Neurofeedback

Here's a collection of information about neurofeedback including the Wiki definition; FAQ section; a simple online article; a note from Lydia's mom, Jane; an abstract from a study on neurofeedback and DS; and the title of another study (that I couldn't find online yet). I will update as I have more time. About six months ago I had contacted someone locally to do neurofeedback for Jett. I'd be able to pay for it through a local barter system. The physician was calling the company to see if they had feedback panels small enough for Jett's hands. I must have gotten side tracked with something else, but I'll definitely be revisiting this and recontacting her. I probably stopped pursuing it because it would be an ongoing treatment and I'd need to purchase the machine to continue long term. I didn't realize that it might negate the need for Prozac. That would be nice! (I haven't looked for studies on it, so I'm not sure how valid the statement is.)


From Wikipedia

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses electroencephalography or fMRI to provide a signal that can be used by a person to receive feedback about brain activity.
Like other forms of biofeedback, neurofeedback training (NFT) uses monitoring devices to provide moment-to-moment information to an individual on the state of their physiological functioning. The characteristic that distinguishes NFT from other biofeedback is a focus on the central nervous system and the brain. NFT has its foundations in basic and applied neuroscience as well as data-based clinical practice. It takes into account behavioral, cognitive, and subjective aspects as well as brain activity.
During training, sensors are placed on the scalp and then connected to sensitive electronics and computer software that detect, amplify, and record specific brain activity. Resulting information is fed back to the trainee virtually instantaneously with the conceptual understanding that changes in the feedback signal indicate whether or not the trainee's brain activity is within the designated range. Based on this feedback, various principles of learning, and practitioner guidance, changes in brain patterns occur and are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states. Often the trainee is not consciously aware of the mechanisms by which such changes are accomplished although people routinely acquire a "felt sense" of these positive changes and often are able to access these states outside the feedback session.

Source: http://www.eeginfo.com/what-is-neurofeedback.htm


What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better.

How does Neurofeedback work?

We apply electrodes to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. We process the signal by computer, and we extract information about certain key brainwave frequencies. (All brainwave frequencies are equal, but some are more equal than others….) We show the ebb and flow of this activity back to the person, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote. Others we wish to diminish. We present this information to the person in the form of a video game. The person is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brainwave activity is "shaped" toward more desirable, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address, and specific to the individual.

Who provides Neurofeedback & where can I find a provider?

Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) is typically provided by mental health professionals such as psychologists, family therapists, and counselors. These professions usually work with clients one-on-one. The training may also be provided by nurses, clinical social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and educators. MDs also provide the service, but with the exception of psychiatrists will usually have the service provided by a trained staff person.

The EEG Directory is a great place to find a provider. You may search by Zip code to locate a provider in your local area.

Do the effects of Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback training really last?

If the problem being addressed is one of brain disregulation, then the answer is yes, and that covers a lot of ground. Neurofeedback involves learning by the brain and if that brings order out of disorder, the brain will continue to use its new capabilities, and thus reinforce them.

Matters are different when we are dealing with degenerative conditions like Parkinson's or the dementias, or when we are working against continuing insults to the system, as may be the case in the autism spectrum. (I imagine DS would fall into this category. -A) In such cases the training needs to be continued at some level over time. Allergic susceptibilities and food intolerances make it more difficult to hold the gains. Poor digestive function will pose a problem, as does poor nutrition. A child living in a toxic environment (in either the physical or the psychological sense) will have more difficulty retaining good function.

What happens if Neurofeedback clients are taking medications?

With successful Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback training, the medications targeting brain function may very well no longer be needed, or they may be needed at lower dosages, as the brain takes over more of the role of regulating itself. This decrease in medications is particularly striking when the medications play a supportive role in any event, as is often the case for the more severe disorders that we are targeting with our work. It is important for clients to communicate with their prescribing physician regarding Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback and medications.

Is home-training a possibility with Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback?

Many of the conditions we address with Neurofeedback involve long-term training, as the brain's capacity to function is gradually enhanced. For some children, Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback may remain a useful challenge over their life span. To make this economically viable, remote training is an available option for parents. Remote training refers to home training under the (remote) supervision of a clinician. After parents have had their child trained with a clinician for at least twenty sessions, they may transition to remote training and continue on that basis, consulting with the clinician regularly to monitor progress and determine changes in protocol. Then training can be done frequently and consistently, on an affordable basis.

