Is Neurofeedback for ADHD a Scientifically Proven Method?

With many patients and parents increasingly skeptical of the benefits of medications for ADHD, more and more people are seeking other possible methods of treating the symptoms of the disorder.

Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Stimulant medications address the problem on a neurochemical level. ADHD involves decreased levels of a key neurotransmitter, dopamine. Stimulants raise dopamine levels in order to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Unfortunately, stimulants can also have a range of potentially negative side effects, including appetite loss, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, and habit-forming potential.

Neurofeedback for ADHD is a relatively new alternative to pharmaceuticals. Whereas stimulant medications work on a chemical level, neurofeedback works on the level of electrical activity within the brain. Neurofeedback uses EEG feedback to help correct the abnormalities in brainwave frequency that have been found to distinguish ADHD individuals from normal individuals. Although research is not yet complete, what has been found to date has demonstrated that this is often an effective treatment for the symptoms of ADHD. 

Is Neurofeedback for ADHD Based on Proven Scientific Principles? 

The principles underlying the use of neurofeedback for ADHD are in fact scientifically substantiated. Beginning in the 1970s, scientific research has explored differences in EEG patterns that distinguish brain activity in people with ADHD from that of normal individuals. What they have consistently found is that people with ADHD have excess levels of the alpha and theta types of brainwave frequency, and deficient levels of beta brainwave activity. Beta wave activity is associated with focus, mental clarity, and concentration. Neurofeedback for ADHD is intended to stimulate beta wave production as a way of correcting the problems that underlie the symptoms of ADHD. 

Has Neurofeedback for ADHD Been Tested and Researched? 

Neurofeedback for ADHD is one of the most thoroughly scientifically researched applications of neurofeedback therapy. Peer-reviewed scientific journals have published numerous papers exploring the function and benefits of neurofeedback therapy for treating ADHD.

The results have been largely positive. In controlled trials, it has been demonstrated that there was significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in the experimental groups treated with neurofeedback.

Some clinicians do express concerns that more research is needed to establish the efficacy of neurofeedback for ADHD. However, as more research is performed, it has become increasingly apparent that neurofeedback can be highly efficacious as a treatment for ADHD, both on its own, and in combination with traditional ADHD drugs such as Ritalin. With more evidence, neurofeedback for ADHD could come to be accepted as what is called a “Level 5” treatment for ADHD, meaning it is universally accepted as effective. Neurofeedback therapy is also safe, and has no documented side effects. 

Research Does Demonstrate The Efficacy of Neurofeedback for ADHD

Rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific research has been conducted regarding the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy for ADHD; the results thus far have been very promising. A majority of participants in the experimental groups who underwent neurofeedback did exhibit clinically significant improvement in the symptoms that distinguish ADHD, including: impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity. To learn more about this revolutionary technique visit our website: www.braincoretherapy.com/how-it-works

Neurofeedback for ADHD

Major Medications for ADD

Knowing the Brands

While there are seemingly countless options, it is most important that you have a basic knowledge of the more commonly prescribed medications for ADD. In addition, because everyone’s body is different, you should also be aware of the potential side effects of each one. Before listing different options, it must be noted that there are two major categories of medications for ADD: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants typically utilize some sort of amphetamine or methylphenidate, whereas non-stimulants can be anything from an antidepressant to a blood pressure medication. This dichotomy is something that you need to contemplate – a great aversion to stimulants is pretty common. Without further ado, here are some of the more most-prescribed medications for ADD:

·         Adderall: An amphetamine stimulant, it is fast-acting unless you opt for extended release. Fast-acting will probably mean you take the pill more than once daily. Probably the most common ADD medication out there. Side effects include weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, and loss of appetite.

·         Wellbutrin: Very popular amongst non-stimulant medications for ADD. Comes in any measure of release up to 24 hours. Side effects include increased risk of seizure, headaches, and sleep problems.

·         Vyvanse: Another amphetamine stimulant. Vyvanse is actually a prodrug, which means that it is completely inactive until your body metabolizes it, improving the way it is absorbed and distributed. It lasts about twice as long as Adderall. Side effects include: loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, and sleep deprivation.

·         Concerta: A methylphenidate stimulant, which aids attentiveness by increasing dopamine levels in the brain rather than heart rate and blood pressure, like an amphetamine. It lasts 10-12 hours and side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep issues, and irritability.

·         Clonidine: Another non-stimulant, this is one of the blood pressure pills used as medications for ADD. Tablets last 4 to 6 hours on average, and side effects include dizziness, irritability, behavior problems, low blood pressure, and dry mouth.

·         Strattera: Non-stimulant that is extremely long-acting (up to 24 hours). Side effects include anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, sleep problems, and rarely liver damage or suicidal thoughts.

·         Ritalin: Although it is not as commonly prescribed any longer, we could not list medications without including Ritalin – which was one of the first market entrants. Ritalin is still used, however, and is a short-acting methylphenidate stimulant lasting between 3 and 4 hours. This will likely require re-dosing, and common side effects include loss of appetite, irritability, sleep problems, and weight loss.

Beyond Pharmaceuticals

Now being familiar with some of the more common medications for ADD, it is time you also became aware of some alternative treatments on the periphery that are actually quite successful. One, in particular, is quite dynamic: Neurofeedback. A form of biofeedback specifically dealing with the brain, neurofeedback is a way for doctors and patients to learn about the problem individually and systemically then use this information to defeat the disorder. Designed to set up patients for long-term success against ADD, everything is done noninvasively and painlessly. The ultimate goal of neurofeedback is to teach the brain to self-regulate by sensing and normalizing brainwave patterns that have gotten out of whack. This, in turn, should exponentially improve concentration and focus, along with some other undesirable behaviorisms. This lofty goal is accomplished through a series of guided brain exercises, usually taking the form of a movie or video game. Best of all, unlike some of our “wonder drugs” even, the research is there to back it up: neurofeedback has shown to be an effective intervention against ADD and has been declared totally safe by the FDA.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR ADD

---

 [E1]It lasts