ADHD IN BOSTON

5 Health Risks of Chronic Stress

Many, if not most, people in Mansfield struggle with stress on a daily basis. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a car breaking down, bills, or relationship problems, the number of factors that cause stress in modern life are too numerous to list or count. A 2012 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that 20%, or one fifth, of Americans self-rated their day-to-day stress levels as an 8, 9, or 10 on a scale of 1-10. Some researchers go so far as to classify stress as a nationwide public health epidemic.

What is stress? Stress is an organism’s reaction to environmental conditions or stimuli that the body interprets as dangerous or threatening. The human body responds to such “stressors” by engaging the sympathetic nervous system in what is sometimes called a “fight-or-flight response.” The stress response is mediated in the brain; mostly in the midbrain areas associated with emotion. Stressors are associated with the release of certain hormones. One of the best-known of these is a hormone called cortisol, a glucocorticoid steroid. Stress is a natural reaction that evolved in order to prepare us for threats to our health and safety. Nowadays, this reaction is triggered by work, relationships, and other more modern concerns.

If you’re like most people in Mansfield, you experience some level of stress on a fairly regular basis. Maybe you deal with a lot of stress. Maybe it’s rare that you don’t feel stressed out. You’re probably well aware that being stressed out is highly unpleasant and psychologically damaging, but you may not be aware of the many physical health risks associated with stress.

Health Risk #1: Stress makes you more likely to get sick.

The steroid hormone cortisol is released as part of the body’s “stress response”. The main function of cortisol is to redistribute energy, in the form of the sugar glucose, to parts of the body where it is needed in order to fight or flee from a threat. Cortisol also inhibits the immune system by inhibiting the proliferation of T-cells, a type of white blood cell instrumental in fighting off disease. The effects of cortisol on the immune system mean that chronic stress makes you more likely to come down with something. It is also part of why shingles most often occurs as a result of stress.

Health Risk #2: Stress Increases Your Risk of Developing Anxiety or Depression

People who have depression or anxiety in Mansfield tend to produce less serotonin and more cortisol in their brains. Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress can also impede the synthesis of serotonin, due to its effects on tryptophan, a precursor molecule for serotonin. People who are chronically stressed are more likely to develop a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety.

Health Risk #3: Stress Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease

In excess, such as when it is secreted in a stress response, cortisol raises blood pressure, meaning chronic stress in Mansfield is a risk factor for hypertension. Over time, stress increases a person’s susceptibility to cardiovascular problems.

Health Risk #4: Stress Impairs Your Memory

Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on your ability to learn and remember information. This is even truer for individuals who have, or are at greater risk for, mild cognitive impairment. In senior citizens, cortisol associated with chronic stress is associated with the development of dementia.

Health Risk #5: Stress Makes You More Likely to Gain Weight

Excess cortisol due to chronic stress may make people more likely to gain weight. One reason for this is that stressed people are more likely to overeat for a number of reasons. Being stressed makes it harder to stick to disciplined eating habits, as well as causing people to be more likely to indulge in “comfort food” that may temporarily alleviate the stress. Not only is this associated with weight gain, but cortisol is also associated with weight gain specifically in the abdominal area. Excess abdominal fat is known to be more of a health risk than fat stored in other areas of the body.

CHRONIC STRESS MANAGEMENT IN BOSTON

Five Foods That Secretly Contain Caffeine

If you are the parent of a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) in Foxboro, especially the hyperactive subtype of ADD, you’re probably careful not to give your child foods or drinks that contain caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, and can sometimes exacerbate hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in children with predominantly hyperactive ADHD. If you’re familiar with ADD and ADHD medications, this may surprise you. After all, the medicines that treat ADD and ADHD are also stimulants; however, unlike the methylphenidates and amphetamines used in ADHD drugs, caffeine doesn’t target the parts of the brain to have the same counterintuitive effect on hyperactive ADD symptoms.

Of course, you know that coffee, tea, and cola contain a significant amount of caffeine—often in combination with high levels of sugar that further contribute to your child “bouncing off the walls.” However, there are other products on the shelves of Foxboro grocery stores that secretly contain caffeine, although you might not realize that they do. These five foods actually contain caffeine, so you may want to choose other options for your ADD child to keep their energy levels in check. 

#1: Non-Cola Soft Drinks 

Most people in Foxboro are aware that colas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi contain a sizeable amount of caffeine. Not every soft drink contains caffeine; many lemon-lime sodas like Sprite and 7-up, as well as some grape and orange sodas, are caffeine-free. However, many other non-cola soft drinks do contain some amount of caffeine. You may want to avoid these or choose a caffeine-free version or alternative. Some of these sodas include:

·         Sunkist: 41 mg/12 oz

·         Dr. Pepper: 41 mg/12 oz

·         Barq’s Root Beer: 22.5 mg/12 oz

·         Mountain Dew: 54 mg/12 oz

·         Mello Yellow: 52.5 mg/12 oz.

Most soft drinks list the caffeine content on the can or bottle, so it always helps to check before letting your child drink it.  

#2: Chocolate 

Caffeine occurs naturally in cocoa beans, so most chocolate products contain some caffeine. The caffeine content varies from product to product, ranging from 9 or 10 mg in many products to as much as 31 mg in a bar of Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolates tend to have more caffeine than milk chocolate. Most chocolate purchased in Foxboro doesn’t contain quite enough caffeine to present a real problem for children with ADHD, but you may still want to limit chocolate because of the high sugar content. 

#3: Chocolate or Coffee-Flavored Ice Cream 

Many ice creams that have chocolate, as well as those that are coffee-flavored, actually do contain some amount of caffeine.

#4: Pain Relievers 

You may be surprised that some over-the-counter pain relievers in Foxboro have caffeine in them, especially pain medicines designed for headache and migraine relief. You may associate caffeine with causing headaches rather than curing them, but caffeine can actually help increase the effectiveness of the active ingredients (usually an NSAID) for treating headaches, as well as helping the body absorb the medicine faster. Some over-the-counter pain medicines that have caffeine include:

·         Excedrin Migraine Relief: 61 mg

·         Aspirin-Free Excedrin: 65 mg

·         Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Relief: 65.4 mg

·         Goody’s Extra Strength Tablets: 16.25 mg

·         Goody’s Headache Powder: 32.5 mg

·         Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength Caplets: 60 mg 

#5: Energy Mints and Energy Gum 

This one is probably obvious, but watch out for products with “energy” in their name if you’re trying to avoid things that contain caffeine. There are several kinds of mints, gum, and even chocolate candies that have added caffeine. They can be potent, with some containing as much as 50 mg of caffeine in a single breath mint.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR ADD IN FOXBORO