Neurofeedback Therapy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
April 20, 2023

Neurofeedback Therapy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Duluth GA

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects millions of people around the world. The difference is characterized by persistent problems with focus, attention, and hyperactivity, which can lead to significant impairments in social, academic, and occupational functioning. While medication and behavioral interventions have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD, a relatively new and promising approach to treating the disorder is neurofeedback.

Neurofeedback is a sophisticated form of biofeedback that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to teach individuals how to regulate their brain function. The technique involves placing sensors on the scalp to record brainwaves, and then feeding this information back to the individual in the form of visual or auditory cues. By learning to control their brain activity, individuals can improve their ability to regulate attention, focus, and behavior.

A growing body of research has shown that neurofeedback can be an effective treatment for ADHD. For example, an analysis of 13 studies on the use of neurofeedback with children and adolescents with ADHD found that the technique was associated with significant improvements in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (Cortese et al., 2016). Another study found that neurofeedback was effective in improving academic performance and reducing symptoms of ADHD in college students (Moriyama et al., 2012).

One of the benefits of neurofeedback is that it is a non-invasive and drug-free option. Unlike medication, which can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone, neurofeedback does not involve any chemicals or drugs. Additionally, the effects of neurofeedback have been shown to remain even after treatment has ended, suggesting that it may be a long-term solution to managing ADHD symptoms (Arns et al., 2014).

So, how does neurofeedback work? The basic principle behind the technique is that by providing individuals with feedback about their brain activity, they can learn to regulate it more effectively. For example, if an individual is having difficulty with focus and attention, the neurofeedback program may provide feedback when their brain activity is in a certain state associated with improved attention. By learning to recognize and control this state, individuals can improve their ability to focus.

One of the advantages of neurofeedback is that it is tailored to the individual. The neurofeedback program is designed to target specific areas of the brain that are associated with ADHD symptoms. For example, if an individual is experiencing hyperactivity, the program may focus on regulating activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with impulse control. By targeting specific areas of the brain, neurofeedback can be customized to the individual's unique needs.

While neurofeedback is a relatively new approach to treating ADHD, the research suggests that it has significant potential as a safe and effective form of treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD and traditional treatments have not been effective, neurofeedback may be worth considering.

  • References:
    Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2014). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. Clinical EEG and neuroscience, 45(4), 246-255.
  • Cortese, S., Ferrin, M., Brandeis, D., Holtmann, M., Aggensteiner, P., Daley, D., ... & Sergeant, J. (2016). Neurofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis of clinical and neuropsychological outcomes from randomized controlled trials. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 55(6), 444-455.
  • Moriyama, T. S., Polanczyk, G., Caye, A., Banaschewski, T., Brandeis, D., & Rohde, L. A. (2012). Evidence-based information on the clinical use of neurofeedback for ADHD. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 36(7), 2226-2232.