Drugs and ADHD
The Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine provides a highly effective non-drug treatment for ADHD and Autism. Our safe alternative to drug-based therapy prevents patients from having to suffer the unwanted side effects of ADHD medication, but it also can provide a real resolution of ADHD symptoms.
The Problems with Drug Treatments for ADD and ADHD
In 1992, we recognized that drug-based treatments for ADHD only temporarily supressed symptoms, doing little to correct the underlying disorder itself: brain dysregulation.
Drug-focused ADHD treatment protocols typically offer only temporary relief, since patients treated with drugs will only experience symptom relief for as long as the drugs are being taken. Typically, once the drugs wear off, so do the improvements.
Additionally, the brain can develop a tolerance to dosages of the most popular ADHD drugs, requiring dosage increases (more medicine) to achieve the same desired effect. As dosages are increased, the risk of side effects grows as well.
Over an extended period of time, drug treatments may even have to be discontinued since they can become less and less effective, and/or lead to an increase in negative side effects.
Possible side effects of ADHD medications:
- Nervousness
- Change in personality
- Loss of appetite
- A slow growth rate
- Stunted growth
- Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- Withdrawal effects causing unstable emotional rebound
- Psychotic reactions
- Lowered seizure threshold
- Tics
- Insomnia
- Suicidal ideation
- Liver problems
- Risk of abuse and addiction
But there are also other serious risks associated with ADHD medication as well.
For example, a recent WebMD article stated that an FDA-drafted medication guide contained reports of sudden death in patients taking stimulant drugs with pre-existing heart problems, as well as incidences of strokes and heart attack in adult ADHD medication users. ADHD drugs are also frequently abused on school campuses across the country today, with media reports containing details of Ritalin abuse and even stimulant overdose.
Though there are cases where a patient may require ADHD medication on a temporary basis, these drugs should be used with careful oversight from a physician. Patients should notify their doctor of any new symptoms they may experience, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, elevated heart rate, or new mental problems. Also, patients should not discontinue a psychiatric medication without a physician's supervision.
Drake’s Comprehensive Non-Drug Treatment for ADHD
Drug-based ADHD treatment can provide temporary symptom relief, but a better way to deal with ADHD related problems and seek symptom resolution (rather than symptom suppression) is to treat the problematic brain dysfunction itself.
The Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine helps patients achieve better clinical, long-term improvement for ADHD without relying on drugs, and their potential unwanted side effects.
Unfortunately, some of the children “treated” by drug-based approaches appear to have been unalterably and detrimentally affected by the experience. Prolonged drug use made it extremely difficult for us to completely rid some child patients of their dependencies.
As a medical clinic, Drake brings a more comprehensive level of knowledge to the treatment process, integrating the disciplines of medicine psychology, neuroscience and computer science into a singular, unique, non-drug based treatment program with an approximately 80% clinical success rate in helping patients improve their productivity and quality of life.
During the initial diagnosis for each patient, we perform a noninvasive QEEG brain map procedure to identify the abnormal brain wave patterns linked to ADHD symptoms. Brain map data is then used to guide Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) treatments which train patients to produce more normalized, better functioning brain wave patterns that reduce their ADHD symptoms.
Whereas drug-based therapies only temporarily suppress or manage symptoms, our non-drug treatment approach helps to eliminate symptoms by resolving the source of the problem itself: improper brain function.
Our treatments guide the brain to reorganize itself and create new neural connections, thereby improving brain function. Because these results are self-generated by the patient via an internalized learning process of self-regulation they have the potential for producing long-term improvement and ADHD relief.
To get help for you or your loved one, please schedule a no-charge screening consultation with us today.