Source: http://www.eeginfo.com/what-is-neurofeedback.htm

Down Syndrome & the Use of Neurofeedback Application for Treatment
Christine Cadena, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nov 23, 2007
Excerpt:
In some children with Down syndrome, especially those with co morbid ADHD, the use of neurofeedback has been shown to be quite effective at improving complications associated with intellectual and cognitive function. With the use of neurofeedback, children with Down syndrome often experience improvement in memory, attention, behavior and may even experience improvement in gait and balance.

If you are the parent of a child who suffers from Down syndrome, it is important to ask your pediatrician about the appropriate referral for testing into ADHD. Once confirmed with ADHD, your child may require additional rehabilitation and therapy using neurofeedback. For children with co-morbidity for Down syndrome and ADHD, neurofeedback has been shown to improve symptoms but often requires as many as 40 sessions before improvement is realized. With diligence, many Down syndrome children, after 40 or more neurofeedback sessions are capable of performing simple mathematical equations and can achieve some level of reading. They may also be able to write their names in a legible manner.

In addition to cognitive and intellectual function, DS children who participate in a series of neurofeedback sessions also find they are more agile, mobile and may even develop the ability to run and skip....

Neurofeedback is becoming an important part of treatment for individuals with disabilities. In children with Down syndrome, neurofeedback provides the key opportunity to improve not only physical ability but, more importantly, improve cognitive and intellectual function. With, at least, 40 sessions, you may soon realize your Down syndrome child has improved significantly enough to participate in a greater spectrum of daily living activities, including becoming more involved in school and even occupational events. Ask your child's pediatrician about the use of neurofeedback to improve quality of life when Down syndrome is a health complication.
(She listed no sources, but I have the study below that supports some of her statements)
 
From Jane, Lydia's mom:
Neurofeedback is retraining the brain through muscle memory to work the way it "should".  There is a great book called A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins that is an easy read and extremely informative.  The science has been around for a LONG time...  I never knew that Lydia was having "brain spikes" or mini seizures that were undetected externally.  What I did know is that her 1st grade teacher was convinced I was insane because he said she didn't know sight words that she had known for 3 years.  He'd give her sight words that were utterly ridiculous in my mind and when I'd talk to him, he'd say she would get stuck on them.  When I stopped to think about it, she did get "stuck" when reading sometimes.  I KNEW it wasn't the word she was stuck on, it was a focus issue.   So I'd do my mom thing and get her moving again.  What was happening is that her brain was having "spikes"... the current, per say, would sky rocket for a time and all was stalled.  Through neurofeedback we've GREATly reduced the spikes and also created much better coherence between the parts of the brain.  Speech is really complicated and requires information to travel through many parts of the brain.  We found neurofeedback to be very helpful.

Surmeli, T., & Ertem, A. (2007).  EEG neurofeedback treatment of patients with Down Syndrome.  Journal of Neurotherapy, 11(1), 63-68.

Clin EEG Neurosci. 2010 Jan;41(1):32-41.

Post WISC-R and TOVA improvement with QEEG guided neurofeedback training in mentally retarded: a clinical case series of behavioral problems.

Surmeli T, Ertem A.

Source

Living Mental Healthy Center for Research and Education, Istanbul, Turkey. neuropsychiatry@yahoo.com

Abstract

According to the DSM-IV, Mental Retardation is significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning accompanied by significant limitations in adaptive functioning in at least two of the following skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health and safety. In pilot work, we have seen positive clinical effects of Neurofeedback (NF) applied to children with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and other forms of mental retardation.

