A Mystery: Is ADHD Curable?

Is ADHD Curable? No, But It Is Treatable

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) affects more than 1 in 10 children and often carries on into adulthood. Its symptoms include hyperactivity, trouble focusing, being easily distracted, and struggling with time management. The disorder can have a major detrimental effect on both a person's relationships and career prospects; therefore it should be treated as soon as it’s detected.

There are a lot of people that want to know: is ADHD curable? Unfortunately, scientists are not even sure what causes ADHD, much less how to cure it. However, the good news is that although there is no cure, there are several treatment options that can alleviate its symptoms. Here are the most effective treatments for people suffering from ADHD:

1.       Stimulants. Many patients with ADHD are given drugs from the amphetamine family. What’s interesting is that these stimulants actually increase a person’s hyperactivity, but help them to channel it into productive tasks by increasing their focus. Stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, dextroamphetamine, and Focalin.

2.       Non-stimulant medication. Some medications, like Desipramine and Amitriptyline, are non-stimulant antidepressants that some people have found success with (depression, like ADHD, affects the executive function of the brain.) Another medicine doctors are using is Clonidine, which is usually used to treat high blood pressure and aggression.

3.       Biofeedback. A safe, non-medication therapy wherein a therapist uses a machine to display a patient's brain waves back to them, then uses that information to teach the patient how to control their own behavior in response to mental and physical stimuli. Usually presented in the form of a game, in some patients biofeedback has been shown to be every bit as effective as a daily regimen of 30mg of Ritalin.

4.       Diet. The current wisdom in the modern medical industry is that there is no established causal link between diet and ADHD, but many doctors are beginning to sit up and take notice of multiple studies showing that some food additives have the potential to exacerbate the condition. People who eat refined foods and foods with dyes and preservatives report more trouble with their ADHD than those without. Parents who have begun supplementing their children's diets with fish oil and B-vitamins also report that their ADHD children experience better mood stability and focus.

Someday when we ask the question, "Is ADHD curable?" we will be able to answer, "Yes!" Until then, it remains a troubling disorder that affects millions of people. Luckily, it is treatable – both with and without medication.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Are There Neurofeedback Side Effects?

Let’s Talk Side Effects

If the concern about neurofeedback side effects has dissuaded you from contemplating this groundbreaking method of managing disorders such as ADD, consider otherwise. Beyond the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared neurofeedback safe and no known side effects have ever been formally established; let’s examine your alternatives. Historically, in managing a neurological disorder, there have been few established options:

 • Medication
 • Psychotherapy or cognitive training
• Surgical procedures

There are potential side effects to these three options; however, neurofeedback has no side effects. In regards to medication, besides the potential for forming a reliance or habit, pharmaceutical side effects can range anywhere from minor inconveniences (i.e. dry mouth, irritability) to major issues (i.e. seizures, internal bleeding, death). While the major side effects are extremely rare, the minor ones are rather commonplace and should be viewed as a trade-off patients agree to in return for subduing other symptoms. While therapy and cognitive training come with no physical side effects, there is no guarantee of success, and the process can try your patience and your emotional fortitude. Lastly, when it comes to surgery, it is invasive, requires significant recovery time in most cases, and always comes with a certain degree of risk.

Alleviating Fears About Neurofeedback

Hearing what we just discussed may sound quite frightening, but fortunately you have other options. In addition to there being no established neurofeedback side effects, the process itself is painless, noninvasive, and aimed to provide you with a future free from other forms of managing ADD. Neurofeedback therapy is all conducted with nothing more than EEG sensors and high-tech reading devices. You are never poked, prodded, or pumped full of anything. In addition, the process is designed to teach your brain to self-regulate, meaning after a certain point, you should optimally require no more sessions at all. That’s right; your brain will learn to correct its own problems naturally by redirecting and retraining brainwave patterns that have gone awry. With an FDA-declared safe procedure and no know neurofeedback side effects; the time is now to manage your neurological disorder with BrainCore’s cutting edge therapy.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Biofeedback Definition

Because biofeedback is at the forefront of advances in the medical industry, it can be difficult to find a good, working definition that isn’t too confusing.

Here is an excellent definition: biofeedback is a safe, non-invasive therapy that teaches patients to control their own physiological and neurological activity without the use of medication.

Biofeedback is usually based on measurements of:
 • Blood pressure
 • Brain waves (EEG)
 • Breathing
 • Heart rate
 • Muscle tension
 • Skin conductivity of electricity
 • Skin temperature

 Electrical sensors are attached to your body, which then collects information about a variety of processes. You will see visuals of these various bodily processes, such as brainwave activity in the case of neurofeedback, skin temperature, or tension, as well as a variety of others. Individuals are then taught to perform actions that help to regulate these processes into healthy, functional patterns. After about twelve weeks of therapy, most patients have the ability to notice the subtle workings of their body and the disturbances caused by their particular affliction and have learned to manage their symptoms.

