CALM recently had the privilege to present on ADHD and emotional Dysregulation at the Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA). We are happy to provide the PowerPoint to our visitors.
CBT and ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are two increasingly common diagnoses in children and adults. There are a few theories about why this is the case, one being that the potential skill to focus is becoming increasingly more prioritized in our culture in tandem with more distractions than ever. Additionally, an increase could be simply due to better testing being available. While a complete discussion is out of the scope of this writing, the reality is this: ADD and ADHD are more common than ever.
Most people are familiar with these diagnoses due to the impact they have on attention. The public and clinicians typically think of this as individuals becoming distracted quickly or rapidly switching tasks. An aspect of ADD and ADHD often overlooked in public conversations is the impact these diagnoses have on beliefs about us and our outlook on the world. People with ADHD and ADD are not simply struggling to focus; for many, they struggle with trust or esteem in themselves, living in a world that reminds them of what they are doing "wrong" constantly.
Before I go on, let us note some aspects of living with ADD and ADHD in our culture. ADD and ADHD are not disorders. If you lived alone in the woods, no one is going
to walk up to you and say, "Ah yes, here is someone with ADD/ADHD in their natural habitat.". Clinical practice defines these as disorders in the context that you are living in. These disorders may not be an issue in different contexts and may even be a strength!
Research suggests that ADD and ADHD may not be simply limited attention but rather an executive functioning difference. In other words, it is not that someone has less attention but rather that they require more stimulation to keep their focus on a task.
Difficulty controlling attention is why one method to assist with focusing is to increase task engagement, like having a child sit on a yoga ball for homework or use a fidget. For this reason, I ask one of my clients to flip their homework upside down! To summarize, someone with ADD or ADHD has this strong scanning ability and prefers attending to stimulating or novel material. Consider the actual behaviors: quick shifts in focus and attention, high energy given to intrinsically motivating tasks, and preference to identify novel things. Would you want someone like this in a survival setting, where it benefited the group to have someone keeping an eye out for predators or threats? How about if you were looking for food? Or if you are trying to find a clever workaround to a mechanical issue? Someone not dividing their attention on a task may miss the tiger in the bush, but someone with a keen sense of what is new may spot it in time. My point is this. I have never met someone who has woken up and decided, "Today I am going to give myself a problem," and I have never seen a purely pathological mind. The "cure" for ADD and ADHD is a blend of management (because we live in a culture where you cannot be on the lookout for new things all the time) and synthesis. Make this work for you because many strengths are unique to you, rather than reject it.
Allow us to return to the modern individual. Often, people do not tell children and adults how their differences in learning or processing strengths could be. Many hear much criticism, disappointment, or frustration from their loved ones and teachers before psychologists assess them for a diagnosis. Currently, it is common for children to seek an explanation for their troubles. Children are not neutral participants, and there is a large body of evidence for a view of human development called constructivism. Constructivism posits that children are actively constructing meaning in their lives. As children age, they attempt to explain the “what” and “why” in their world. The child listens explicitly or implicitly to messages that they are not intelligent, organized, or capable enough. Children in these must answer an important question. How do they account for this data? The assumption here is not IF they learn but WHAT they learn; what will someone hear all these things in school, home, and work conclude?
It is common for someone to conclude that they are inherently flawed. The exact phrasing may vary depending on cultural and family influences. In my experience with adults and children with ADD and ADHD, I have heard:
"I am lazy, stupid, incompetent, doomed to fail, messed up, incapable, a loser, a failure, an unlucky person, a mess…unable".
The list goes on. These beliefs are a challenge for folks; people rarely question them; they are often natural adaptations to the child's scenarios. It is frankly easier to blame yourself rather than think everyone around you is wrong. On top of that, children are often egocentric and assume that things are about them anyway. Even with the best intentions, at times, they will see their grades or the feedback from teachers and conclude that it must be about them personally, rather than something abstract like their learning style.
