Simply stated, brainwave biofeedback, also called neurofeedback, is the direct training of the brain to stay more calm and focused without medication. Over the past 30 years, many clinicians have reported the effectiveness of this natural and non-invasive process for treating ADD. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics named neurofeedback a
Level 1: Best Support Intervention for ADD.
For parents who are wary about using a single approach (such as medication alone) to treat their child’s ADD, neurofeedback is a welcome alternative; offering benefits that continue to persist well beyond each treatment session, with zero negative side effects.
How Neurofeedback Works
1. Electrodes are placed on the scalp, measuring the number and type of brain wave patterns; theta and beta waves.
There Are 5 Main Types of Brain Waves:
• Delta waves: very slow brain waves, seen mostly during sleep
• Theta waves: slow brain waves, seen during daydreaming and twilight states
• Alpha waves: brain waves seen during relaxed states
• SMR (sensorimotor rhythm) waves: brain waves seen during states of focused relaxation
• Beta waves: fast brain waves seen during concentration or mental work states
2. The patient—child, teen, or adult—is asked to play games with their minds using a computer screen.
3. The computer feeds back to the patient the type of brain wave activity it’s monitoring.
4. When the brain responds the way it’s supposed to, the computer software rewards the patient (on screen).
5. If the patient gets distracted, the computer responds, letting the patient know that they need to work harder.
Lasting Results
Over time, people with ADD can literally train their brains to become more active, naturally.
Neurofeedback is powerful, in part, because the patient becomes an active part of their healing by gaining more control over his or her own physiological processes.
IN OUR EXPERIENCE WITH NEUROFEEDBACK AND ADD, MANY PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO:
• Improve their reading skills and decrease their need for medication
• Decrease their impulsivity and aggressiveness
• Improve the quality of their sleep
Of course, neurofeedback is not an overnight cure. People will often need to do 30 to 40 sessions to see a significant benefit. However, at Access Counseling & NeuroTherapy we use an intensive form of neurofeedback called LORETA (low-resolution electromagnetic tomography), which can require fewer sessions than traditional neurofeedback.
WE CAN HELP
At Access Counseling & NeuroTherapy, we understand that ADD is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis and that one treatment plan does not work for everyone. Our experienced and compassionate NeuroTherapists can help, even if you or your loved one has been resistant to treatment in the past. Give us a call at (704) 751-7775 or contact us online.