Essential Naples - Fall 2020

Page 20

Health

Saving Your Brain from

Anxiety and ADHD ESSENTIAL Naples

By Dr. Kelly Miller, NMD

FALL 2020

18

“ADHD and anxiety can be effectively treated without medications and more often than not can be permanently resolved.” - Dr. Kelly Miller, NMD

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DHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) impacts 1 in 10 children now in the United States according to the CDC. It is the most prevalent mental disorder in children and the number one reason a child will be medicated. There has been a 2000% increase in medication prescribed over the last two decades. Unfortunately, medication has a very short-term benefit for some. In the long run, research shows that medication may do more harm than good. ADHD was once thought to be a chemical imbalance in the brain and these imbalances were permanent. However, recent research clearly demonstrates that there are asymmetrical differences between the left and right hemispheres in the brain. The vast majority of ADHD individuals have a right hemispheric weakness. More importantly, these weaknesses can be strengthened by specific sensory input using technologies such as neurofeedback, Interactive Metronome, and Neurosage.

Types of ADHD

There are 3 types of ADHD. Type 1 Inattentive (classic ADD), Type II Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Type III Combined, the most common. Most of us think ADHD is a problem that affects children only, but the reality is that the child does not grow out of this condition when they reach adulthood. Some-

times the person is able to compensate in some way but many continue to have similar symptoms as they did as a child. Even if the individual is able to become somewhat successful in life, the brain imbalance will often manifest as anxiety. The good news is that ADHD and anxiety can be effectively treated without medications and more often than not can be permanently resolved.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety or anxiousness is the most common mental illness in today’s world. Over 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with some anxiety disorder. According to recent news reports, there has been a 33% increase in anxiety since COVID-19. Many people are prescribed a SSI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) type medication but still have symptoms. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that creates a calming effect on the brain and nervous system. The medication works by inhibiting the body’s natural process of breaking down serotonin. There are several natural substances that help the body produce more serotonin on its own. Also, neurofeedback and audio-visual training devices have positive influences on creating more serotonin. Most people are unaware that our gut, not our brain, produces 95 % of serotonin. An imbalanced


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