My point is that whatever the belief, it was an adaptation at some point; it even explained your situation to yourself ("Of course, I did not get this paper in on time because I am a disorganized person"). It is a valuable attempt at making sense of the world. However, over the years, this has less and less of a use for you. This cognitive aspect of ADHD and ADD is, in part, why simply behavioral and medication interventions alone are not always practical for individuals with ADHD or ADD. If someone continues to believe they are inept, this will still play a significant role in motivation and ability to accomplish tasks.
So, what do you do with that? Well, this is partly why cognitive-focused therapies are particularly effective for ADD and ADHD. It only goes so far to use planners to stay track and get things done-because at some point we start discussing whether we trust ourselves to accomplish a task. Do you believe you can succeed if you pursue something you value? If you do not, then these thoughts, or thoughts like these are likely to pop up as you work to accomplish your goals regardless of how many supports or structures are in place. This is not to say these are not helpful, but they do not address the emotional and learned cognitions that can so inhibit adults living with ADHD.
These are the questions that many struggle with at first; even identifying them is a challenge. There are many ways to address these beliefs; therapy can be a wonderful way to understand these patterns and eventually change them. Some simple practices to get you started identifying these beliefs might be to practice slowing yourself down when you answer some of the above questions or asking yourself to explain why you cannot get a task done; what else comes to mind besides "I just get distracted?" Does anything come to mind if you imagined doing that project now? Would you succeed, or is the first reaction that you would fail? How do you explain that to yourself?
Change will not be an overnight process, and this article is a summary and simplification of a complex process of belief and association development. The development and maintenance of ADHD and ADD is a multi-level process. Please practice these simple starts and see if you notice themes as you progress. And finally, my hope for you is that as you continue your path, you may start to recognize that these are not "disordered" things at all, and that the goal is not to change who you are. Instead, the goal is discovering that strengths and gifts are present even in the most challenging patterns.
If CBT treatment feels like a good fit for you, clink the link below to request and Appointment!
CALM is excited to announce that we are starting an ADHD group. This first group is only for adults, but we may add groups for children and parents of children with ADHD if there is enough interest. If you are interested in attending, please email our office manager, Claire@calm.us, to see if you are a good fit. If a friend, family member, or acquaintance could benefit, we would love for you to direct them to our site!
If you have trouble reading the flyer below, click on the “Downloadable ADHD Flyer” so you can have a copy for yourself or to share.
If this seems like a good fit for you, Click below!
CALM has added a new provider, Dr. Kelsey Maleski. She has the expertise to evaluate clients ages 6 and up for autism and is now offering this as part of CALM’s neuropsychological evaluations. Clients seeking to understand their presenting concerns better and seek clarification about different diagnoses are invited to participate in our autism evaluations with Dr. Maleski.
Due to our location and access to testing protocols, CALM is only able to work with individuals who are verbal, who are without significant verbal delay, and who can engage in activities such as school or work with accommodations. If you are unsure if this applies to you or your child, this can be discussed during the intake or with one of our office managers before scheduling.
We approach our evaluations and treatment recommendations by understanding the developmental, neurological, and mental health concerns of each client. CALM’s neuropsychological evaluations help us evaluate and understand the client’s cognitive abilities, social functioning, emotional, and academic abilities. Dr. Maleski adds in the additional component of Autism testing as a way to look further into teasing apart the differences of cognitive challenges. At this time, CALM is only offering Autism assessments as part of our full evaluation.
If you can see yourself working with Dr. Maleski, Click the link below!
We would like to introduce everyone to a returning employee and new provider, Izaak.
We asked Izaak to give a quick intorduction to his style of therapy. If you think Izaak would fit your therapy needs, please reach out to schedule an appointment.