Given that many clinicians use NF in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Generalized Learning Disability cases, we studied the outcomes of a clinical case series using Quantitative EEG (QEEG) guided NF in the treatment of mental retardation. All 23 subjects received NF training. The QEEG data for most subjects had increased theta, alpha, and coherence abnormalities. A few showed increased delta over the cortex. Some of the subjects were very poor in reading and some had illegible handwriting, and most subjects had academic failures, impulsive behavior, and very poor attention, concentration, memory problems, and social skills. This case series shows the impact of QEEG-guided NF training on these clients' clinical outcomes. Fourteen out of 23 subjects formerly took medications without any improvement. Twenty-three subjects ranging from 7-16 years old attending private learning centers were previously diagnosed with mental retardation (severity of degree: from moderate to mild) at various university hospitals. Evaluation measures included QEEG analysis, WISC-R (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised) IQ test, TOVA (Test of Variables of Attention) test, and DPC-P (Developmental Behaviour Checklist) were filled out by the parents.

NF trainings were performed by Lexicor Biolex software. NX-Link was the commercial software reference database used to target the treatment protocols, along with the clinical judgment of the first author. QEEG signals were sampled at 128 samples per second per channel and electrodes were placed according to the International 10-20 system. Between 80 and 160 NF training sessions were completed, depending on the case. None of the subjects received any special education during NF treatment. Two subjects with the etiology of epilepsy were taking medication, and the other 21 subjects were medication-free at the baseline. Twenty-two out of 23 patients who received NF training showed clinical improvement according to the DPC-P with QEEG reports. Nineteen out of 23 patients showed significant improvement on the WISC-R, and the TOVA. For the WISC-R test, 2 showed decline on total IQ due to the decline on some of the subtests, 2 showed no improvement on total IQ although improvement was seen on some of the subtests, however even these cases showed improvement on QEEG and DPC-P. This study provides the first evidence for positive effects of NF treatment in mental retardation. The results of this study encourage further research.

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Natural Ways to Help with ADD & Hyperactivity

People with T21 have a greater incidence of ADD (attention deficit disorder) than the typical population. According to http://www.ds-health.com/add.htm, "ADHD is characterized by consistent demonstration of the following traits: decreased attention span, impulsive behavior, and excessive fidgeting or other nondirected motor activity." Jett is only 2 1/2 so I'm not sure that he has it. 

I have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In me, it manifests itself with bursts of anger, sleeplessness, forgetfulness and disorganization. Following this formula has worked great for me. If I don't follow it, the symptoms come right back (okay, so the disorganization hasn't been completely conquered!). Those with DS can not usually follow all of these suggestions. I've indicated in notes what differences you may need to consider with them. 

This formula is an adaption by Kay Ness, Neurodevelopmentalist,  from the Willis list.

From my experience, there are eight things that reverse inattention and hyperactivity every time.

A 2003 study listed these causes:

1. Food and additive allergies
2. Environmental toxicity
3. Dietary deficiencies of protein
4. Excess of simple sugars
5. Mineral imbalances, particularly iron deficiency
6. Deficiencies in cell membrane components (Fatty acids and Phospholipids)
7. Thyroid disorders
8. Deficiencies in B-vitamins

What to do:

First: NO sugar, fruit juices, aspartame (NutraSweet), Splenda, MSG, and limited and controlled amounts of High-Glycemic Indexed foods (basically foods high in sugar/starch).

Second: NO phosphates (meaning processed meats, soft drinks, prepared cakes and baked goods with phosphates/phosphoric acid or bromine added).

Third: Eliminate all allergens.

Fourth: NO colors, dyes, or high salicylate foods (Feingold diet).

These four cost nothing, yet often solve the problem.

Fifth: supplement 100 mg Vitamin B6 (with 50 mg vitamin B2) both 3 times a day. This alone has proven more effective than Ritalin, with no side effects.*

Sixth: supplement 50 mg zinc (at evening on empty stomach with a little oil) and supplement 100 mg magnesium 3 times a day. Always supplement 50 mg vitamin B1 three times a day with the magnesium.

Seventh: Introduce fatty acids into the diet: Evening Primrose Oil and cod-liver oil (DHA alone will not work).

Eighth: Underneath all this place a good multivitamin/mineral. (I use Optimal Multivitamin - Andi.)

Other supplements known to help with the hyperness are calcium, **iron, chromium, boron, lithium orotate, folic acid, glutathione, the amino acid tyrosine (builds dopamine and the stimulating hormone norepinephrine), taurine and ***GABA (calming amino acids), and Saccharomyces boulardii and colostrum to build Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) to overcome allergies.