 Although biofeedback is a relatively new concept, some of the technology behind it is over a century old. Where before many biofeedback machines were used solely for scientific research or rarefied medical conditions, now the benefits are available for a host of issues. These include chronic pain, edema, hypertension, Raynaud's disease, excessive sweating, and incontinence. There are also disorders of the brain's executive function that have proven responsive to biofeedback, including attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.

Best of all, unlike the many medication therapies available for the disorders mentioned above, biofeedback has no side effects, and the learned behaviors provide lasting or, in some cases, lifelong relief from symptoms. Biofeedback has no invasive procedures, and it is an excellent treatment for children, who generally enjoy the activities prescribed to them during their biofeedback sessions.

There are many biofeedback options available, ranging from large machines in a medical center to apps you can download for your smartphone. If you have a condition that you believe could be improved through the use of biofeedback, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Exploring ADHD Treatment Options

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Before exploring the various ADHD treatment options, we first must discuss the disorder itself, and what symptoms are most problematic. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders in this country, affecting over 8 million children aged 3 to 17. ADHD has three subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, or combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. As you can probably discern from the names, ADHD is characterized by inability to focus or pay attention, hyperactivity, difficulty controlling urges, and trouble communicating and interacting with others.

ADHD Medication: A Double-Edged Sword

Historically, all ADHD treatment options have begun with medication. ADHD medications, such as Adderall, are primarily stimulants designed to improve focus and enhance your child’s attention span. There are also non-stimulant prescriptions for the disorder out there, and medications such as antidepressants have also been used to combat ADHD. The problem with ADHD medication is twofold. First, you expose your child to a litany of side effects, ranging from mild (i.e. dry mouth) to serious (i.e. seizures). Beyond this, ADHD medication will often make your child simply not feel good, and this is heartbreaking when we are talking about young people. The second major issue with ADHD medication is that there is no conclusive link between prescription medication and better performance in school or society. ADHD medication is a short-term fix that should be no more than a part of a treatment plan designed at long-term alleviation of symptoms. The problem is, many parents – and even doctors – don’t realize this, and we end up with a bunch of overmedicated children who struggle with ADHD far beyond adolescence.

Therapy and Skills Training

Whether medication is among your chosen ADHD treatment options, a rigorous regiment of psychotherapy or skills training has provided much better results. Children are taught how to cope with their disorder and doctors have a chance to get to the root of the problem. The only issue here is that it can be very time-involved and also quite pricey when there is no potential end in sight.

Alternative Routes

Fortunately, when it comes to ADHD treatment options, we live in a great time. Studies have shown that moderate changes to diet, sleep and exercise all can have a dynamic impact on treating ADHD and the severity of its symptoms. Additionally, there are also some really innovative new therapies out there. One such method known as neurofeedback is certainly worth checking out because of the relative ease of the therapy and its potential long-term impact. Neurofeedback is designed to re-route brainwaves that have gotten off-track and are actually causing neurological disorders such as ADHD. The therapy is all painless and noninvasive, and over time will teach your child’s body to self-correct such issues, defeating the need other ADHD treatment options.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

The Autism Spectrum: Autism Definition and Differentiation

Autism describes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders collectively known as the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum encompasses:

·         Autism

·         Asperger’s Syndrome

·         Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Although these disorders are related and may all be included in the definition of autism, they are actually quite distinct from one another. At one time they were recognized as separate disorders; however, the latest psychological Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth Edition, known as the DSM-V, combines them within the autism spectrum.

Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social impairment; impaired verbal and non-verbal communication; and restrictive, repetitive, or stereotyped behavior. These characteristics are usually apparent before the age of three.

Autism carries with it a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. Some individuals with autism are severely developmentally disabled and may never acquire verbal communication, while others have high-functioning autism, defined as an IQ higher than 70.

A typical autism definition refers primarily to this form of autism; however, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) have recently been included with autism on the autism spectrum.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder marked by difficulties with social functioning and nonverbal communication, although verbal and cognitive development is often otherwise intact.

Those with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be high functioning, although this syndrome is distinct from high-functioning autism. Despite having high intelligence, people with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty with social interaction. They often have difficulty understanding subtle forms of nonverbal communication cues, such as eye contact and body posturing, and they may lack normal empathy.

Asperger’s syndrome is also distinguished by the tendency to pursue unusually narrow and specific topics of interest.  Individuals may also exhibit repetitive, stereotypical physical movements, such as flapping or rocking motions.

Asperger’s syndrome is distinguished from high-functioning autism in that language delays in Asperger’s syndrome tend to be minimal; however, it is often still included within a comprehensive autism definition.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specific (PDD-NOS)

Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is sometimes called atypical autism. PDD-NOS is a DSM-IV diagnosis for individuals who may not fit all of the criteria for autism or another pervasive developmental disorder on the spectrum. Individuals with PDD-NOS often have a lower level of impairment in social skills and a higher level of functioning than individuals who meet the full criteria for autism. They may also exhibit a lesser degree of stereotypical or repetitive behavior.