Izzak:
Everyone struggles with patterns, things we become "stuck" on. I work to help my clients identify what these are and what contributes to them. During this process, we work through the memories, thoughts, and behaviors that maintain these patterns. It is exciting to see people become free from challenging patterns, allowing them to take control of their lives with a clear mind. Many of our challenges start from us trying to help ourselves, whether it be coping with something or problem-solving. So, addressing these reasons is essential to treatment, and I take a strength and values-based approach. I have specific experience working with adults with personality disorders, children and families with ADHD or behavioral concerns, posttraumatic stress disorder, and long-term mental health diagnoses.
I do this through a mutual consultation approach. We work together to practice different thought or behavior techniques to see how that impacts the problems. Of course, ideally, this changes your mood and outlook on life! In every session, my clients leave with a plan for the week.
It is hard to find the right fit in therapists (I heard it described as "The worst form of online dating"), so I am happy to consult and recommend different approaches if you aren't sure we would be a good fit. The good news is there are so many options for a reason; if you keep at it, you will find the right one.
If you can see yourself working with Izaak, Click the link below!
Cogmed: Understanding the Benefits, Functionality, and Research Behind the Working Memory Training Program
Key Takeaways
CogMed is a working memory training software program commonly used as a complementary therapy for ADHD, learning disabilities, brain injuries, and general memory difficulties stemming from low working memory.
CogMed works by providing a series of computer-based exercises that are designed to challenge and improve working memory.
CogMed has been scientifically proven to positively affect attention and working memory and has been validated in several large-scale clinical trials and experiments.
Understanding CogMed
CogMed is a computerized working memory training program designed to improve working memory and attention in people of all ages. The program is based on neuroplasticity, which suggests that the brain can change and adapt in response to new experiences and challenges. CogMed is designed to provide a challenging and engaging experience that helps to improve working memory and attention.
The program consists of a series of games and exercises that are designed to challenge and improve working memory and attention. The highly customizable program allows users to choose from various difficulty levels and game types. The program is designed to be used for 25-50 minutes per day, 3-5 days per week, for 5-10 weeks.
CogMed is designed for individuals who struggle with working memory and attention. This can include individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, or other cognitive challenges. The program is also used by individuals looking to improve their cognitive performance, including athletes, executives, and students.
The program challenges the user's working memory and attention through games and exercises. As the user completes each exercise, the program adapts to their performance, increasing the difficulty level as they improve. Over time, this process helps to improve working memory and attention, leading to improvements in cognitive performance.
Several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of CogMed, with many showing significant improvements in working memory and attention. One study found that children who completed CogMed showed significant improvements in working memory and attention, with these improvements persisting six months after the training had ended. Another study found that adults who completed CogMed showed improvements in working memory and attention maintained for up to two years after the training ended.
CogMed is a scientifically proven computerized training program designed to improve working memory and processing speed. The program is designed by neuroscientists and has been validated in several large-scale clinical trials and experiments, with findings published in more than 120 scientific articles.Overall, CogMed is a highly effective working memory training program that can benefit individuals of all ages. The program is highly customizable, engaging, and challenging, making it an effective tool for improving cognitive performance.
Who Can Benefit from CogMed?
CogMed is a scientifically proven digital therapeutic designed to improve working memory and attention. It is suitable for individuals who have difficulty concentrating due to constraints in their working memory.
The program is suitable for individuals aged seven and above who experience difficulties with attention, focus, and working memory. CogMed is particularly effective for individuals with ADHD but can also benefit individuals with other cognitive difficulties.
Here are some of the groups that may benefit from CogMed:
Children and Adolescents
CogMed is particularly useful for children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD or other learning disabilities. Research has shown that children who complete CogMed training experience significant improvements in their working memory, attention, and academic performance. CogMed training has also been shown to improve social skills and reduce impulsivity in children with ADHD.
Adults
Adults who struggle with working memory and attention may also benefit from CogMed training. CogMed can help adults with ADHD or other cognitive impairments improve their ability to focus, organize tasks, and remember information. CogMed training may also be useful for individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
Elderly Individuals
Working memory and attention decline with age, and elderly individuals may struggle to concentrate on complex tasks. CogMed training has improved working memory and attention in elderly individuals, which may help them maintain their cognitive abilities and independence.
