Clinical Studies
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children – Alternative Therapies
JA Maggiore, PhD, CN Warner, BS, and HA Warner, MS. Healthy Life Laboratories
Studying the Effects of Regimental Brain Gaming on Children with ADHD
Abstract
Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder distinguished by persistent inattentiveness and hyperactivity or impulsivity that often results in significant functional impairment. The prevalence estimates of ADHD among mainstreamed school-age children approximate 7.8%, ranging from 2% to as high as 18% in community sampling . In 2003, the CDC estimated that 2.5 million children in the US were diagnosed with ADHD and were receiving medical treatment among the 4.4 million who were diagnosed. ADHD poses costs to society, accounting directly for $3.3 billion in annual health care costs. Not known are the indirect costs associated with ADHD, including but not limited to the provision of public school services related to behavior counseling, social work, and special education classroom aides. Prescription stimulants remain the primary treatment for ADHD among children. Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and amphetamine salt mixtures (Adderall®) are prescribed to treat ADHD, and their side effects are similar, including: restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Furthermore, Adderall has a high potential for addiction, and Ritalin has been associated with growth retardation. The long-term effects of these drugs are not fully understood. Because of the costs, side effects and unknown long-term effects associated with ADHD drugs, alternative treatments have been proposed, including natural dietary supplements and neurofeedback therapies, including brain games.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of regimental computer game playing in school age children with ADHD who are taking a prescribed stimulant medication to determine if medical stimulants may be enhanced, reduced or replaced by brain gaming exercises.
Methods: A commercially-available, award winning cognitive skills enhancing software, will be made available to various defined cohorts of school age children, in grades 3 through 8, previously diagnosed with ADHD who are taking prescription stimulants. Subjects will be enrolled through their grade school social worker or behavior specialist. In all subjects, the brain gaming software program will be played for 30 minutes per day, for 5 days per week, for a period of three to six months. Baseline standardized assessments of intelligence and behavior will be determined, and subjects will be randomized among several study groups.
JA Maggiore, PhD, CN Warner, BS, and HA Warner, MS. Healthy Life Laboratories
Studying the Effects of Regimental Brain Gaming on Children with ADHD
Abstract
Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder distinguished by persistent inattentiveness and hyperactivity or impulsivity that often results in significant functional impairment. The prevalence estimates of ADHD among mainstreamed school-age children approximate 7.8%, ranging from 2% to as high as 18% in community sampling . In 2003, the CDC estimated that 2.5 million children in the US were diagnosed with ADHD and were receiving medical treatment among the 4.4 million who were diagnosed. ADHD poses costs to society, accounting directly for $3.3 billion in annual health care costs. Not known are the indirect costs associated with ADHD, including but not limited to the provision of public school services related to behavior counseling, social work, and special education classroom aides. Prescription stimulants remain the primary treatment for ADHD among children. Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and amphetamine salt mixtures (Adderall®) are prescribed to treat ADHD, and their side effects are similar, including: restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Furthermore, Adderall has a high potential for addiction, and Ritalin has been associated with growth retardation. The long-term effects of these drugs are not fully understood. Because of the costs, side effects and unknown long-term effects associated with ADHD drugs, alternative treatments have been proposed, including natural dietary supplements and neurofeedback therapies, including brain games.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of regimental computer game playing in school age children with ADHD who are taking a prescribed stimulant medication to determine if medical stimulants may be enhanced, reduced or replaced by brain gaming exercises.
Methods: A commercially-available, award winning cognitive skills enhancing software, will be made available to various defined cohorts of school age children, in grades 3 through 8, previously diagnosed with ADHD who are taking prescription stimulants. Subjects will be enrolled through their grade school social worker or behavior specialist. In all subjects, the brain gaming software program will be played for 30 minutes per day, for 5 days per week, for a period of three to six months. Baseline standardized assessments of intelligence and behavior will be determined, and subjects will be randomized among several study groups.