Many individuals with PDD-NOS have the following characteristics:

·         Difficulties using and understanding language

·         Difficulty with social behavior

·         A need for routine and an intolerance of changes in the environment

·         Uneven skill development with higher proficiency in some areas than others, for example, delayed verbal skills but normal or elevated spatial reasoning skills

·         Unusual play with toys and other objects

·         Unusual likes and dislikes

The DSM-V, the most recent diagnostic and statistical manual for psychology and psychiatry, takes a dimensional approach to constructing a relevant autism definition. The DSM-V uses the term autism spectrum to encompass the three related disorders: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Although these conditions are distinct from one another, they are closely related, and considered to lie along a spectrum of types of verbal and social dysfunction.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Finding the Most Effective Therapy for Depression

What is a Neurofeedback Machine?

In neurofeedback therapy, brainwave activity is measured with a precision instrument, and a frequency is “fed back” to the brain to facilitate positive changes. Often, this information is displayed to the participant in the form of sounds, images, or something like a video game, in which the display changes based on the brainwave frequency. This allows people to become “trained” in self-regulating their own brainwave frequencies through trial-and-error and repeated practice. There are three main types of detector used in neurofeedback therapy: the electroencephalogram (EEG), the hemoencephalogram (HEG), and the low energy neurofeedback system (LENS) 

The EEG: A Neurofeedback Machine That Measures Brainwave Activity 

The most commonly used device in neurofeedback therapy is an EEG. Through an EEG, electrodes are placed at strategic locations on the scalp, where they detect brainwave frequencies. This is possible because neurons, or brain cells, are “polarized,” meaning they carry an electrical charge. The nervous system works via electrical activity, known as “action potentials,” and this is how information is carried through the nerves and brain.

An EEG readout takes the form of a graph that shows wavelike forms. This graph reflects oscillating electrical frequencies, which are indicative of the type and location of neural activity happening inside the brain.

Some brainwaves have distinctive patterns, and are associated with certain types of activity. “Alpha” rhythms and “theta” rhythms, for example, are associated with relaxation, whereas “beta” rhythms are associated with conscious mental focus and concentration. An EEG machine can be used to measure and identify these rhythms, and in neurofeedback therapy, this information is used to teach people to change their brainwaves at will. 

The HEG: A Neurofeedback Machine that Measures Blood Flow in the Brain 

Another type of neurofeedback machine, less commonly used than the EEG, is the HEG, or “hemoencephalogram.” An HEG machine uses infrared sensing to detect blood flow within the brain. Measuring where in the brain blood is flowing, and how oxygenated the blood is, can indicate what regions of the brain are active, which gives an idea as to what neurological and mental processes are occurring. There are two main types of HEG neurofeedback:

·         Near Infrared Sensing (NIR), which measures local changes in oxygenation of the blood

·         Passive Infrared Sensing (PIR), which measures the amount of heat being produced in a region of the brain

Both of these measures are reflections of where blood is flowing within the brain, which can indicate the source of the patient’s problems. Thus just like with EEG data, HEG data can be used in neurofeedback therapy to inform individuals of their own mental functioning. 

The LENS: A Commonly Used Neurofeedback Machine 

The Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS), developed in 1992 by Dr. Len Ochs, is yet another frequently used neurofeedback machine. In the LENS system, an EEG machine is connected to computer software. An electrical frequency, specifically a radio frequency, is then fed back to the brain in order to stimulate EEG activity. LENS participants report feelings of calm and increased mental clarity. LENS software uses games as a framework to display information to participants about changes in their brainwave frequencies. 

Neurofeedback Machine

Does Neurofeedback Work for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Neurofeedback therapy uses instruments, usually electroencephalographs (EEGs), to measure electrical activity in the brain. This information is then “fed back” to individuals using sound, video, or game-like activities. The individual can use this to train themselves to modulate their brainwave activity. This approach is applicable to a variety of disorders that involve dysfunction in brain processes. This includes ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, some types of pain disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.

There are relatively few studies on the effects of neurofeedback for autism, but those which have been conducted have indicated that neurofeedback could work for many autistic individuals. Many mental health professionals who work with autistic children have provided case studies in which neurofeedback produced remarkable results. 

How Does Neurofeedback Work to Treat Autism? 

Neurofeedback therapy uses electroencephalograms (EEG machines), which detect electrical activity in the brain, to obtain information about brainwave processes. The information is then “fed back”, often using videos and sounds, to the participant who uses the information to consciously change brainwave patterns. This training becomes learned behavior; overtime, the patient will be able to self-regulate these brainwave patterns.

Autism is a complex syndrome, which is defined by abnormal integration processes in the brain. Neurofeedback takes a different approach to autism as opposed to other forms of treatment. Most methods of treating symptoms of autism have their effects on a behavioral level; however, neurofeedback addresses the problem at the source – the brain. Electrodes are placed on the patients scalp over the areas of the brain that correspond to the individual’s particular difficulties.

