In 1996-97 we were contracted by VAXA International of Tampa, FL to provide clinical, "real world" information on the effectiveness of their product called "Attend." Their product was a homeopathic nutraceutical medicine, meaning that it contains homeopathic medicines, plus nutritional medicines. The product has over 70 selected ingredients including specific amino acid combinations, essential fatty acids, phospholipid complexes, vitamins, minerals, and more.
Our study involved subjects ranging in age from 8 to 22. In our clincial studies we found that 70% of the subject using "Attend" for 30 days made statistically significant improvements on the Test of Variables of Attention, or TOVA test. The TOVA is a widely used CPT test for the diagnosis of ADHD, and to track the effectiveness of various treatment interventions. An improvement of 1/2 standard deviation on the TOVA is considered signficant improvement, meaning that it didn't happen by accident.
Subjects focus improved one standard deviation on the bell curve; which means that the subjects could pay attention to their boring testing task much better than before, and for a longer period of time than before. You could expect to see your child, or teenager, stay focused to his school work, or other tasks, longer and better. It will also help concentration in sports, and is sold under a different label for professional golfers.
Self-Control, or the ability to inhibit impulsivity, improved over one and one-have standard deviation; which means that the subjects made fewer mistakes from being impulsive. They controlled themselves better, and made better decisions.
Reaction Time, as measured by a computer, in thousanths of a second, improved one-half of a standard deviation; which means that their neurological processing speeds actually improved. They could process information faster, and respond to the information faster.
The Consistency of Performance score improved more than one standard deviation! This is also known as the Variability score on the TOVA test. This is the most important score on the TOVA related to diagnosing and treating ADD ADHD. When this score improves, it means that the subject is focused longer to task, is more "dialed in" to the task, and his overall level of performance is better. He is not so "scattered" but is performing much better.
These were very signficant results for an over-the-counter product. VAXA then put this formula of "Attend" on the market early in 1997. Since then we have helped the company to develop specific targeted treatment strategies for each different "type" of ADHD using their "Attend" product, as well as other products that they have produced for the treatment of other specific symptoms. For example, their product "Extress " is highly effective for anxiety disorders. However we have successfully used it, along with "Attend" in helping children and teens with ADHD who also experience anxiety, temper outbursts, hyperactivity, or excessive restlessness.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..When you're a parent it's a difficult decision to know... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Nail biting in all its various forms is problematic... Read More
Well first off, please to don't institute the ? hour... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
There are many things to like about the television show... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
Every year over one million parents have to talk to... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
There are so many learning labels floating around these days... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids... Read More
In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God, and... Read More
Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
There is a new stage of development for parents to... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
Peaceful Parenting? ideas are very different from other kinds of... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
You have a chore to do around the house, and... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
Do you struggle to get your child to bed at... Read More
Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
1. Encourage Questions.Don't answer every question, instead ask what do... Read More
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More
OK, moms and dads out there, we hear you when... Read More
How should one look upon Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)... Read More
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
Often I have heard that leaders are born, not made.... Read More
O.K. I've heard it a hundred times from my prison... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
Parenting |