Children with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter were nearly three times as likely to show hyperactivity and anti-social behavior as children whose blood lead levels were between 0 and 2 micrograms per deciliter. Detoxifying lead naturally.

Chembalance.com addresses minerals and specific vitamin deficiencies that you can test yourself every day. Oh, I'd also look at iodine. I don't believe the 'every time' thing but certainly this is a good and basic list.

*Those with DS often can't properly use extra B6. I get around this by supplementing Jett with a natural, synergistic form of B6 through Royal Jelly which has a wide range of B vitamins. I also supplement with B12, for other reasons. -Andi
**Since DS causes complications with iron, I wouldn't supplement our kids with it until you have tried altering diet to help metabolize iron in food better. To help Jett utilize the iron he does ingest, I give him large doses of  Vitamin C. This has been working for him.-Andi
***Since DS causes an overexpression of GABA, I wouldn't supplement our kids with it, unless you know specifically that your child needs it. Some of our kids do need GABA, most do not. One way to tell is how s/he reacts to Gingko. Jett reacts well to Gingko so does not need extra GABA.-Andi

Here's an article by Kay on the neurodevelopmental approach to treating ADD: http://senc.us/ADD_ADHD.html

Another article on treating ADD naturally found here: http://intelegen.com/nutrients/add.htm

Natural Control of ADD & ADHD Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D., CNC
Excerpt:

Six million children in this country suffer some type of learning disability, ADD, or ADD with hyperactivity (ADHD). Over two million children currently take Ritalin for ADD/ADHD. ADD and ADHD may be caused by psychological problems, including trauma and abuse, nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances, allergic responses to food and chemicals, or a poor diet. A failure in the brains inhibitory system (the ability of the brain to inhibit and control itself) may also cause ADD/ADHD.

Ritalin, the most commonly used drug for ADD and ADHD, is an amphetamine and a Schedule II class drug (other Schedule II drugs are morphine, opium, and medicinal cocaine). Doctors prescribe Ritalin for many children who do not need it, causing a number of adverse mental and physical side effects. Yet this potent, toxic drug is being used as a quick fix to quiet children. Surprisingly, prescription rates for Ritalin doubled between 1992 and 1996. 

Children demonstrating symptoms of anxiety, ADHD or ADD often have an imbalance in their brains biochemistry. A biochemical imbalance results from a deficiency of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain. If a biochemical imbalance goes untreated, a child can display maladaptive behavior, followed by possible long-term physical and emotional problems.

A child's state of health reflects his or her state of nutrition. When minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, or even hormones are deficient in a child's system, the result can be a disturbed biochemical homeostasis causing impaired functions in the brain. This, in turn, can cause an inability to focus, concentrate, and stay on task. (I believe this is the problem in those with Down syndrome. -Andi)

At the Pain and Stress Center in San Antonio, we have successfully treated numerous children with orthomolecular therapy. Orthomolecular therapy corrects the brains biochemical imbalance, without toxic drugs that can produce adverse side effects. ADD/ADHD presents a major problem facing parents today. Most people think of hyperactivity as some type of behavioral problem (a child who is impatient, impulsive, and constantly moving); but not all hyperactive children are aggressive. Some are very passive, withdrawn, and find it hard to communicate their feelings. 

ADD/ADHD is not a condition that can be measured in precise scientific terms. Nor is it a situation with a quick fix, especially with powerful and addictive drugs such as Ritalin. ADD/ADHD is a complex and intricate condition in which children demonstrate maladaptive or disorganized behaviors, which put them out of sync with the world around them.

Numerous clinical studies established that hyperactive children often have low serotonin levels. A proper combination of tryptophan or 5-HTP and B6, elevates the serotonin level and balances the brain; the child's symptoms diminish. The dosage, of course, depends on the child's age, weight, and the degree of hyperactivity. (I think this is also the issue in those with T21. I supplement Jett with tryptophan every night. Be wary of 5-HTP is your child has any signs of a seizure disorder. -Andi)

Effectiveness of Amino Acids 

Neurotransmitters affect behavior and learning. A neurotransmitter deficiency consequently has a dramatic effect on childrens or adults abilities to learn and function in an orderly manner. Most hyperactive and ADD children are born with a shortage of neurotransmitters, establishing a genetic link, most often on the male side. These children also do not manufacture the needed amount of these chemical messengers. 

