ADD/ADHD are syndromes diagnosed by the inability to focus or concentrate, and difficulty staying on task or getting things done. In children it manifests as problems with impulse control: the inability to sit still, speaking out of turn or disorganization. Until recently, ADD/ADHD was considered to be psychological or behavioral problem. The standard treatment, a stimulant medication, increases the amount of chemicals in the brain to make the neural pathways run smoother. But, this sort of treatment begs the questions: How many more chemicals do you want to introduce into your child’s system? Does the medication really help, or does it just mask the symptoms by putting the child into a stupor.
Neurofeedback treatments train the Brain to self-regulate, that is, to teach itself to focus on the task at hand. How does Neurofeedback treatment work? Electrodes are attached with a gel to the patient’s head. These electrodes register the beta and theta waves of brain activity and blood flow in the brain. The computer searches for patterns in these waves, and the findings are projected onto a computer screen. Instant feedback! By watching the images, the patient can train their brain to stay within certain patterns that are pleasing. It doesn’t happen at once, it can easily take several sessions for a patient to learn to harness
the brain’s output to create the desired pattern. The pleasant images or sounds are a reward for the brain’s correct behavior, and our brains love a reward.
But how does Neurofeedback help ADHD/ADD. Training the brain to focus on images or patterns is a stepping stone for training the brain to stay on task outside of the clinical setting. Kids (and adults) are encouraged to learn focus using images designed to appeal to the patient, causing a flower to bloom, or controlling the speed of a race car on a computer screen. The benefits of the training should stay with the patient, and a change the child’s behavior and ability to focus outside the clinical setting.
This non-invasive and non-chemical treatment has had very positive results in clinical studies. Generally, a patient will see results in 10 -15 treatments, and sometimes more if the condition is a result of early trauma such as a birth difficulties or adoption from overseas. The goal of neurofeedback is to reduce, or eliminate the need to medicate for ADD/ADHD altogether.
Using Neurofeedback for ADD in Children
Neurofeedback treatments train the Brain to self-regulate, that is, to teach itself to focus on the task at hand. How does Neurofeedback treatment work? Electrodes are attached with a gel to the patient’s head. These electrodes register the beta and theta waves of brain activity and blood flow in the brain. The computer searches for patterns in these waves, and the findings are projected onto a computer screen. Instant feedback! By watching the images, the patient can train their brain to stay within certain patterns that are pleasing. It doesn’t happen at once, it can easily take several sessions for a patient to learn to harness
the brain’s output to create the desired pattern. The pleasant images or sounds are a reward for the brain’s correct behavior, and our brains love a reward.
But how does Neurofeedback help ADHD/ADD. Training the brain to focus on images or patterns is a stepping stone for training the brain to stay on task outside of the clinical setting. Kids (and adults) are encouraged to learn focus using images designed to appeal to the patient, causing a flower to bloom, or controlling the speed of a race car on a computer screen. The benefits of the training should stay with the patient, and a change the child’s behavior and ability to focus outside the clinical setting.
This non-invasive and non-chemical treatment has had very positive results in clinical studies. Generally, a patient will see results in 10 -15 treatments, and sometimes more if the condition is a result of early trauma such as a birth difficulties or adoption from overseas. The goal of neurofeedback is to reduce, or eliminate the need to medicate for ADD/ADHD altogether.
Using Neurofeedback for ADD in Children