In conclusion, CogMed is a versatile digital therapeutic that can benefit individuals of all ages with working memory and attention difficulties. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous studies, and it is particularly useful for children and adolescents with ADHD or other learning disabilities.
How CogMed Works
CogMed is a computer-based training program designed to improve working memory and processing speed. The program consists of exercises designed to challenge and strengthen the user's working memory capacity. The training process is divided into two main parts: the training phase and the progress monitoring phase.
Training Process
During the training phase, the user completes a series of exercises designed to challenge working memory and processing speed. The exercises are adaptive, meaning the difficulty level adjusts based on the user's performance. As the user progresses through the exercises, the difficulty level increases, challenging them to improve their working memory capacity continually.
CogMed training is typically completed over 5-10 weeks, with 25-50 minutes of training per day, 3-5 days per week. Depending on the user's needs and preferences, the program can be completed in a clinical setting or at home.
Progress Monitoring
The progress monitoring phase is designed to track the user's progress throughout the training process. Progress is monitored using various tools, including online assessments, parent and teacher reports, and self-reports. These tools allow the user and their healthcare provider to track progress and adjust the training program.
At the end of the training program, the user's progress is evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the training. The evaluation includes a comparison of the user's performance before and after the training program, as well as an assessment of the user's ability to transfer their improved working memory capacity to real-world tasks.
Overall, CogMed provides a challenging and adaptive training program designed to improve working memory and processing speed. The program is supported by various tools and resources that allow users and healthcare providers to track progress and adjust as needed.
Increasing Working Memory and Processing
CogMed is a scientifically researched and evidence-based program to improve working memory and attention. The primary benefit of CogMed is improved working memory capacity. Research has shown that completing the CogMed program can significantly improve working memory, attention, and academic performance.
CogMed provides intensive exercises to increase an individual's working memory capacity. The program is designed to be completed over 5-10 weeks, each lasting 30-45 minutes. The program is delivered through a web-based platform and is available for children and adults.
The program is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which suggests that the brain can change and adapt throughout a person's life. CogMed exercises challenge and stimulate the brain, improving working memory and processing.
CogMed uses a variety of techniques to increase working memory and processing, including:
Adaptive training: The program adjusts the difficulty of the exercises based on the individual's performance, ensuring that the exercises are challenging but not overwhelming.
Simultaneous processing: Exercises are designed to challenge the individual's ability to simultaneously process multiple pieces of information.
Sequential processing: Exercises are designed to challenge the individual's ability to remember and process information in a specific order.
Verbal and visual memory: Exercises are designed to challenge the individual's ability to remember and process both verbal and visual information.
Overall, CogMed is an effective program for increasing working memory and processing. The program is based on the concept of neuroplasticity and uses a variety of techniques to challenge and stimulate the brain. Several studies have shown significant improvements in working memory and attention after completing the CogMed program.
Are you interested in trying Cogmed? Click the Link Below!
The Barnum Effect: Unmasking the Influence of Vague Mental Information on Social Media Platforms
Social media has grown to be a vital component of our everyday lives. We receive a lot of information from these platforms, including news and individual opinions. Among all this content, we often stumble upon ambiguous mental information that seems to strike a chord with us, resulting in identifying with what is being discussed. This tendency to identify with vague and ambiguous material is called the Barnum Effect, and it has important effects on how we relate to such information. This blog article will examine the Barnum Effect, how it manifests itself on social media, and what it implies for particular people.
This is especially concerning when dealing with mental health issues and can lead to incorrectly identifying with a specific diagnosis based on vague information.
What is the Barnum Effect?
The Barnum Effect is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to believe all-encompassing assertions about their own personality or the personalities of others that might apply to anybody. It has the name of P.T. Barnum, a well-known performer who excelled at grabbing audiences' attention with broad generalizations. This effect demonstrates how people frequently believe the information to be accurate and personalized even when it is relatively general.
