Neurofeedback is a clinically proven, non-drug method for reducing ADD/ADHD symptoms. In November 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics approved neurofeedback as a Level 1 or “best support” treatment option for children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is estimated that over two million children in the United States are struggling with this disorder.
Neurofeedback creates positive, lasting changes in adults and children by encouraging the brain to reorganize itself toward more optimal function. For decades, the widely accepted practice for treating patients with ADD/ADHD has been to prescribe medication. Many people who take medications still struggle with symptoms or side effects that range from mild to severe. Further, it is common to take medications for a very long time, which is concerning as dependence can develop; there are also growing concerns about the long-term use of medications. The pills don’t TEACH one how to change one’s brain. They manage symptoms.
Neurofeedback as part of a treatment strategy can be incredibly powerful. Children and adults who suffer from ADD/ADHD typically have slower brain wave activity in the brain’s frontal lobe, or executive functioning center. Neurofeedback restores the strength of the frontal region of the brain, and builds better connections/communication between the mid-brain and forebrain, allowing focus, attention, impulses and emotional reactions to become manageable. With neurofeedback, changes in concentration/attention, academic performance, mood stability, impulsivity, hyperactivity, sleep, and even IQ have been reported.
This change is not instant; however, brain science has shown that repetitive exercise of the brain’s networks reshapes the brain. Neurofeedback has been proven to change the brain – to teach the brain to return to, and maintain, its optimum function. When the brain works better there is less need for medication.
Baseline testing and treatment of ADD/ADHD begins with baseline neurotransmitter levels, food allergies, genetic defects, nutritional deficiencies, and immune distractions or infections including chronic strep, candida, and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). When Neurofeedback is utilized while addressing all possible factors associated with learning, mood, and behavior, improvements are noticed quickly
C.L.’s story
13-year-old C.L. came to us after being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), ADD, and complaints of being unable to pay attention in school, of racing thoughts and inability to sleep, and feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks. Once an avid wrestler, he quit, expressing, “I am just a loser.” C.L’s parents were searching for a non-chemical treatment for their son that would allow him to be more successful academically and to reach his full potential.After the first session of neurofeedback, both Lars and his mother began reporting positive effects: increased energy and motivation, “he ran to the carpool vehicle this morning without being prompted; this was the first time he has ever done that.” “He has also been running every night – he wants new running shoes and decided to prove to us that he needs them.”
By the fourth treatment, C.L. reported the following: “I used to hate loading the dishwasher.” “Now I like doing the dishes.” “I do them every day and I like not having to do anything else.” Lars’ mother stated that pt was doing the dishes without being asked to do so and that one year ago, the task seemed overwhelming to him. “He could not pick up a glass without being told how and he did not know what to do with one after he picked it up.” “Now things that seemed stressful to him seem easier for him to process.” ” He seems to have more motivation to do things and is showing more excitement about activities he enjoys.” Lars continues to express feeling more relaxed and increasingly able to focus and maintain attention in school, expressing excitement about entering his freshman year in high school, and about the future in general.
