Mouse Model Reveals A Cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Although it is typically considered an adolescent curse, ADHD actually affects about five percent of adults as well. New research in a mouse model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) suggests that the root of the psychiatric disorder might be the over-activity of a protein that regulates dopaminergic pathways. The work suggests a path toward new treatments for symptoms including inattentiveness, over-activity, and impulsivity. (continue reading)
More Evidence That Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Is Related To Alterations In The Brain’s Reward System
Last week, we reported on “Deficits In Brain’s Reward System Observed In ADHD Patients.” In different, but similar study, researchers at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital for the first time have discovered anomalies in the brain’s reward system related to the neural circuits of motivation and gratification. In children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the degree of motivation when carrying out an activity is related to the immediacy with which the objectives of the activity are met. This would explain why their attention and hyperactivity levels differ depending on the tasks being carried out. (continue reading)
Neural Processing Differences In ADHD In Individuals With And Without Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
The adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on behavioral, cognitive, and social development can lead to a range of symptoms referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Attention and cognition problems seen in individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure often resemble those linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An assessment of these disorders has found that while children with FASD may meet the behavioral criteria for ADHD, their attention difficulties differ in subtle but important respects. (continue reading)
Deficits In Brain’s Reward System Observed In ADHD Patients
A brain-imaging study conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory provides the first definitive evidence that patients suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have lower-than-normal levels of certain proteins essential for experiencing reward and motivation. “These deficits in the brain’s reward system may help explain clinical symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and reduced motivation, as well as the propensity for complications such as drug abuse and obesity among ADHD patients,” said lead author Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and a long-time collaborator on neuroimaging research at Brookhaven Lab. (continue reading)
Common Plastic Chemicals Linked To ADHD Symptoms: Are Phthalates Really Safe For Children?
Phthalates are important components of many consumer products, including toys, cleaning materials, plastics, and personal care items. Studies to date on phthalates have been inconsistent, with some linking exposure to these chemicals to hormone disruptions, birth defects, asthma, and reproductive problems, while others have found no significant association between exposure and adverse effects. A new report by Korean scientists, published by Elsevier in the November 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry, adds to the potentially alarming findings about phthalates. They measured urine phthalate concentrations and evaluated symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using teacher-reported symptoms and computerized tests that measured attention and impulsivity. (continue reading)
Exposure To Tobacco Smoke And Lead Raises Risk Of ADHD
Children exposed prenatally to tobacco smoke and during childhood to lead face a particularly high risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) according to research done at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The study estimates that up to 35 percent of ADHD cases in children between the ages of 8 and 15 could be reduced by eliminating both of these environmental exposures. This could translate into up to 800,000 children. The study is to be published online Nov. 23 by Pediatrics. (continue reading)
EEG Analysis Reveals Disconnect Between Brain Regions In Children With ADHD
Two brain areas fail to connect when children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) attempt a task that measures attention, according to researchers at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain and M.I.N.D. Institute. “This is the first time that we have direct evidence that this connectivity is missing in ADHD,” said Ali Mazaheri, postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Mind and Brain. Mazaheri and his colleagues made the discovery by analyzing the brain activity in children with ADHD. The paper appears in the current online issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry. (continue reading)
Study Confirms Association Between Tobacco Smoke And Behavioral Problems In Children
A new study finds that exposure tobacco smoke may lead to behavioral problems in children. The scientists observed that the impact of tobacco smoke was especially detrimental during gestation. The results of the study have been published in the current online issue of the renowned journal Environmental Health Perspectives. (continue reading)
Common Mental Disorders Among American Youth
A national survey funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) tracks rates of common mental disorders among American youth. The results are part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a collaboration between NIMH and the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey conducted from 2001 to 2004 had 3,042 participants. These most recent results include data from children and adolescents ages 8 to 15, and were published online ahead of print December 14, 2009, in the journal Pediatrics. (continue reading)
Science Daily Research News Update 11-07-09
The early November edition of the Science Daily Research New Update series features a good variety of newly published Health Psychology related studies. Read on to learn more about: a new link between pregnant womens’ folate levels and ADHD, fish oil may not only help fight cardiovascular disease, but also stroke and rheumatoid arthritis, researchers regrow spinal nerves in animals, stressed-induced changes in the brain may lead to cocaine relapse, “no pain no gain” also applies to happiness, new evidence for a link between gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and mental health disorders, migraine headache with aura doubles risk of stroke, and new explanations as to why antidepressants do not work for so many people. (more…)