Social media platforms provide an ideal breeding ground for the Barnum Effect. Users encounter an overwhelming volume of information, ranging from personality quizzes to horoscopes, and self-proclaimed experts offering advice on various topics. The nature of these platforms encourages users to seek validation, personal connection, and a sense of belonging.
Consequently, individuals are more likely to gravitate towards ambiguous mental information that seems to offer personalized insights into their lives.
The Impact on Individuals
1. Confirmation Bias: The Barnum Effect amplifies confirmation bias, a cognitive bias where individuals seek information confirming their beliefs or biases. When encountering vague mental information that resonates with their preconceived notions, individuals are more likely to accept it as accurate and disregard contradictory evidence.
2. Self-Validation: The Barnum Effect provides individuals with a false sense of validation. When encountering general statements that seem to align with their self-perception, individuals may feel understood and affirmed, leading to an increased sense of self-worth and identity.
3. Illusion of Accuracy: It is common for individuals to consider vague mental information as accurate because it seems appealing in general. However, this illusion of accuracy can result in making poor decisions or forming inaccurate opinions based on incomplete or
misleading information. Thiscan have negative effects on both personal and professional lives.
4. Emotional Manipulation: Social media platforms utilize algorithms to provide customized content based on user interests and engagement behavior. This personalized approach can magnify the Barnum Effect since platforms typically display content that matches user preferences, ultimately strengthening their association with ambiguous psychological data.
Reducing the Influence of the Barnum Effect
1. Critical Thinking: Developing critical thinking skills is crucial to evaluate information critically. Encouraging users to question the source, validity, and supporting evidence of vague mental information can help them avoid falling prey to the Barnum Effect.
2. Fact-Checking: Verifying the accuracy of information before accepting it as true is vital. Fact-checking organizations can play a crucial role in debunking false or misleading claims, promoting a more informed online community.
3. Diverse Perspectives: Actively seeking out diverse perspectives and opinions can provide a broader understanding of the world. Engaging in meaningful discussions with others can challenge personal biases and reduce the impact of the Barnum Effect.
4. Media Literacy Education: Promoting media literacy education can empower individuals to navigate the online world effectively. Teaching critical evaluation skills and promoting awareness of psychological biases can help individuals recognize and mitigate the influence of the Barnum Effect.
Conclusion
The Barnum Effect reminds us of our innate vulnerability to vague mental information on social media platforms. As users, it is essential to be aware of this phenomenon's impact on our beliefs, identities, and decision-making processes. By fostering critical thinking, fact-checking, embracing diverse perspectives, and investing in media literacy education, we can consciously navigate the digital landscape and resist the allure of vague mental information that may not truly reflect who we are as individuals.
At our clinic, our top priority is to provide you with the best care. We firmly believe in conducting a comprehensive assessment to ensure we offer the best recommendations and most accurate diagnoses. We constantly stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field, and during our research, we came across an article that beautifully explains the intricate nature of a thorough assessment. It truly highlights the importance of delving deep into your unique situation to provide you with the most effective treatment options.
🌟 Welcome to the CALM Blog! Your Mental Health Oasis! 🌟
*Disclaimer: Yes, we know a single post doesn't quite make a blog, but hey, we've all got to start somewhere, right?*
We are thrilled to launch CALM's official blog, where we're committed to providing you with a wealth of information, support, and a sprinkle of lightheartedness on your journey toward better mental health.
Right off the bat, we'll upload the PowerPoint presentation from our recent workshop on ADHD and emotional dysregulation. Whether you missed the event or simply want to refresh your memory, this resource will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Now, we don't claim to have all the answers, but we promise to be your reliable companion on this journey. We'll explore coping mechanisms, self-care strategies, and evidence-based therapies to help you find your inner CALM.
So, grab a coffee or cup of tea, find your comfiest spot, and join us on this adventure as we strive to make mental health a priority, one blog post at a time.
Stay CALM, and let's begin this exciting journey together!
