New Test for Diagnosing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Sturgeon Bay, WI (PRWEB) August 27, 2013 -- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a widespread neurobehavioral disorder seen in children and teens. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity and behavioral difficulties, and/or over-activity not normal for one’s age group. Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Chiropractor and Naturopath Dr. J G Moellendorf, DC, ND, LCP states that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 6.4 million American children have been diagnosed with ADHD, of which nearly 3 million are taking Ritalin, Adderall or other mind-altering drugs. This is a 41% increase in the last 10 years, which has led to many questions about the validity of the diagnosis.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) approved the first brain wave test to diagnose ADHD. This non-invasive 20-minute test has been authorized for use as part of a complete psychological exam of 6 to 17 year old patients to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of ADHD.
Nicknamed NEBA (Neuropsychiatric Interpretive Electroencephalograph Assessment Aid), it is the culmination of 7 years of research by a small start-up company of 10 people. Produced by NEBA Health of Augusta, Georgia, the device is already used in assessing sleep disorders, measuring unconsciousness, diagnosing the side effects of head injuries, and monitoring the brain during surgery. To diagnose ADHD, the NEBA calculates the ratio between theta (slow) and beta (fast) brain waves. The researchers found that beta waves are higher than normal in those with ADHD. Their research continues as plans are underway to extend its capabilities to diagnosing depression and dementia.
The research for the NEBA was done with 275 youths between the ages of 6 and 17 years who displayed, but had not been treated for, attention or behavioral problems. A group of ADHD experts reviewed test results derived from using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), behavioral questionnaires and testing, and physical examinations to arrive at a consensus diagnosis of whether ADHD was present or not. There was a 61% agreement among the doctors when using the standard tests for ADHD, and this increased to 88% when the NEBA device was included.
NEBA testing does have its skeptics though. Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York stated, "For clinicians and researchers interested in ADHD, an objective diagnostic test that is accurate, sensitive and specific has been one of the 'holy grails' which has long been sought. It is doubtful that this EEG test newly approved by the FDA will be as accurate and reliable as clinicians and families would ideally want. Although this new EEG test may prove helpful to clinicians, neither parents nor professionals will be able to rely upon it as a standalone 'litmus test' for whether a child has ADHD." Adesman also points out that the NEBA device may fare no better than the other “objective” diagnostic tests for ADHD that the FDA has approved but have not come into common acceptance for diagnosing the disorder.
Dr. Daniel Amen has been researching the use of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in making neuropsychiatric diagnoses since 1991. SPECT scans use radioisotopes to track the function in the brain by looking at blood flow and activity patterns. He has discovered that there are at least six different forms of ADHD, each responsive to a different treatment protocol. While further research needs to be done, the results have been promising in getting to the root causes for many ADHD patients when their previous treatments have failed.
Using the latest research findings, Moellendorf Chiropractic Office, Ltd. uses a comprehensive package of Chiropractic care, decompression traction therapy, active therapeutic movement training, cold laser therapy, and nutrition for the natural treatment of neurological conditions, neck and back pain, and other health conditions such as ADHD without drugs or surgery. Additional information about Chiropractic, Naturopathy, and other forms of natural health care has been provided by Moellendorf Chiropractic Office, Ltd. at http://www.all-about-wellness.com.
About: Dr. J G Moellendorf, DC, ND, LCP
Dr. J G Moellendorf, DC, ND, LCP attended the University of Wisconsin—Superior where he majored in Physics and Mathematics, with a minor in art photography. While attending the University of Minnesota—Minneapolis, he assisted in research on ribosomal proteins. Completing his Chiropractic studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, he graduated Cum Laude (with high honors) in 1983. He started Moellendorf Chiropractic Office, Ltd. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in 1983. In 1996, Dr. Moellendorf was awarded his Doctorate in Naturopathy from Trinity School of Natural Health. In 2001, he received Chiropractic’s most prestigious award, the honorary Legion of Chiropractic Philosophers degree, for his thesis “The Workings of Innate Intelligence in Obsessive/Compulsive and Addictive Behaviors.” This paper was chosen for publishing in the book Philosophic Contemplations vol. 2 in 2002. In June of 2012, Dr. Moellendorf authored his first book titled Healthcare’s Best Kept Secret which can be ordered on Amazon.
Dr. Moellendorf can be contacted by phone (920) 493-2126, fax (920) 743-1145, email jgmoellendorf(at)itol(dot)com, his website at http://www.all-about-wellness.com, or send a carrier pigeon to 44.84722N and 87.36416W.
Dr. J G Moellendorf, Moellendorf Chiropractic Office, Ltd, http://www.all-about-wellness.com, +1 (920) 493-2126, [email protected]
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