Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral condition characterized by excessive restlessness, inattention, distraction and impulsivity. There are three subtypes of ADHD: primarily inattentive usually referred to as ADD or ADHD without Hyperactivity. (I am still puzzled why they are determined to keep the H in the acronym), primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and that with significant symptoms of both (called combined subtype).
Often ADHD is accompanied by more severe behavioral symptoms, such as opposition and poor conduct, as well as by specific learning disabilities.
ADD/ ADHD is best addressed by a variety of approaches, including parent education and training, dietary changes and nutritional support and Neurofeedback training. Simple changes in diet like eliminating gluten, adding probiotics and taking omega 3 fatty acids can make a significant difference in the symptomology. Depending on what is needed, specific recommendations can be addressed. Medication is sometimes still warranted even after all the other avenues have been utilized, though it should only be used when the other approaches have been exhausted. Medical factors can also contribute to the disorder, such as allergies or heavy metals toxicity. Other conditions such as primary depression, anxiety, and seizure activity can also impact functional and behavioral patterns.
Depending on underlying conditions, western medical management of ADHD may consist of stimulants, anti-depressants, or anticonvulsant medication. In my opinion medication is too readily prescribed based on insufficient testing and intervention. The easy administration and popularity of stimulants has led to an over-simplification of this complex condition. This in turn has led to the incorrect/over-diagnosis and over-medication of many children and adults.
Neurofeedback has been shown to reduce and even eliminate the characteristic symptoms of ADHD and the related conditions, which are the immediate cause of medical referrals. The training has also been shown to have lasting effects, in contrast to medication. The effectiveness of medication in even temporarily normalizing a child’s behavior is proof that the child’s brain is capable of functioning normally. Neurofeedback simply allows us to accomplish that task with objective and measurable data. The following link contains an excellent meta-analysis: http://www.windgatehealth.com/EfficacyNeurofeedbackADHD.pdf
What then is the role of stimulant medication? It is to induce a forced temporary functional change in the brain. Ritalin or Concerta for example, does not supply a missing neurotransmitter. Ritalin, like Concerta, Adderal, and Cylert is not ‘Vitamin R’. Ritalin, which is a controlled stimulant, simply speeds the brainwaves up by impinging on the state of regulation of several neurotransmitter systems (dopamine and norepinephrine). Once the medication is metabolized however, the brainwaves revert back to the same slower dominating pattern that existed before, regardless of how long you have been taking the medication. This is why medication will only mask the symptoms and never will they “fix” the problem.
Neurofeedback training rewards the child or adult for changing brainwave activity toward what is more characteristic of a functional brain. We set multiple parameters on the EEG Program for the brain to regulate. When each parameter is met then they are rewarded by either a movie playing or a video game producing a reward. The learning process is largely an unconscious act. Neurofeedback challenges the individuals brain to self-adapt to a more functional state.
It is best considered as mental fitness training that over time teaches the individuals brain improved skills of managing attention, arousal (level of excitability), and affective or emotional state. The individual’s brain already manages attention, arousal, and affective state to a certain degree, and the relevant mechanisms are in place to do so. Simply exercising those mechanisms strengthens them, and allows the individual to have better control over his or her own behavior automatically, just as these things are automatic for those of us who don’t have ADHD.
Neurofeedback simply employs learning strategies that have been proven effective. For example, we incorporate visual feedback, audio feedback, and tactile feedback, which are the three ways in which we learn new tasks. Although we all learn better with one form or the other, if you use all three at once, you are very likely to learn the information quickly. If a child exhibits more severe disruptive behaviors, Neurofeedback will help to diminish and eventually for many, eliminate those troublesome behaviors. The child or adult will likely also notice an improvement in their quality of sleep, if this is a problem to begin with, which it usually is with the use of stimulant medications. Associated depression and anxiety will be found to be alleviated as well with the training.
With a more functional brain, the child or adult will exhibit his or her natural intellectual abilities, and measured IQ scores will likely increase significantly with the training as well. This is not because Neurofeedback will make someone smarter, but rather because it will allow the person to be more available to reach the potential they already possessed.
Neurofeedback training can also be helpful with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as with poor visual and auditory memory. Neurofeedback should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive program for addressing the needs of the ADHD child/adult, learning disabled, or behaviorally disregulated.
Moreover, a child does not have to meet specific diagnostic criteria in order to benefit from the training. Neurofeedback training is a challenge to any brain to get it to function better.
In summary, Neurofeedback is a safe, proven, and non-invasive alternative that should be given a great deal of “attention” due to the overwhelming success qualified practitioners and researchers are having and have had for more than thirty years. Individuals may say many things about this modality, but the fact of the matter is that it simply works for about 8 out of 10 people. With the family support network in place and minimal compliance, success is very likely to be high.
I have been using Neurofeedback since 1996 in my practice and currently find it to be the best intervention for attention, hyperactivity and neurophysiological regulation.
You have done it again! Great writing.
Your blog is so informative ¡ keep up the good work!!!!
Its really fine publish appreciation.
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points also.
Hey! I simply wanted to say your blog is one of the nicely laid out, most inspirational Ive come across in quite a while. Thx!
Hey! Are you going to be creating a follow up? My room mate and I certainly enjoyed the read. We were both surprised how well you covered the topic. Way to go!