How can Neurofeedback be used as an ADHD Treatment?
ADHD in children and teens can cause difficulties in a wide variety of areas of their lives. Interaction with friends, family, co-workers and educational success can all become more difficult when ADHD is present. ADHD and medication are commonly used in the same sentence. When ADHD is found in a child, medication is often quickly prescribed. But is medication the only way to treat children and teens with ADHD and is it good for them?
These are questions for which every parent desires answers. For parents looking for an alternative to medication that is healthy and safe, neurofeedback can provide just that. More and more parents with children and teens have turned to this valuable treatment in recent years. There is no need for chemicals to be put into your child’s body and the results are long lasting.
What is Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD?
Neurofeedback is a form of EEG Biofeedback. It is a non-invasive treatment form where individuals learn to regulate their brainwave patterns to function in a regulated manner, enabling them to shift easily between attentive states. A baseline is established which highlights areas of the brain found to be dysregulated. With this information, a protocol is then chosen to regulate the dysregulation presented in their brain wave patterns. This is done through operant conditioning, in a comfortable setting. As the client watches a screen, (usually an age appropriate movie or TV show of their choice) positive feedback is produced through visual and/or auditory stimulation. Sessions last about 20-30 min. and are repeated 1-3 times per week. Like learning to ride a bike, play a musical instrument, or dance, the brain waves are conditioned to function in an orderly way producing lasting results such as:
- Increase in sustained attention
- Emotional stability
- Decreased sensory issues
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved memory
- Smooth transitioning
Benefits of Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD
While neurofeedback has proven effective in reducing the symptoms associated with ADHD, it can also be credited to not causing undesirable side effects. As a matter of fact, the only “side effects” neurofeedback has ever been proven to directly cause are tiredness during or after a session and possible dysregulation in sleep cycles. Neurofeedback can be looked at as a workout for the brain. When exerted, our muscles feel weak and tired. When given adequate rest and nutrition, our muscles become stronger and our bodies are able to withstand more physical demands. The same happens in the brain with neurofeedback training. Adequate rest and nutrition are required to allow the brain to build strongly regulated brainwave patterns. Over time, even these “side effects” shift into increased energy and regulate sleep cycles. Commonly, with medication, side effects far outweigh any benefits and require continuation of use along with an increase in dosage over time. The reality is, physicians and health professionals are unsure of what the long-term effects of these medications will be.
Neurofeedback ADHD treatment is available in the Mesa, Arizona area for children and teens. Parents who desire a naturopathic doctor will appreciate the homeopathic and natural treatments available. The most advanced means are used to provide naturopathic healing for your child.