ISNR Petitions State Attorney Generals To Commence A Restraint Of Trade Action Against Health Insurance Carriers
The International Society of Neurofeedback (ISNR) petitioned state Attorney Generals to commence a “restraint of trade action” against health Insurance Carriers in June 2009. The author(s) of the letter put forth a strong rationale for mandated insurance coverage of neurofeedback / biofeedback, including that insurance carriers hold neurofeedback / biofeedback efficacy research to a higher burden of proof. Below you will find a copy of the original letter sent to the Attorney Generals, as well as ISNR’s recent update on the responses received so far. The initial Attorney General feedback suggests that ISNR will have significant hurdles to overcome with this legal approach. (more…)
Excellent Free Resource: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) eBook
“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a free, full color 28 page ebook. This ebook provides answers to common questions posed by the recently diagnosed and by parents of children with ADHD. As with all NIH publications, an evidenced-based explanation of the disorder and its available treatment options is given in simple language that is suitable for the general public and for psychologists/physician handouts to their patients. Check the end of this review for a link to download this free PDF ebook. (more…)
Neurofeedback Again Featured At U.S. News & World Report – This Time As A Potential Permanent Cure For ADHD
U.S. News & World Report writers have truly taken notice of neurofeedback, especially as a treatment for ADHD. Last month, we reported that U.S. News and World Report Lists Neurofeedback As 1 of 9 Drug Free Treatments For ADHD. This recent attention is well deserved given that new research suggests that neurofeedback is an efficacious treatment for ADHD. For example, read Neurofeedback for ADHD Achieves A “Level 5 – Efficacious and Specific Efficacy Rating” previously reported on this website. Today, we highlight the latest neurofeedback story that appeared on this prominent news source’s website last month as: “Neurofeedback: An ADHD Treatment That Retrains the Brain? Neurofeedback hasn’t yet proved out and isn’t cheap, but it dangles the prospect of a permanent cure.” Check the end of this review for a link to the original article. (more…)
Excellent Free Resource: Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders eBook
The National Institutes of Health (NIMH) maintains their steady release of free, evidence-based mental health resources for the general public with their latest ebook, “Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders.” Parents who are faced with child behavior problems and are uncertain what to do may find this publication’s easy-to-read question and answer format to be very helpful. Healthcare providers should know too that these NIMH ebook publications make for great patient handouts. (more…)
Brain, Mind, and Neurofeedback: The Next 100 Years
Where are we headed? What is the future of the human experience? How do the previous 10, 100, 1000, or 100,000 years relate to our ongoing journey? In particular, where do consciousness, the brain, the mind, and neurofeedback fit into the big picture?
In order to look forward, it is instructive to look back, and to view our work in the context of our historical and anthropological development. Suppose an anthropologist visits earth from another planet, and is assigned the task of making a brief summary of human technical and cultural development, up to the current time. Something like the following graph might result. (more…)
- About: health and wellness through psychological science
- Subscribe to Feed
Featured Articles
A Clinical Outcome Study Of Neurofeedback And Biofeedback For Migraine Headache- Diaphragm Mediates Action of Autonomic and Enteric Nervous Systems
- Eric Newhouse's Crusade To Improve Veterans' Access To Much Needed PTSD And TBI Treatments, Including Neurofeedback And CES
- What is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation? (Part 2)
- An Interview With Philip Thorpe, Lead Researcher Of The Recent Bavituximab Study
- Potential QEEG Markers of Childhood Stuttering And Their Implications for Neurofeedback
- An Introduction to EEG Phenotypes (Part 3)
- A Novel and Potentially Groundbreaking Viral Theory of Autism and Schizophrenia
Highly Accessed
An Interview With Philip Thorpe, Lead Researcher Of The Recent Bavituximab Study
Integrative Body-Mind Training, Nature Exposure, and Mindfulness: A Review of Attention State Training Techniques
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index – An Excellent Free Psychological Screening Instrument For Sleep Disturbance
Neurofeedback For Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Promising Results In A Small Sample
One Step Closer To Antiviral Treatments for Persons Infected With Latent VirusesMost Popular Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback For Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Promising Results In A Small Sample
Children With ADHD Realize Significant Benefits From Neurofeedback Training In a Randomized Clinical Trials
A One Year Follow Up of Neurofeedback For Autistic Spectrum Disorders
An Overview Of Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback And Its Treatment Effectiveness For Substance Abuse
Neurofeedback for ADHD Achieves A 'Level 5 – Efficacious and Specific' Efficacy Rating
Neurofeedback For Dementia Improves Executive Functioning and Memory In A Small Pilot Study
Random Articles
- Exercise Associated With Preventing And Improving Mild Cognitive Impairment In Midlife Or Later
- Excellent Free Resource: Comprehensive Neurofeedback Bibliography
- Red or Processed Meats Lead to Increased Mortality Rates in Men and Wowen
- Long-Time Cannabis Use Associated With Psychosis
- Science Daily Research News Update 9-20-09
Recent Articles
- Traces Of The Past: Computer Algorithm Able To 'Read' Human Memories
- New Alzheimer's Disease Computerized Self-Test Offers Better Opportunities For Early Detection
- Weight-Bearing Exercise Does Not Prevent Increased Bone Turnover During Weight Loss
- Researchers Report That Confidence Is Key To Gauging Our Impressions
- A New Generation Of Rapid-Acting Antidepressants?
