Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Neurofeedback
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development(1).
- Inattention – A person has difficulty sustaining focus, disorganized; these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
- Hyperactivity – A person seems to move constantly, excessively fidgets, taps, or talks incessantly, including situations that are not considered appropriate. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity.
- Impulsivity – A person who makes actions in the moment without considering long-term consequences; or showing a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive or excessively interrupt others.
Treatment Options:
The most common form of treating ADHD/ADD symptoms is medication; however, it only provides temporary relief from the symptoms and when stopped the symptoms return. We provide both a traditional method of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy to help troublesome symptoms. We also provide an alternative option of Neurofeedback.
Neurofeedback aims to train the brain’s attention networks to function better and correct the root of the problem – brainwave dysregulation. There are many studies that show that the brain is capable of change and can reorganization brainwave patterns to a more optimal state reducing symptoms through consistent practice. Neurofeedback strengthens attention networks so a patient can improve concentration, focus, and sustain attention without medication.
Also, neurofeedback training has been commonly found to be associated with decreased impulsiveness and hyperactivity, increased mood stability, improved sleep patterns, increased attention span, improved academic performance, increased retention and memory, and increased IQ scores.
Neurofeedback can be used in combination with medication or behavioral therapies, many times a combination of these methods is best suited to address symptoms initially and to reduce medication once it is no longer needed. Each patient will have specific needs and a diagnostic evaluation is needed initially to determine the best course of action. A qEEG Brain Map may be recommended during this time. This type of test will determine if any areas of the brain are found to be dysregulated and Dr. Sinha will tailor a specific plan to address the patient’s symptoms.
Research:
As one can see by the Brain Map to the right that a normalized brain (left image) will show a green or “normalized” state of “0”. A patient that exhibits ADHD symptoms (right image) will show a red frontal lobe indicating brainwave dysregulation. Research has shown that in this particular image that this is due to a higher level of theta brain waves in the frontal lobe and the dysregulation produces inattention, lack of concentration and focus that pertains to those experiencing ADHD symptoms.
Rossiter and LaVaque (1995) found that 20 sessions of neurofeedback produced comparable improvements in attention and concentration to taking Ritalin. Fuchs, et. al. (2003) likewise demonstrated that neurofeedback produced comparable improvements to Ritalin. In a one-year follow-up, control group study, Monastra et al. (2002) found that neurofeedback produced superior improvements to Ritalin, without needing to remain on drugs.
Since the late 1970’s, neurofeedback has been researched, refined, and tested with ADHD. Clinical work by Dr. Lubar and his colleagues at the University of Tennessee demonstrated that it is possible to retrain the brain with neurofeedback. Neurofeedback research is quite strong in demonstrating its effectiveness in treating ADHD, whereas the average stimulation medication study follow-up is only three weeks long and the longest medication study is only 14 months long with ADHD. Dr. Lubar (1995) has published 10-year follow-ups on cases and found that in approximately 80% of patients neurofeedback substantially improved the symptoms of ADHD, and these changes were maintained.