Autism is marked by a lack of integrative capability within the brain. Autistic brains have difficulty bringing together sensory and other forms of information. Sufferers of autism have difficulty “filtering out” irrelevant stimuli, and their brains display high levels of arousal. An example of Neurofeedback is the game, a technique where the speed or direction of an object is guided by brainwave frequencies. Over time and repetition the patients become trained to regulate their own brainwaves producing a calmer state of mind.

Autistic individuals, especially children, have difficulty identifying and coping with their emotions. An autistic child may be prone to “temper tantrums” which can last for protracted periods of time. When such neurofeedback techniques are implemented the patient is able to enter more relaxed states, thus making it easier for the sufferer to manage their emotions. Some case reports indicate that an autistic child, during the process of the neurofeedback session, may even become uncharacteristically calm. 

Does Neurofeedback Work for Autism, Without Significant Side Effects? 

Neurofeedback techniques are not known to have any side effects. Although an autistic child may at first be frightened by the novelty of the activities involved in neurofeedback therapy, practitioners report that this effect generally subsides quickly. 

So, How Well Does Neurofeedback Work for Autism? 

The benefits of neurofeedback therapy in autistic patients are not yet fully explored. However, case reports show successful outcomes in instances that neurofeedback was utilized in treating autism. Neurofeedback appears to have great potential in treating the problems that cause autistic individuals to have such great difficulties, thus improving their level of functioning. Further scientific exploration of autism in relation to this revolutionary new technique is underway. To schedule a consultation or to learn more about this safe, painless, non-invasive therapy please visit our website: www.braincoretherapy.com 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

What is Electromyographic Biofeedback?

Electromyographic biofeedback is a technique that uses precise instruments to measure electrical activity in muscles. This information can be used to help patients learn control over muscle tension, which is normally an automatic and unconscious process. By using electromyographic feedback through numerous sessions, a patient learns to consciously control muscle tension in order to relieve pain. It is especially effective for pain that is associated with stress, such as tension headaches.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Electromyographic Feedback?

Electromyographic biofeedback is effective for treating a number of disorders. Therapeutic applications of EMG biofeedback include:

·         Chronic headaches, especially tension headaches

·         Temporomandibular and dental pain

·         Tender point pain in fibromyalgia patients

·         Stress-induced tension in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

How is Electromyographic Biofeedback Carried Out?

During an electromyographic biofeedback session, surface electrodes are placed on the skin over the relevant muscle areas. These electrodes act as sensors, detecting the action potentials that appear when muscles are contracted. The EMG machine provides “feedback”, in the form of a representation of the action potentials’ strengths and patterns. Using this information, electromyographic biofeedback sessions train patients to learn to control muscle contraction.

Learning to relax the muscles at will can be a difficult process. Electromyographic biofeedback therapy is generally carried out in a series of 10 to 24 sessions. The initial session is often kept short, with subsequent sessions increasing in duration. After a session is completed, doctors ask the patients to give a self-report of perceived relaxation, muscle tension, and pain, generally on a scale of 1-10.

In order for electromyographic biofeedback therapy to be effective, it is important for a patient to feel relaxed. During EMG biofeedback sessions, patients are coached to use relaxation strategies, including:

·         Imagining relaxing scenery

·         Repeating relaxing phrases

·         Slow, deep, rhythmic breathing

·         Focusing on, and becoming more aware of, the particular sensations of tightness versus relaxation in the muscles

·         Clearing the mind completely

Electromyographic biofeedback therapy has been shown to effect lasting changes within the brain that persist long after the treatment is completed. Over time, the patient can develop the ability to increase and decrease muscle tension at will, even without feedback from the EMG equipment. 

Is ADHD Real?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, has been recognized in the medical literature since 1902. However, beginning in the 1970s, the rate of diagnosis of ADHD in children has been increasing. This increase has sparked concern among the public about the legitimacy of ADHD. Is ADHD a real disease? Or is it something that is socially constructed; a product of the imagination of a modern society?

Media Controversy: Is ADHD Even a Real Disease?

There has been some controversy in the media about whether ADHD is even a real disease. Some people have become concerned about the possible overdiagnosis of ADHD, especially in children. Some have suggested that diagnosing a child with ADHD could be a way for parents to correct what is, in reality, a behavioral problem that could be solved with better parenting. Others have expressed concerns that ADHD may not be a "real" disease, but a way of pathologizing individuals who merely think differently, or who don't fit well enough into accepted social norms. There is also concern that ADHD may be an invention of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, not be a real disease, because selling more medications for the disease would be in the interest of the corporations that design and market drugs.

ADHD Is A Real Disease: The Scientific Viewpoint

This idea that ADHD is an invented disease is not held by the psychiatric community. Based on scientific research and evidence, the medical community has concluded that ADHD is in fact a real disease. ADHD is one of the most extensively researched psychiatric disorders. It is distinguished by a certain set of behavioral characteristics, as well as certain differences in brain structure which have been identified by recent research. 

