Neurofeedback Therapy for ADHD & Other Neurological Conditions
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a non-invasive treatment that aims to improve brain function through the self-regulation of brain activity. It uses real-time feedback of an individual’s brain activity, typically measured by electroencephalography (EEG), to teach them to modulate specific brain wave patterns associated with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Neurofeedback is increasingly being used as a treatment option for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an alternative or complement to medication. The increasing popularity of neurofeedback for ADHD can be attributed to several factors, including its drug-free approach, potential long-term benefits, and the growing body of research supporting its efficacy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics approved Neurofeedback as a Level 1 – Best Support treatment option for children suffering from ADHD, indicating that it’s an effective, evidence-based treatment option.
How does neurofeedback therapy work?
During neurofeedback sessions, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain wave activity. This activity is then processed by specialized software and presented to the individual in the form of visual or auditory feedback, such as a video or game. The goal is to teach the individual to modulate their brain activity in a desired direction, such as increasing beta waves (associated with attention and focus) or decreasing theta waves (associated with drowsiness and inattention).
The process of neurofeedback training for ADHD typically involves a series of sessions conducted over several weeks or months. Each session usually lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the individual’s age and specific treatment protocol. During a typical session, the individual is seated in front of a computer screen. Sensors are attached to their scalp to measure brain activity. The person then engages in a game or watches a video that responds to their brain waves. When the desired brain wave patterns are produced, the game or video provides positive feedback, such as the screen getting brighter and audio getting louder or a puzzle piece fitting into place. This immediate feedback helps the brain learn which patterns are beneficial and should be repeated.
The duration and frequency of neurofeedback training can vary significantly depending on the individual’s needs and response to treatment. Generally, a course of treatment might involve 20 to 40 sessions, with some individuals requiring more or fewer sessions. Sessions are typically conducted 2-3 times per week, especially at the beginning of treatment.
Why Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?
The science behind neurofeedback is rooted in the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and reorganize itself. It’s important to note that neurofeedback is not a quick fix. It requires time, patience, and consistent practice to see results. By repeatedly practicing the control of brain waves associated with focus and attention, individuals with ADHD can strengthen these neural pathways, leading to improved symptoms over time. Since neurofeedback works to train your brain to make effective connections and create positive changes, the results last. Completing neurofeedback is like learning any other skill – from riding a bicycle to swimming or learning your times tables, once you acquire the skill from repeated practice, you will retain it. Some college students as well as business professionals continue to use it on a maintenance basis for peak porformance through the years to sharpen their skills and stay at the top of their game.
Training At Home
While most neurofeedback training is conducted in clinical settings under the supervision of trained professionals, there is also the option of home training to make it easier to follow through with your training schedule, especially if you don’t live near our office. You would first be seen in the office for the initial assessment and EEG reading but a unit can be rented to do your training at home. The process is simple in that you will be taught how to set everything up to effectively train from home. Your specific protocol will be downloaded into the software and your sessions are recorded to be tracked by the provider. You will still receive the same follow-up support and coaching sessions for nutrition, exercise and lifestyle management that you would receive if you were training at the office, only it can be done via phone or zoom call.
How can neurofeedback be used to treat ADHD?
Neurofeedback can be used to treat ADHD symptoms along with other neurological conditions such as mood, memory, sleep, compulsion, trauma and addiction. This is done by targeting specific brain wave patterns associated with the disorder. Children and adults with ADHD often show higher levels of theta waves and lower levels of beta waves compared to neurotypical individuals. This difference is thought to contribute to the inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms characteristic of ADHD.
During neurofeedback training for ADHD, the individual learns to decrease theta wave activity and increase beta wave activity in specific brain regions, such as the central and frontal lobes. This is typically achieved by training the brain through operant conditioning where the desired brain wave patterns are reinforced with positive feedback using audio and visual signals during each session. As a result, regulating the brainwaves can help with attention, focus, memory processing, sleep, mood and behavior patterns.
How effective is Neurofeedback for ADHD?
For the past 40 years neurofeedback has been studied in research labs at prominent universities throughout the world. This research supports the efficacy of neurofeedback and has been published in top tier scientific journals. The effectiveness of neurofeedback for treating ADHD has been investigated in numerous studies, with positive results.
For example, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Attention Disorders in 2018 found that neurofeedback had significant effects on inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, as well as on cognitive test performance. Another study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2016 found that the effects of neurofeedback on ADHD symptoms were maintained over a 6-month follow-up period.
As research continues and our understanding of ADHD and brain function deepens, neurofeedback may play an increasingly important role in ADHD treatment. Whether used as a primary intervention or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, neurofeedback offers a unique approach to harnessing the brain’s plasticity and promoting self-regulation.
My Story
I decided to offer Neurofeedback at my practice after seeing the overall improvement that we had when using it on my own son with ADHD. We have always maintained a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, supplements, chiropractic care and functional medicine but we have seen the greatest improvement with him since adding Neurofeedback Therapy. Since implementing this therapy, his mood is better, he is calmer and has less emotional outbursts. If he does get angry, he is able to work through it and come out of it much easier now. He is showing greater maturity which is helping him socialize easier and at school he is able to focus better with less behavioral disruptions. All in all, I’d say that’s a win!! This is why I decided to share it with anyone who is looking for answers on how to help their child who is struggling. From one mom to another, ADHD Autism or any other disabilities can seem like a cruel, unfair condition for your child to have. So, finding a therapy, treatment or anything else that can help them reach their full potential is a blessing! If you are interested in learning if Neurofeedback can help you or your child, call us to find out more.