Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a general term for various psycho-therapeutic approaches to behavior modification and emotional management.
In essence, most CBTs share the following features:
a) Identifying the child's thinking style as the source of dysfunctional emotions and behavior. The focus is on thoughts, rather than on external events, as the source of feelings and behavior.
b) Developing alternative responses through collaboration between the child and therapist. The goal is to help the child develop skills for self reliance and self-directed counseling.
c) Consistently practicing alternative responses so that new neural pathways can replace old circuitry in the brain.
Achievement of goal is predicated on the child's ability to unlearn old patterns and replacing them with new responses.Practicing (and re-practicing techniques) learned is crucial for success.
Use of journal entries, self-assessment of belief system, evaluation of techniques used, mindfulness training and relaxation practice are all part of CBT.
Showing posts with label cognitive behavior therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cognitive behavior therapy. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
What Can Neurofeedback Do for Kids with ADHD?
We can think of neurofeedback for ADHD ( also known as EEG Biofeedback)as a means of monitoring the body through the mind.
Most of us are not aware of the way our brain's electrical activity can affect our emotions and behavior. It is a form of treatment using a monitoring device that provides immediate feedback of brain electrical activity to the child, allowing him or her to learn what positive changes in the body, emotions and mind feel like. In this sense, EEG Biofeedback manages behavior by controlling the brain.
Because hyperactivity is mainly a problem with the proper functioning of the frontal lobes, proponents of neurofeedback claim that by monitoring and training brain wave activity, this self-regulating therapy can bring about changes in the child's behavior.
How Effective is Neurofeedback for ADHD?
A new study conducted in Germany suggests that neurofeedback for ADHD provides dramatic results for hyperactive children.
102 children aged 8-12 were randomly assigned to two treatment options - 36 sessions of neurofeedback training or 36 sessions of computerized attention training.
These children have all been diagnosed with ADHD; over 90 have never received medication and 80% of the children were boys.
Children in both groups took part in 2-3 training sessions per week. In EEG Biofeedback group, children learned to create and sustain a state of focused attention by monitoring their body responses. These children received direct feedback on their EEG state.
Children in the computerized attention training (the control group) were given systematic exercises to train their visual and auditory perception, attention and reactivity; however these children received no direct feedback of their EEG state.
Results showed that neurofeedback treatment yielded significantly greater reductions of ADHD symptoms than the control group treatment. 51% of children in the EEG Biofeedback group experienced at least 25% reduction in ADHD symptoms.In the control group, only 26% of children achieved this level.
Most of us are not aware of the way our brain's electrical activity can affect our emotions and behavior. It is a form of treatment using a monitoring device that provides immediate feedback of brain electrical activity to the child, allowing him or her to learn what positive changes in the body, emotions and mind feel like. In this sense, EEG Biofeedback manages behavior by controlling the brain.
Because hyperactivity is mainly a problem with the proper functioning of the frontal lobes, proponents of neurofeedback claim that by monitoring and training brain wave activity, this self-regulating therapy can bring about changes in the child's behavior.
How Effective is Neurofeedback for ADHD?
A new study conducted in Germany suggests that neurofeedback for ADHD provides dramatic results for hyperactive children.
102 children aged 8-12 were randomly assigned to two treatment options - 36 sessions of neurofeedback training or 36 sessions of computerized attention training.
These children have all been diagnosed with ADHD; over 90 have never received medication and 80% of the children were boys.
Children in both groups took part in 2-3 training sessions per week. In EEG Biofeedback group, children learned to create and sustain a state of focused attention by monitoring their body responses. These children received direct feedback on their EEG state.
Children in the computerized attention training (the control group) were given systematic exercises to train their visual and auditory perception, attention and reactivity; however these children received no direct feedback of their EEG state.
Results showed that neurofeedback treatment yielded significantly greater reductions of ADHD symptoms than the control group treatment. 51% of children in the EEG Biofeedback group experienced at least 25% reduction in ADHD symptoms.In the control group, only 26% of children achieved this level.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Anger Medication: Is It the Only Alternative?
Should anger medication be used to manage anger in children and teens? The bottom line is this-- the choice to use prescriptions for anger should only be made after studying the pros and cons of anger medication as well as other alternative methods or options available for anger management.
What medications are on the market for anger management? There are no medications designed strictly to treat anger; however, there are those designed to help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression that are often predisposed effects of anger. Common anti-depressant medication prescribed today for depression related symptoms are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Effexor.
These types of medication are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin reuptake inhibitors block the reuptake of serotonin leaving more serotonin in the brain, which enhances the neurotransmitters that trigger the nerve impulses that lead to improved mood. Improved mood may lessen the incidents of angry outbursts, but does not end them completely.