The ADHD diagnosis is only given to individuals who fit a certain set of established criteria, when other possible diagnoses have been ruled out. There may be other reasons for the individual's seeming inattentiveness. These could include undiagnosed hearing or vision problems, learning disabilities, or neurological problems that interfere with attention and learning. It is only when other possibilities are exhausted that a doctor can diagnose someone with ADHD.

What Determines An ADHD Diagnosis?

The DSM, the diagnostic manual for psychology and psychiatry, specifies a set of characteristics and behaviors typical of ADHD. To be diagnosed, an individual must meet a certain number of these criteria. The characteristics that define ADHD involve inattentiveness and hyperactivity, which goes beyond what could be considered normal for the individual's developmental level. Many children can be "hyper" at times, or unwilling to pay attention to something that they find uninteresting. In people with ADHD, these traits are overwhelming to the extent that they interfere with the activities of daily living. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention in school, to the point of having academic and social difficulties as a result. Just because a child is very physically active, or has trouble paying attention in some of their classes, does not mean they will automatically be diagnosed with ADHD. Some people may show one or two symptoms, but not enough to meet the criteria for ADHD. Physicians cannot diagnose just anybody with ADHD.

So Is ADHD Real?

According to what has been learned from scientific research, ADHD is a real disease. The extensive research that has been done into ADHD, especially since the 1960s, has indicated that ADHD is in fact a unified, discrete disorder, rather than a "blanket term" for any number of more mundane behavioral issues, or an imaginary construct of profiteering "Big Pharma" companies. Although some people have expressed concerns, via the media, that ADHD may not be real, or may be diagnosed too frequently or too easily, this is not rooted in scientific research. In light of the scientific evidence, nearly all medical professionals have come to the conclusion that ADHD is a legitimate medical concern. 

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR ADHD

Electromyographic Biofeedback

What is Electromyographic Biofeedback?

Stress is a hallmark of our modern lives. We feel stress from work, from school, from social gatherings, from our children and spouses – and the stress we feel only sets up even more stress. For many people, it can feel like there is a constant contest being waged between their will and their stress levels, and it is only a matter of time before something has to give.

When we finally do buckle under the pressure – and almost all of us do at some point – stress can lead to long-term disorders such as anxiety, hypertension and chronic pain, especially if it isn't caught and treated early on. The reason this happens is often due to the involuntary movements of our nervous system – our blood pressure, our muscle tension and more.

Luckily, electromyographic biofeedback is a technology-driven alternative medicine therapy that is helping countless patients with a host of stress-related afflictions, including the above mentioned, as well as headaches, back pain and even incontinence. The technology is not new – scientists have been using it for over 130 years – but this particular therapeutic method just sprung up in the last few years.

Here is how it works: electromyographic biofeedback collects information about your physiological responses to stress (or other disorders) from your skeletal muscles, and displays it back to you in a format that is easy to read and understand. Then, usually with a game of some kind, the device teaches you different strategies you can use to respond to muscle tension. Essentially, the device trains you to train yourself, so that you are the one wielding power over your body – not the other way around.

There are many kinds of electromyographic biofeedback devices. The most complicated are usually found in therapeutic and clinical settings, and are administered with the help of a doctor or other healthcare professional who can help you get the most out of it. But there are also smaller, less powerful (but still helpful) devices that you can purchase and use as part of a daily regimen to help you train your body to overcome your unconscious muscular reactions to the stress and anxiety of modern life.

The uses of electromyographic biofeedback aren't limited to just stress and stress-related conditions. They also help those suffering from chronic migraines, and assist with psychological therapies such as mindfulness meditation. There are even athletes who have been experimenting with electromyographic biofeedback therapies to help them achieve new heights of physical fitness.

If you are suffering from an overabundance of stress and you feel it is negatively affecting the quality of your life, consider looking into electromyographic biofeedback treatments. It is a perfectly safe, non-invasive, drug-free therapy that has already helped countless patients get the relief they deserve.

Electromyographic Biofeedback

Taking Control of Attention Deficit Disorder

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder, also called ADD, is a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is characterized by inattentiveness, rather than impulsiveness. Children and adults afflicted with ADD have great difficulty focusing and sustaining concentration, but are not hyperactive in the same way that those with ADHD can be. Current estimates state that about 5% of children worldwide suffer from this disorder. .

The Inherent Difficulties

It almost goes without saying that sufferers of attention deficit disorder struggle with productivity issues. Beyond being very frustrating for the individual who is afflicted, the lack of attentiveness can also jeopardize learning, grades, and workplace efficiency. For the adults who do not grow out of their ADD, this can greatly affect job security, and therefore absolutely must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Treatment Options

Traditionally, treatment for attention deficit disorder is under one of two umbrellas: medication, and non-medication. There is no way to cure ADD, but a successful treatment regimen will vastly improve symptoms to the point where they may even be entirely negligible.