Where do we get neurotransmitters? From the amino acids, GABA, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, glutamine and tryptophan. Do children or adults get enough aminos through diet? NO! Balanced amino-acid doses, in the right combination and formulas, produce the needed neurotransmitters naturally. Using a stimulant medication to try to produce neurotransmitters is like a shotgun going off in the childs brain. Our children were not born with Ritalin in their brain, so how can they have a Ritalin deficiency? (I also supplement Jett with tyrosine in the morning and afternoon. The other amino acids: GABA, glycine, taurine and glutamine I find questionable or I'm uncertain about for those with DS. -Andi)

Approximately fifty different neurotransmitters exist in the human brain, but communication between brain cells uses only ten (approximately) major neurotransmitters. How we feed the brain directly affects our production of neurotransmitters. With proper nutrition and supplementation, we can correct or enhance mind, mood, memory, and behavior.

All major neurotransmitters are made from amino acids and dietary protein. One of the dangers of a low-protein diet is not ingesting enough amino acids to make adequate brain neurotransmitters. Apathy, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest, and insomnia all result when the diet does not include adequate amounts of amino acids. Drugs do not produce or increase production of neurotransmitters. Drugs only address symptoms. Amino acids restore the balance nature intended. 

Some of the major symptoms of neurotransmitter deficiencies are ADD, ADHD, brain fog, mood swings, increased stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and aggression. Stress plays a major role in the depletion of neurotransmitters. Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the keys to behavior, emotions, and pain. Inhibitory amino acids include tryptophan, taurine, GABA, and glycine.

Millions of people have turned to drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). These drugs, such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor work by selective enhancement of serotonin levels. SSRIs prevent the presynaptic nerve from reabsorbing serotonin that it previously secreted. Prozac causes an increase in brain serotonin levels; but Prozac and other prescription drugs do not increase neurotransmitters. 

5-HTP is synergistic with other supplements that enhance neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and glycine. (Caution--15% of children with DS had seizures on 5-HTP. -Andi) Magnesium prolongs the benefits of 5-HTP. Chronic stress depletes available serotonin, as well as interferes with serotonins ability to control behavior. Research demonstrates that low serotonin levels can change brain function and impair learning. Low serotonin may be responsible for an increase in depression and drug use among teens and children. Most teens with low serotonin levels are more prone to try recreational drugs or even prescription drugs, for relief. A low brain serotonin level impairs the ability to focus and reason. 5-HTP shows a lot of promise as a natural answer to a multitude of problems that plague adults and children. Use caution with 5-HTP if your child is taking prescription antidepressant medications.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)
(Not usually recommended for people with DS. -Andi) GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is found throughout the central nervous system. GABA assumes an ever-enlarging role as a significant influence on ADD, ADHD, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as stress-induced illnesses. According to Candace Pert, a neuroscientist who discovered the GABA receptor, every cell in the body has a GABA receptor, which is one reason why GABA has such positive effects. GABA inhibits the cells from firing, diminishing anxiety-related messages.

Tranquilizers provide only temporary relief. We have seen many patients on Xanax that still experience anxiety. They have been told it is not addictive: it is! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A TRANQUILIZER DEFICIENCY! Nutrient deficiencies do occur, however; and they can and do change behavior. GABA, glutamine, and glycine prove vital for energy and the smooth running of brain functions. We have successfully used these three amino acids with patients to ease anxiety, irritability, and ADD.

Research demonstrates a large number of children who display ADD/ADHD behavior actually experience anxiety. If they use all available GABA, then the receptors in the brain become empty, allowing the brain to be bombarded with random firings of excitatory messages. However, when adequate amounts of GABA are present, the reception of multiple random firings are blocked, so the brain does not become overwhelmed. At the Pain & Stress Center we regularly combine GABA and other amino acids to achieve positive results. Dose amounts vary, depending on the age and weight of the child. 

GABA now takes its place as a major influence on those taking drugs, and in many cases, replacing the drugs. We have found that, when combined with other amino acids, GABA works exceptionally well with ADD children.

