People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may display symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, but the hallmark symptom of this disorder is inattention. People with ADHD are easily distracted, lack focus and have trouble concentrating. According to HelpGuide.org, children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities that they enjoy but have trouble concentrating when a task is boring or repetitive. The inability to concentrate on important tasks can cause significant disability in people with ADHD, but brain exercises designed to improve concentration can help.
Neurobiofeedback
Neurobiofeedback is a form of brain training that involves an electroencephalogram (EEG). Electrodes are placed on the scalp to monitor brain activity and the patient is instructed to perform computer tasks. As the tasks are performed the patient is given feedback regarding their brainwave activity and rewarded when their brain wave activity is at the desired attentive state. Dr. H. Gevensleben reports in the May 2010 "European Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" that neurobiofeedback improved attention in children with ADHD, and that these improvements persisted for over six months after the conclusion of the 36 sessions of treatment.
Attention Skills Training
Attention skills training is also sometimes called cognitive training. This training is performed using computer exercises designed to strengthen attention and concentration. According to Dr. E. Hoekzema in the March 2010 edition of "Human Brain Mapping," attention skills training enhance activity in the areas of the brain that cause attention problems because the plasticity of the brain allows it to undergo beneficial changes as a result of cognitive training. Dr. L. Tamm tested 23 school age children with ADHD and concluded in the October 2009 "Journal of Attention Disorders" that an attention skills training program improved concentration and focus in children with attention problems.
Meditation
Meditation is a form of mental exercise designed to train the brain to focus on a certain object and to filter out distractions. This form of training is often referred to as mindfulness training. Dr. L. Zylowska in the May 2008 "Journal of Attention Disorders" reported that adults and adolescents with ADHD had significantly improved scores on attention tasks following an eight week mindfulness training program. According to Dr. J.A. Brefczynski-Lewis in the July 2007 "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," meditation improved activation in a network of brain regions typically involved in sustained attention.
Physical Exercise
Physical Exercise may also ward off cognitive decline reports Dr. Liu-Ambrose. He reports in the January 2010 "Archives of Internal Medicine" that resistance exercise training, once or twice a week, can improve performance on attention tests as well as improving cognitive function and selective attention.
Dr. John Ratey of the Harvard Medical School reports in ADDitude Magazine that physical exercise may be a replacement for stimulants in a small group of people with ADHD. Dr. Ratey says that when you exercise your brain releases important hormones and neurotransmitters that help your brain concentrate and that improve alertness.
References
- HelpGuide.org: ADD / ADHD in Children
- "Human Brain Mapping"; Enhanced neural activity in frontal and cerebellar circuits after cognitive training in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Hoekzema E, Carmona S, Tremols V, Gispert JD, Guitart M, Fauquet J, Rovira M, Bielsa A, Soliva JC, Tomas X, Bulbena A,Ramos A, Casas M, Tobeña A, Vilarroya O.; March 2010
- "European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry"; Neurofeedback training in children with ADHD: 6-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial; Gevensleben H, Holl B, Albrecht B, Schlamp D, Kratz O, Studer P, Rothenberger A, Moll GH, Heinrich H.; May 2010
- "The Journal of Neuroscience"; Mental training enhances attentional stability: neural and behavioral evidence; Lutz A, Slagter HA, Rawlings NB, Francis AD, Greischar LL, Davidson RJ.; October 2009
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized controlled trial; Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Graf P, Beattie BL, Ashe MC, Handy TC.; January 2010