Medications for attention deficit disorder are primarily stimulants. These drugs carry significant possible side effects and can often make children (and adults) feel poorly overall. Non-medication treatment for attention deficit disorder typically involves psychotherapy (called psychosocial therapy), behavioral training, or specialized learning programs specifically designed for the disability. In general it is recommended that when treating ADD you use these two methods, in conjunction with each other, to ensure best results. The problem is, beyond possible side effects, this can be a burdensome commitment with no real end in sight. A constant adherence to this regiment requires a great deal of time, money, and patience, as there is no real guarantee any particular treatment will work for any individual.

It is for the reasons above that some of the newer therapies for attention deficit disorder hold such promise. One of these innovative options is called neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a drug and side effect free therapy for addressing the disorder, and it is designed to give children and adults the long-term tools they need to to overcome ADD. This is all accomplished by retraining the brain through guided brain exercises that are constantly monitored by a doctor. The professional who is administering this treatment reads feedback from your brain through painless sensors, thus the name “neurofeedback.” The therapy is completely noninvasive and designed so that there is light at the end of the tunnel: one day, you should be able to handle the disorder all on your own, free of drugs, therapy, or worries about productivity.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

Neurofeedback Training for Insomnia

In-Depth on Insomnia

Before discussing neurofeedback training as a cure, let’s delve into insomnia, its causes, and symptoms. Insomnia is a fairly common sleep disorder, especially in the United States, where over 60 million Americans are affected by the condition. People that suffer from insomnia have trouble falling asleep or experience troubled sleep patterns. This includes waking up throughout the night and having trouble falling back asleep, waking up too early, and feeling tired upon awakening.

One of the reason insomnia necessitates a treatment like neurofeedback training is that in any case, sleep deprivation can really negatively impact productivity, health, and quality of life. Insomnia is typically divided into two types and then further subdivided by how long the condition persists. Insomnia that is unassociated with any other health condition is referred to as primary insomnia, whereas insomnia that is due to some underlying condition such as asthma, indigestion, or arthritis is called secondary insomnia. Short-term insomnia is referred to as “acute”, but when the problem lasts an inordinate amount of time, we may be looking at what is called “chronic insomnia”.

Before getting to neurofeedback training and other treatment methods, here are some of the causes of insomnia, whether it is the acute or chronic variety:

·         Stress

·         Anxiety

·         Depression

·         Pain

·         Medication

·         Bad Sleep Atmosphere (i.e. sound, temperature, a newborn)

·         Alteration of Sleep Schedule

The Treatment Dilemma

Prior to the surfacing of groundbreaking treatments such as neurofeedback training, doctors historically had relied heavily on medication to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia. Beyond the fact that medicated sleep does not lend itself to restfulness, these medications can be potentially addictive or, in rare cases, gravely dangerous. Other treatment methods such as hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy are out there, but results are largely mixed.

For those of us who want results and wish to get them free of pharmaceuticals, neurofeedback training is right up our alley. Neurofeedback training treats not only insomnia, but often the underlying issue as well, and aims to achieving long-term and lasting results. The process is completely noninvasive and pain free. Better yet, no side effect for neurofeedback training has ever been found – something that can hardly be said about many of the prescription meds that are out there. How does that work? By teaching your brain to self-correct brainwave patterns that have gone awry, and in turn are causing you sleeplessness. Doctors electronically monitor your brainwave patterns as you go through a series of guided brain exercises, and within as little as a few sessions you could be well on your way to the restful nights you need to have amazing days. Check out some other advice and tips for conquering your sleeping dilemma on our video below:

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA

Is Neurofeedback Equipment Painful?

What is Neurofeedback?

Before discussing how neurofeedback equipment works, let’s briefly discuss neurofeedback as a whole and how it is currently being used to change the lives of those afflicted with neurological conditions all over the planet. Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a groundbreaking new treatment that utilizes cutting-edge equipment to monitor brain activity and eventually teach the brain to self-regulate its own brainwave patterns.

Every person’s brain carries out an almost innumerable amount of functions each and every day through electrical signals, or brainwaves, that are sent throughout the central nervous system and the rest of the human body. When brainwave patterns are normal, our body functions are like a well-oiled machine. Over time, however, brainwave patterns can start to get off-track, and when this happens, it greatly increases the likelihood that we develop problems. That’s where neurofeedback comes in. Neurofeedback equipment is used to measure brain activity and then to produce a signal that is used as feedback – hence the name neurofeedback – that teaches our brain’s to right these brainwave patterns that have gone awry without resorting to drugs, surgery, or the various costly psychotherapy methods.