L-Glutamine 

(Not recommended for people with DS. -Andi) Glutamine, along with GABA and Glycine, is rapidly becoming an important therapeutic amino acid of the 21st century. Glutamine, found in many foods, is the third most abundant amino acid in the blood and brain. It also provides a major alternative fuel source for the brain when blood sugar levels are low.

Glutamine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is the precursor for GABA, the antianxiety amino acid. The amino acid trio of Glutamine, GABA, and Glycine plus B6 are among the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamine is found in the nerves of the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, in the cranial nerves, and in many other areas of the brain. These three amino acids work together as inhibitory neurotransmitters. Anyone taking amino acids must take B6 to metabolize the amino acids.

Intellectually impaired children and adults often show an increase in IQ after taking glutamine in combination with Ginkgo biloba and B6. Dr. Roger Williams demonstrated that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD showed a marked improvement when taking 250 mg to 1,000 mg of glutamine daily.

GABA and glutamine are not only found in the brain, but also in the receptor sites throughout the body. Glutamine is the memory and concentration amino acid. Seventy five percent of hyperactive and ADD childrens blood tests showed low levels of glutamine.

Dr. C. Fredericks research also demonstrated a definite increase in the IQs of children given glutamine. When glutamine was given daily, children showed impressive improvements in their abilities to learn, to retain, and to recall. Glutamine is a major part of my orthomolecular program for hyperactive and ADHD children. Glutamine is one of the amino acids that create the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance learning and memory. Hyperactive and ADD children have low neurotransmitter levels, especially glutamine. Adding glutamine increases the level of neurotransmitters. Start with 500 mg of glutamine and gradually increase until you reach the optimal dose for your child, to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day.

Glycine

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid, with the simplest structure of all the amino acids resembling glucose (blood sugar) and glycogen (excess sugar converted in the liver for storage). Glycine is sweet to the taste, can be used as a sweetener, and can mask bitterness and saltiness. Pure glycine dissolves readily in water. As the third major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, glycine readily passes the blood-brain barrier. Studies by the late Carl Pfeiffer, MD, Ph.D., demonstrated glycine as an important factor in psychiatric disorders.

Glycine decreases the craving for sugar, and, in many cases, can replace sugar on foods such as cereal. Glycine calms aggression in both children and adults. When combined with GABA and glutamine, glycine influences brain function by slowing down anxiety-related messages from the limbic system.

As a very nontoxic amino acid, both children and adults can use glycine. Glycine can be mixed with other amino acids. Doses for a child range between 500 to 2,000 mg daily, divided.

Glutamine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is the precursor for GABA, the antianxiety amino acid. The amino acid trio of Glutamine, GABA, and Glycine plus B6 are among the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamine is found in the nerves of the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, in the cranial nerves, and in many other areas of the brain. These three amino acids work together as inhibitory neurotransmitters. Anyone taking amino acids must take B6 to metabolize the amino acids. 

Intellectually impaired children and adults often show an increase in IQ after taking glutamine in combination with Ginkgo biloba and B6. Dr. Roger Williams demonstrated that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD showed a marked improvement when taking 250 mg to 1,000 mg of glutamine daily.

GABA and glutamine are not only found in the brain, but also in the receptor sites throughout the body. Glutamine is the memory and concentration amino acid. Seventy five percent of hyperactive and ADD childrens blood tests showed low levels of glutamine. 

Dr. C. Fredericks research also demonstrated a definite increase in the IQs of children given glutamine. When glutamine was given daily, children showed impressive improvements in their abilities to learn, to retain, and to recall. Glutamine is a major part of my orthomolecular program for hyperactive and ADHD children. Glutamine is one of the amino acids that create the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance learning and memory. Hyperactive and ADD children have low neurotransmitter levels, especially glutamine. Adding glutamine increases the level of neurotransmitters. Start with 500 mg of glutamine and gradually increase until you reach the optimal dose for your child, to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day.

Taurine 

Taurine is now classified as a conditionally essential amino acid in the adult. In infants and children, however, taurine is an essential amino acid. As one of the sulfur amino acids, adults synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine, provided B6 and zinc are present. Taurine is found abundantly throughout the body in the heart, olfactory bulb, central nervous system, and brain (hippocampus and pineal gland). 

