Recently there have been many news stories in the media about a growing issue with a shortage of ADHD medication availability. One recent blog post on a CHADD related site discusses the causes of this issue of ADHD medication shortages. According to the author, Ruth Hughes, PhD, “the shortages began last spring and all parties thought it would be a short-term problem. But now it is six months later and the problem is getting bigger, not smaller.” She goes on to explain, “If the shortage continues for a while, as it has for ADHD medications, then other things begin to happen. Over time, physicians begin to change prescribing habits to other medications that are more readily available, such as the short-acting methylphenidate medications.” However, one significant problem with this, as I see it, is that not all medications work the same for all ADD/ADHD patients. One size does NOT fit all. Unfortunately it can take going thru several different types/combinations of medications to find the “goldie locks” just right “fit” for ADHD medications. And so if you or your child’s “just right” medication is in short supply, simply switching to something else that a doctor or pharmacist believes is “just as good” might not be.
But there is an alternative to medications for ADD/ADHD. In a fairly recent research article where close to 1200 research cases were reviewed (i.e. a Meta Analysis) Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD was found to have the highest level of effectiveness (Level 5) as measured by the American Psychological Association. (Click here to read article). One of the biggest benefits of Neurofeedback, when it is appropriately used in place of medications, is that you don’t have to worry about medication shortages. Visit our FAQ page for more information about Neurofeedback and our “We’re Different” page to find out what sets Applied Neurotherapy Center apart from other providers in the area