How the Therapy Works

For all of the benefits it offers, the great part about this process is that neurofeedback equipment is completely painless and noninvasive to the patient. Beyond this, the FDA has declared neurofeedback to be completely safe and no known side effect has ever been established. The therapy works like this: before sessions begin, doctors conduct a comprehensive assessment that is used to determine if and how a patient’s brainwave patterns are deviating from the norm. If this is indeed the case, this information will provide valuable insight that will then, in turn, be used to create protocols for successful treatment. During the treatment itself, patients are hooked up via simple EEG sensors that easily adhere to the skin. These sensors do not transmit any electricity into the body, and are solely used as monitoring devices. Patients are guided through a series of brain exercises, usually taking the form of something like a video or a game, and over time, using the determined feedback, the brain is taught to self-regulate the targeted brainwave patterns. After a certain amount of sessions, this will take place automatically and naturally within our own systems, and patients won’t have the need to keep coming back. The ultimate goal here is simple: provide the natural tools to combat neurological disorders by giving patients independence over their own brains.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

Home Remedies for Insomnia

Home Remedies for Insomnia: Simple Cures Guaranteed to Put You to Sleep

It is the rare person who has never spent a restless night tossing and turning fitfully, locked in a futile quest to get some much-needed sleep. For most of us, this type of insomnia is an occasional, temporary thing, usually lasting no more than a few nights at the most. However, for many adults chronic insomnia is a very real problem, and one that can lead to severe long-term health consequences such as heart disease.

The causes of insomnia vary significantly from one individual to the next, but fall into three distinct categories. The first relates to psychological factors such as stress and depression, and is in fact the most common cause of insomnia in adults. The second category includes physical causes of insomnia such as chronic pain, low levels of melatonin, physiological sleep disorders like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and some genetic disorders. The third category of insomnia causes centers on lifestyle choices such as overuse of caffeine and alcohol. In most cases, a long-term, working cure can be found from among the many easily available and highly effective home remedies for insomnia. However, it is always wise to seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional, especially if you suspect that your insomnia is linked to a biological cause.

There are numerous home remedies for insomnia, encompassing a wide array of lifestyle changes as well as natural supplements and relaxants. The following strategies and cures are most effective when followed on a daily basis.

·         Stick to a routine. Keep a set bedtime and waking time every day of the week. Also try and institute a daily bedtime ritual, which could include a relaxing bath and a warm glass of milk. It is important to avoid any excessive auditory or visual stimulation before going to bed, so TV, reading, and above all, work, is not a good idea in the hour or so before you go to sleep.

·         Caffeine and alcohol: Do not consume caffeine or alcohol less than two hours before you go to bed. Both have the effect of keeping you awake and while alcohol might initially lull you to sleep, the stimulants in the alcohol will wake you after the mellower effects have passed.

·         Naptime: Try to avoid sleeping during the day and if you do nap, limit the nap to between 30 and 45 minutes. This will ensure that you are tired enough and ready to go to sleep at the end of your day.

·         Soporific foods: Try eating a light snack before you go to bed, such as a piece of toast or even a few cookies. Sugar and carbohydrates are known to help you relax and may help you fall asleep. Warm milk and honey also works wonders for inducing sleep.

·         Natural supplements: There are numerous herbal supplements available today that help in relaxation. By far, the most effective of these in terms of soporific effects is valerian. Available in pill form, it is not addictive and is easy on the stomach. Melatonin pills are also known to be an effective remedy as decreased melatonin levels have been linked to heightened insomnia.

It might take some time and a little bit of experimentation to find the right cure for yourself from among these various homes remedies for insomnia. However, with a little bit of patience and a willingness to stick to a daily routine, even the most stubbornly persistent cases of insomnia can be overcome.

Neurofeedback Therapy for Insomnia

What to Look For When Using a Therapist Finder

Using a therapist finder could potentially be the safest way to find a therapist online.  There are many services that offer this feature.  But it is important to know what to look for before putting your faith in any single tool.  The therapist finder should consider many of the same characteristics you’re looking for when searching for a therapist.  This will reduce some of the time and effort involved in researching therapist credentials as the tool will have done part of it already.  Typically, a survey is filled out and the tool searches the therapist database for the therapists that more closely match the selections chosen. 

The services that provide a therapist finder tool often have requirements that therapists must meet in order to obtain a membership.  For example, some services require that the therapist have a graduate level education, as well as a professional license.  Many therapists are actively involved in organizations that align with the services that they provide.  As an example, a therapist that specialized in ADHD patients may be involved in their local Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) chapter.  CHADD is recognized nationally as the authority on ADHD and a therapist’s participation or membership may indicate dedication to the services that they provide.  A therapist finder may provide options for associations or networks that the therapist is actively involved with.

Some therapist finder tools attempt to match a therapist to your needs based on your personal preferences and communication styles.  This can be a very helpful feature as relationships tend to be much easier to develop when these styles match up.  The potential for building rapport with the therapist and developing trust may be effectively gauged with questions that measure personal style and communication methods.  Often questions can be creatively formed to provide scores on these that can provide a means for comparison with that of the therapists.  This allows the therapist finder to more closely match the therapist to the patient.

The following considerations are recommended for a therapist finder:

·         Educational background has been verified

·         Licensure status of therapist has been verified

·         User friendly tool, not overly complicated to figure out

·         There is no charge to use the tool

·         Includes questions regarding personal style

·         Includes questions regarding communication style

·         Matches therapists in specific geographical locations

·         Asks about gender preferences

·         Considers treatment orientation preferences

·         Searches for specific access needs (bus service, wheelchair access, etc.)

