ADHD

The most common method a doctor will recommend treating a child’s attention deficit disorder is with prescription drugs that may only temporarily reduce their symptoms. These drugs have names such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Strattera and are primarily either neurostimulant drugs or act by altering neurotransmitters in the brain.

These drugs may cause a child to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of documented harmful side effects.

The National Institute of Mental Health did a long-term study on ADHD and found, “the long-term efficacy of stimulant medication has NOT been demonstrated for any domain of child functioning.”

Another study on Ritalin by Nadine Lambert, a professor at UC Berkley followed 500 kids for 26 years and reported that Ritalin usage makes the brain more susceptible to cocaine addiction and DOUBLES the likelihood that a child will abuse drugs.

Research also states, “Up to 70% of children with ADHD exhibit symptoms into their adult years, and these symptoms interfere significantly with academic, vocational and social functioning.”

So what should a parent do? Where does one turn for options?

There is now a facility right here in Gilbert Arizona that offers hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (*see special brain exam at the bottom)

The #1 secret? Attention issues including ADHD can be helped without drugs and the long-term benefits out last anything known.

A recent 2012 study performed by the American Academy of Pediatrics states that this therapy is on par with medications without the side effects.

ADHD is the result of abnormal brain activity leading to a host of neurobehavioral symptoms such as short attention span, distractibility, disorganization, procrastination and poor internal supervision.

Changes in brain activity can occur for a variety of reasons including environment factors, DNA/Genetic, head trauma, inflammation, autoimmunity, hormonal imbalance and nutritional reactivity. Areas of the brain may become underactive or weaker than other areas leading to the symptoms associated to ADHD.

Since the brain is an electrochemical organ it makes sense to measure brain wave activity. Dr. Johnson utilizes this technology to determine clinical need and track patient progress. A QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) or Brain Map involves placing electrodes on the scalp to pick up electrical activity in each lobe of the brain. Once the data has been gathered it is compared to a normative database and a report is developed for the doctor to interpret.

Brimhall Wellness has developed a unique non-drug approach to helping children and adults with ADHD. His program incorporates Brain Mapping, Functional Neurology, Functional Nutrition and Neurointegration (also known as Neurofeedback with photic entrainment).

In order to effectively address attention deficit disorder, three factors must be determined:

1. What is the underlying cause?
2. How much brain involvement is occurring. (NOTE: The only way to truly answer this question is to perform a Brain Map.)
3. How much treatment will one’s condition require?

The treatment that is provided at this facility has three main goals:

1. Restore Healthy Brain Wave Activity
2. Address underlying nutritional imbalances
3. Strengthen weak brain lobe function

One treatment to restore healthy brain wave activity is Neurointegration Therapy, a groundbreaking approach in multi-sensory brainwave therapy. This unique photic technology guides the brain through EEG-driven auditory and visual feedback. Over 1600 studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this type of training.

As a matter of fact in a 2012 report, the American Association of Pediatrics recognized Neurointegration as a Level 1 (Best Support Intervention). They rate Neurointegration therapy at the same level as medication.

Another study compared medication only to a Neurointegration group and medication group. The results demonstrated that six months after discontinuing therapy only the Neurointegration group showed sustained improvements, the medication only group, did not.

Neurointegration is like exercise for the brain. Over time a stronger more balanced brain is reflected in more socially appropriate behavior and capacity to stay on task.

Studies show that Neurointegration training benefits can last 30 years or longer and may even increase IQ by 10-12 points.

Call today to schedule a brain map and consultation. This examination will consist of a detailed history review, focused neurological exam (including primitive reflex testing), brain map (qEEG), and a detailed analysis of our findings.

We accept children as young as 5 years old. We do work with adults that have ADHD as well.

Our office is located at 3303 East Baseline Road in Gilbert.