As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, taurine, after GABA, is the second-most important inhibitory transmitter in the brain. Taurines inhibitory action in the brain equals that of GABA and glycine. Its inhibitory effect is one source of taurines anticonvulsant and antianxiety properties. 

Some children with Down syndrome have shown an increase in IQ levels when taurine was added to their diet along with glutamine, B6, and vitamin E. The need for taurine increases whenever you experience more stress than usual, or have an illness.

Tyrosine 

Tyrosine is the amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter that often helps overcome depression. Clinical studies show that tyrosine controls medication-resistant depression. 

In a 1980 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, a study by Dr. Alan Gelenberg of Harvard Medical School discussed the role of tyrosine in the control of anxiety and depression. Dr. Gelenberg postulated that the lack of available tyrosine results in deficiency of the hormone norepinephrine at a specific location in the brain that relates to mood problems such as depression. Children given tyrosine supplementation demonstrated a marked improvement in mental performance and mood stability.

Tyrosine, because of its role in assisting the body to cope physiologically with stress and building the bodys natural store of adrenaline, deserves to be called the stress amino acid. Stress exhaustion requires tyrosine. During periods of stress, in order to continue coping with stress physiologically, the brain requires tyrosine. Tyrosine aids children and young teens, as well as adults, with recurrent depression and mood disorders. In children, dosage ranges from 200 to 500 mg daily. (See L-tyrosine: Building Block for Neurochemicals for more information. -Andi)

Magnesium 

Hyperactive or ADD children are almost always deficient in magnesium. Magnesium proves necessary for proper brain energy and is the first mineral depleted when anyone (child or adult) is under stress. Magnesium is a stress mineral, and deficiency can lead to hyperactive or ADD behavior.
Magnesium plays a significant role in sugar metabolism and in the proper utilization of carbohydrates to create energy. Magnesium is so very important in a childs diet, especially if he displays hyperactive behavior, ADD, or other behavioral problems. Magnesium can be taken in liquid form, tablet, or capsule.
When added to the ADD/ADHD diet, calming effects sometimes occur immediately. Most magnesium exists inside the cells where it activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. In 1988, a study published in Alternative Medicine Review linked the development of ADHD to low blood-serum magnesium levels. A group of children followed for six months were given 200 mg of magnesium a day. Researchers noted remarkably decreased hyperactivity in the children. 

As a major nutrient needed by ADD/ADHD children and adults, magnesium is the number one stress mineral needed by the body. Magnesium is responsible for over three hundred enzyme functions. It cannot be stored by the body, and it must be taken daily. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include asthma, migraines, eye twitches, anxiety, confusion, muscle spasms, irritability, depression, nervousness, fatigue, mood swings, PMS, hypertension, and insomnia. (Click for more on Magnesium and DS. -Andi)

Calcium 

A calcium deficiency can also induce ADD/ADHD behavior. A child deficient in calcium exhibits irritability, sleep disturbances, anger, and inattentiveness. The first signs of a calcium deficiency include nervous stomach, cramps, tingling in the arms and legs, and painful joints. A calcium deficiency can also lead to ADD/ADHD behavior. Children sensitive to dairy products must receive daily calcium supplementation in capsule, chewable, or liquid form. Children up to 10 years of age need 1000 mg of calcium daily; adolescents need 1,200 to 1,500 mg daily. For those involved in sports activities, calcium supplementation is a must. 

Huperzine 

Recent research reports that Huperzine A improves mental function and learning in adolescents. Chinese researchers designed a study to determine the efficiency of Huperzine on memory and learning. The clinical study included 34 matched pairs of junior middle school students that had significant complaints of poor memory and difficulty in learning. In the double blind trial, half of the students received a placebo while the other half received Huperzine A for four weeks. Academic performance was measured before and after the clinical trial. The Huperzine group scored significantly better on standard memory tests without side effects.
Huperzine A is an extract derived from Chinese club moss. Huperzine can be combined with amino acids and other nutrients. The suggested dosage is one 50 mcg capsule in the morning and in the evening for children aged 12 and over.
This information is excerpted from my book Control Hyperactivity/ADD Naturally. Other resources include Is Ritalin Necessary?
Both are available through:
Pain & Stress Center5282 Medical Dr. #160San Antonio, TX 78229-6023

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