·         Insurance requirements

·         Language preferences

·         Experience with various clinical issues

·         Experience with certain cultural groups

·         Professional network or association memberships

When using a therapist finder, longer questionnaires are better as they tend to do a more comprehensive search and may more efficiently match with the most suitable therapists.  Choosing the right therapist is vital as they will significantly impact the life of the patient.  The relationship between therapist and patient is a very personal one and it is important that personal styles and communication styles are a close match for the best chances of success.  Much of the legwork involved in finding a therapist can be eliminated when using the right therapist finder.

TIPS ON CHOOSING A THERAPIST

Is EEG Biofeedback the Same as Neurofeedback?

Defining EEG Biofeedback 

As new and innovative medical treatments have gained notoriety over the last few years, many people have been confused about the distinction between EEG biofeedback and neurofeedback. Today we will put that misunderstanding to rest and then explain the treatment and how it works in depth. First off, there is no difference: EEG biofeedback and neurofeedback are different terms for an identical therapy. This is a pain-free and noninvasive procedure that delivers long-term results without the risk of any side effects – and no, it’s not too good to be true.

The concept behind EEG biofeedback is this: the human body is an amazing machine of functionality, and it wants to perform flawlessly. Having said this, things happen that can throw off our various body systems, and the brain is no exception. Where a normal brainwave pattern accomplishes its goals efficiently and without issue, when our brainwave patterns get off kilter, problems such as neurological disorders ensue. EEG biofeedback works to normalize these patterns, and to teach your body how to keep them normal for good. 

What Can Be Treated? 

EEG biofeedback has already been proven effective against an amazingly wide array of neurological disorders, including:

·         Anxiety

·         Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

·         Autism

·         Chronic Pain

·         Fibromyalgia

·         Insomnia

·         Memory Loss

·         Migraines/Tension Headaches

·         Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

·         Seizures

Embrace the Future of Medicine 

EEG biofeedback got its name because it relies on electrical signals delivered from your brain called EEG’s. Prior to beginning therapy, an assessment is performed and subsequently interpreted by doctors using high-tech reading devices. This information, in turn, is used to determine which brainwave patterns need to be corrected. Patients are guided through a series of brain exercises, usually in the form of a video or audio recording (the “feedback” part of EEG biofeedback), that teach the brain to self-regulate when brainwave patterns begin to deviate from the norm. After a certain amount of repetition, the brain will eventually learn how to perform these normalizing functions automatically, which should then help address the problem not only in the right now, but for the long-term. In this way, EEG biofeedback accomplishes what medication or therapy sets out to do without continually eating up your time, money, and patience.

To take the first step in changing your life forever with BrainCore’s incredible EEG biofeedback, click here today and get in touch with our team.

Retraining Your Brain with Biofeedback

What Exactly Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a specific type of biofeedback that deals exclusively with the brain. Brain functions are observed and brain waves are measured in order to provide feedback that can be used to retrain dysfunctional brainwave patterns. Not sure what type of damage these patterns are doing? Believe it or not, they are the root of problems causing neurological issues both large and small.

Also known as EEG Biofeedback, neurofeedback is designed to give patients long-term coping mechanisms for managing neurological disorders. This is accomplished by teaching the brain to self-regulate, as opposed to having it be regulated by medications which can have harmful side effects or even create dependency.

What Can Be Treated?

In the past, neurofeedback has been proven effective in fighting a great number of neurological conditions both common and rare. Here are just some of the problems an disorders in which the worth of the treatment has already been proven by anecdotal research:

·         Addiction

·         Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

·         Autism

·         Chronic Pain

·         Depression

·         Epilepsy

·         Headaches

·         Insomnia

·         Panic Attacks

How it Works

Neurofeedback is a guided exercise for the brain that aims to get brainwave patterns that have gone awry and subsequently become problematic back to normal. Doctors are able to recognize brainwave patterns in need of retraining during a pre-treatment assessment that all patients must undergo and then formulate a course of action. The treatment itself generally consists of patients being presented various stimuli while simultaneous hooked up to a monitor. Brainwave patterns are measured, and if they are regular the stimuli will continue being presented. If the brainwaves begin to deviate from normal, the stimuli will become less available to the patient, prompting the brain to return to a normal pattern subconsciously and thus training the brain to self-regulate. Ultimately, in doing so, the entire brain becomes much healthier and operates much more efficiently – ridding patients of some of the more troubling symptoms of neurological disorders.

Neurofeedback therapy is entirely noninvasive and has been declared safe by the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, not once in the 40-year history of the procedure has one serious side effect been recognized. Everything is pain-free and monitored by trained doctors. Best of all, where a drug wears off or therapy is no longer available, the positive effects of neurofeedback are still felt for a lifetime because your brain has learned to right the ship independently.

To further understand how BrainCore’s extraordinary neurofeedback therapy could change your life, click here today.