Recent Comments
- International Society For Neurofeedback And Research (ISNR) 2010 Annual Conference
- Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) Annual Conference 2010
- Rapamycin Rescues Learning And Memory In An Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
- Magnesium Supplement Helps Boost Brainpower
- Heartmath Releases New emWave Desktop (Biofeedback PC System): Save $100 For A Limited Time!
-
Search
-
Pages
-
Sections
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Behavior Therapy
- Biofeedback
- Bipolar Disorder
- Book Review
- Brain Imaging
- Cancer
- CES
- Cognition
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Featured
- Group Therapy
- Headache
- Immunology
- Meditation
- Neurofeedback
- Neuroscience
- News
- Nutrition
- Obesity
- Parenting
- Personality
- Personality Disorder
- Professional Training
- Psychological Assessment
- Psychophysiology
- Psychotherapy
- PTSD
- Public Health
- QEEG
- Schizophrenia
- Sleep
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Substance Abuse
- Suicide
- Tobacco
- Traumatic Brain Injury
-
Archives
-
Links
Clinician Resources
- American Association For Cancer Research
- American Diabetes Association
- BioMedicalSearch.com
- Center for Quality Assessment and Improvement in Mental Health
- Evidenced-Based Behavioral Practice
- FreeMedicalJournals.com
- HighWire Press
- National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
- National Center On Sleep Disorders Research
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Institute On Drug Abuse
- National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services
- Treat Tobacco
Consumer Resources
- American Chronic Pain Association
- American Heart Association
- American Stroke Association
- Autism File
- Autism One
- Brain Aneurysm Foundation
- Brain Injury Resource Center
- Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
- Diabetes Act Now
- Food Safety
- National Cancer Institute
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Spinal Cord Injury Association
- Nutrition
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Recovery Month
Open Access / Free Journals
- APS Public Interest
- Behavior and Brain Functions
- Behavioral Analyst Today
- Bentham Open Access
- Biofeedback Magazine
- BioMedical Central (BMC)
- BioPsychoSocial Medicine
- BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- BMC Psychiatry
- BMC Public Health
- British Journal of Medical Practitioners
- European Health Psychologist
- Evolutionary Psychology
- International Journal of Behavioral Consultation & Therapy
- International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
- International Journal of Clinical & Health Psychology
- Journal of Applied Psychology
- Journal of Behavior Analysis in Health, Sports, Fitness and Medicine
- Open Medical Imaging
- Open Sleep Journal
- PloS Medicine
- PloS One
- Pragmatic Case Studies In Psychotherapy
- Public Library of Science (PloS)
- PubMed Central
- Substance Abuse Treatment
Open Access Books
Professional Orgs
- American Psychological Association
- American Spinal Cord Injury Association
- APA Health Psychology
- Association for Applied Psychophysiology And Biofeedback
- Association for Psychological Science
- Biofeedback Certification Institute of America
- Biofeedback Foundation of Europe
- Biofeedback Society of Texas
- International Society for Neurofeedback and Research
- National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
- Society for Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Texas Psychological Association
Subscription Journals