Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
A transcranial direct current stimulation device delivers electric current through scalp electrodes to modulate brain activity, with its effects depending on its polarity of stimulation. Anodal stimulation tends to increase neuronal activation while cathodal reduces it; anodal stimulates greater neuronal activation while cathodal reduces it; both forms have been proven to improve performance on tasks requiring inhibition such as response suppression – making tDCS an attractive candidate for improving cognitive control in ADHD patients. Furthermore, its noninvasive nature makes it ideal without serious side effects or risks that would impose side effects upon those using traditional medication; therefore making tDCS an attractive candidate.
Recent research demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved emotional prepotent inhibition among adults with ADHD; however, this change was uncorrelated with reduced hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms or more accurate responses on an Emotional Go/No-Go task. This finding is significant because it indicates tDCS may improve emotion regulation even without notable improvements to rating scale scores or behavioral tasks.
For this trial, participants were randomly divided into a treatment or placebo group and given a brief session of transcranial direct current stimulation on the frontal cortex before performing two emotional Go/No-Go and one 1-Back tasks and filling out a rating scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA with repeated measures using within-subject factor “Stimulation Condition.” Dependent variables included No-Go accuracy and reaction time on Go/No-Go task as well as accuracy/reaction time on Emotional 1-back task respectively.
At the prescreening period, a trained study investigator will discuss the trial’s objectives, procedures, and possible risks to each participant. If they consent to participate, they will sign a written consent form and receive detailed information on its procedures; additionally they will receive their tDCS device and be instructed on its use.
As yet, only a few studies have utilized transcranial DCS on adult ADHD patients and the results have been mixed, with some studies finding significant benefits and others noting none. Its effectiveness will likely depend on factors like targeting cortical regions and current strengths as well as targeting symptoms/deficits with which it’s being addressed. Furthermore, further research should focus on investigating how type and duration of sessions affect outcomes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be an invaluable aid to managing emotions and behavior. It teaches individuals to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors which contribute to negative moods, encouraging you to pay attention to your responses when confronted by difficult situations, keeping a journal or keeping records about feelings, beliefs or habits which need change, then showing you how to change them both during sessions as well as through “homework” exercises.
CBT stands in contrast to psychoanalysis in that it focuses on helping you deal with immediate life challenges rather than digging up any past baggage. Though you will gain some background information through CBT sessions, its primary goal should be finding solutions today.
CBT is an amalgamation of cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It involves learning to identify false or distressing beliefs such as overgeneralizing (taking one bad experience and generalizing it to all similar situations) or catastrophizing (“predict[ing] that every small problem will lead to disaster”. CBT therapy seeks to change your thoughts which then alter feelings and behavior.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback can teach you to gain more control of automatic body functions like heart rate or blood pressure that occur without your conscious participation, such as skin temperature or muscle tone changes. A monitor and sensors detect changes in these responses such as heart rate, skin temperature, muscle tone changes, perspiration levels or brainwave patterns that change automatically; your biofeedback therapist then provides relaxation techniques designed to lower physiological activity so these responses don’t occur under stress or anxiety conditions. Finally, behavioral changes may take place so these responses no longer manifest in stressful or anxious conditions
One type of biofeedback involves placing electrodes on various parts of your body to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, or other functions and display this data on a video screen. Sensors might detect signals telling muscles to tighten up and cause a flashing light or beeping sound on the monitor display – you can then learn to relax those muscles consciously with techniques provided. Over time you may even be able to leave behind both sensors and monitor and use biofeedback techniques at home on your own!
Biofeedback has long been used as an effective remedy for migraine headaches, chronic pain and high blood pressure. Studies have demonstrated its ability to relax tension-type headache muscles and alleviate stress – factors which often exacerbate them further. Furthermore, it may improve urinary incontinence (enuresis) by strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
Neurofeedback is similar to biofeedback, except it uses electrodes placed on the head or in a headband to monitor brain activity. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy for ADHD as well as decreasing symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. For optimal results it must be administered by trained professionals; otherwise it could become harmful and ultimately replace medication altogether. If you suffer from severe mental illness talk with your physician first about whether biofeedback might help and whether any additional medical conditions require treating before proceeding further with biofeedback therapy; otherwise consult with your physician regarding whether biofeedback can replace medications prescribed.
Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice which can reduce stress, elevate your mood and help you unwind. Furthermore, its positive impacts have been observed on heart rate and blood pressure – leading healthcare providers to view meditation as a safe complementary therapy treatment option for diseases like cancer or lupus.
Meditation comes in many forms, with most forms involving sitting quietly while focusing on breathing or an image or word. Mindfulness meditation allows you to stay in the present rather than worrying about past or future events; there are also visual-based meditations which involve concentrating on something visible to the naked eye. Studies show that regular practitioners of meditation tend to show changes in parts of their brain that control attention, senses, emotions, possibly due to an improved hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or improved connections among brain cells.
Meditation can be practiced regardless of religious or philosophical affiliation; indeed, many military personnel employ it as part of their training regimen to strengthen concentration while under pressure.
Meditation offers many advantages for everyone, but is particularly helpful for people suffering from anxiety or stress disorders. Meditation may also help people manage chronic physical conditions that cause stress such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Before beginning meditation practice, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first – they may recommend certain techniques or warn against others; some medical conditions, including certain mental health disorders or diseases that cause stress may actually make meditation worse.