However, with SSRIs come many possible side effects such as agitation, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, increased sweating, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, rash, restlessness, sexual dysfunctions, and weight gain. SSRIs do come with one very potential serious side effect-- the serotonin syndrome. This occurs when a patient is taking several prescriptions at once: anti-depressants, pain relief medications, prescribed migraine medications, and certain supplements.
Serotonin syndrome comes with several symptoms that may gravitate to hallucination, seizures and drug induced coma.Sometimes SSRIs can worsen the symptoms of depression and lead to suicidal thoughts, especially for those within the 18-24 age range. As reported by drug company Ely Lily, ADD patients prescribed Prozac are twelve times more likely to commit suicide than those with ADD who are not on medication. Anyone taking SSRI should be closely monitored by his or her physician.
Another form of medication commonly used for effects associated with anger is Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs). They deal with the functioning of neurotransmitters similar to those of the SSRIs. Current TCA medications on the market today are Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Norpramin, Sinequan, Tofranil. TCAs come with their own set of side effects; some are similar to those of the SSRIs. They include drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, disorientation or confusion, headache, impaired sexual functioning, increased heart rate, increased appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, sensitivity to sunlight, urinary retention, weight gain, and weakness. TCAs also carry the following risks: increased incidents of heart attack, lowered blood sugar levels, and worsening of depression which may lead to suicidal thoughts.
Can anger medication help a teen with anger issues?
In some situations, medications can help with anger issues as in the case of people who suffer from epileptic seizures. An epileptic seizure alters the brain temporarily, producing a common side effect-- anger. In this situation, the prescribed anti-convulsion medications taken by epileptic patients provide great results for the of control anger outbursts.
However, there are other non-medication alternatives that work quite well for patients with anger issues. Exercise is a great alternative to medication therapy. It increases the release of feel-good endorphins, which automatically lower the incidence of anger. Other ways to reduce anger are meditation, aromatherapy, and light therapy. Anger management cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of anger. It may or may not include medications; however, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of using such therapy as an alternative to medications whenever possible.
If you have a child who is dealing with anger issues, consult your family doctor or a professional to help guide you both in the right direction. Educate yourself on what anger is and how you can help him or her work through anger. There are many natural resources that can help your child with anger.
What medications are on the market for anger management? There are no medications designed strictly to treat anger; however, there are those designed to help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression that are often predisposed effects of anger. Common anti-depressant medication prescribed today for depression related symptoms are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Effexor.
These types of medication are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin reuptake inhibitors block the reuptake of serotonin leaving more serotonin in the brain, which enhances the neurotransmitters that trigger the nerve impulses that lead to improved mood. Improved mood may lessen the incidents of angry outbursts, but does not end them completely.
However, with SSRIs come many possible side effects such as agitation, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, increased sweating, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, rash, restlessness, sexual dysfunctions, and weight gain. SSRIs do come with one very potential serious side effect-- the serotonin syndrome. This occurs when a patient is taking several prescriptions at once: anti-depressants, pain relief medications, prescribed migraine medications, and certain supplements.
Serotonin syndrome comes with several symptoms that may gravitate to hallucination, seizures and drug induced coma.Sometimes SSRIs can worsen the symptoms of depression and lead to suicidal thoughts, especially for those within the 18-24 age range. As reported by drug company Ely Lily, ADD patients prescribed Prozac are twelve times more likely to commit suicide than those with ADD who are not on medication. Anyone taking SSRI should be closely monitored by his or her physician.
Another form of medication commonly used for effects associated with anger is Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs). They deal with the functioning of neurotransmitters similar to those of the SSRIs. Current TCA medications on the market today are Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Norpramin, Sinequan, Tofranil. TCAs come with their own set of side effects; some are similar to those of the SSRIs. They include drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, disorientation or confusion, headache, impaired sexual functioning, increased heart rate, increased appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, sensitivity to sunlight, urinary retention, weight gain, and weakness. TCAs also carry the following risks: increased incidents of heart attack, lowered blood sugar levels, and worsening of depression which may lead to suicidal thoughts.
Can anger medication help a teen with anger issues?
In some situations, medications can help with anger issues as in the case of people who suffer from epileptic seizures. An epileptic seizure alters the brain temporarily, producing a common side effect-- anger. In this situation, the prescribed anti-convulsion medications taken by epileptic patients provide great results for the of control anger outbursts.
However, there are other non-medication alternatives that work quite well for patients with anger issues. Exercise is a great alternative to medication therapy. It increases the release of feel-good endorphins, which automatically lower the incidence of anger. Other ways to reduce anger are meditation, aromatherapy, and light therapy. Anger management cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of anger. It may or may not include medications; however, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of using such therapy as an alternative to medications whenever possible.
If you have a child who is dealing with anger issues, consult your family doctor or a professional to help guide you both in the right direction. Educate yourself on what anger is and how you can help him or her work through anger. There are many natural resources that can help your child with anger.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)