The Neurofeedback Institute

 

 

John has Attention Deficit Disorder, he seems mesmerized by the spaceship that is traveling through the multi-colored tunnel.  He appears almost joyful as he sees his points accumulate and successfully completes the game’s next level.  Except for the presence of the sensors on his head and the lack of a joystick, this scene would be a normal occurrence in any of today’s households. John would be just another kid playing a video game.  However, John is not just playing a standard video game, he is actually undergoing Neurofeedback training and learning to self-regulate his brain.

 

What is Attention Deficit Disorder? Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in their preschool and earlyschool years.  However, in children who do not display behavioral problems, the condition may go undiagnosed or  misdiagnosed until middle or high school and even into adulthood.  It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of U.S.children (approximately 2 million) manifest the disorder.  Thus, within a classroom of 25 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD. The numbers are considerably higher when one includes children that have attention problems, but do not meet criteria for a formal diagnosis.

 

The principle characteristics of ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity.  These symptoms tend to appear over several months, often with the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding those of inattention, which may not emerge for a year or more. Different symptoms may also appear in different settings depending on the demands that the situation may pose for the child’s self control.  A child who “can’t sit still” or isdisruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer may be overlooked.  The impulsive child, who acts before thinking, may be considered a “discipline problem,” while the inattentive child, who is sluggish and passive, may merely be viewed as unmotivated or “lazy”.  Since these symptoms vary within the population and across different settings, ADHD is not easy to diagnose. 

 

Given the variation of symptoms, there are three subtypes of ADHD recognized by professionals.  These are the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (that does not show significant inattention), the predominantly inattentive type (that does not show significant hyperactive or impulsive behavior) and the combined type (that displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms).

 

FAQs:

 

Is it really ADHD?  Not everyonewho is overly hyperactive, inattentive or impulsive has ADHD.  Because everyone shows some of thesebehaviors at times, the diagnosis requires that the behavior be demonstrated toa degree that is inappropriate for the person’s age. To assess whether a childhas ADHD a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine if the behaviorsare excessive, long-term and pervasive. Are they a continuous problem? Do the problems occur in severalsettings? How do they affect the cognitive or academic performance?

 

What causes ADHD?  Someof the first questions a parent will have are: “Why?” “What went wrong?” “Did Ido something to cause this?”  There islittle evidence at this time that ADHD can arise from purely social factors orchild rearing methods.  Mostsubstantiated causes appear to fall in the realm of neurobiology andgenetics.  Environmental factors caninfluence the severity of the disorder and especially the degree of impairmentand suffering the child may experience.

 

 What is the treatment forADHD? The National Institute of Mental Health has found that a combination ofmedical management and behavioral treatment is the treatment of choice.  The medications that seem to be the mosteffective are a class of drugs known as stimulants.  According the National Institute of MentalHealth, the stimulant drugs when used under medial supervision are usuallyconsidered quite safe.  However, thereare children that do not show symptom improvement after taking medication and/ormanifest significant side effects.  Themost common side effects are decreased appetite, insomnia, increased anxietyand/or irritability, stomachaches or headaches

 

Are there any otheroptions?   Neurofeedback is aninnovative, non-invasive treatment option that has been found to havesignificant success in addressing ADHD symptoms.  Neurofeedback is directtraining of brain function, by which the brain learns to function moreefficiently.  It addresses problems ofbrain disregulation, such as ADHD.  Aperson diagnosed with ADHD can train the brain to pay attention.  This is done through the use of EEGbiofeedback.  Sensors are placed on thescalp to listen in on brain activity. The signal is processed by computer and information is extracted aboutkey brain wave frequencies.  Thisinformation is presented to the individual in the form of a video game.  The person is effectively playing the videogame with their brain. To optimize brain regulation, specific frequencies arediminished, while others are promoted. Eventually, the brain wave activity is “shaped” toward more desirable,more regulated performance.  Thus, theperson is better able to focus, pay attention and control their impulsive urges.

 

What else is Neurofeedbackgood for?

Neurofeedback addressesproblems related to numerous brain dysfunctions.  It may be beneficial if you are experiencingan anxiety or depression related disorder, attention deficit, headaches,migraines, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders and/or have achild who is manifesting signs of a behavioral disorder and/or developmentaldisorder (such as autism).  It can alsobe beneficial to improve overall performance, as is the case with peakperformance training.  Many of today’stop athletes and business leaders have sought this training to take their“game” to the next level.

 

Does this involve any kindof electrical stimulation?

No.  At no time is there any electricalstimulation given to the brain.  Thebrain is simply taught to behave in a healthier manner.  Just like a muscle learns via repetitioustraining, the brain can also learn through continual practice andreinforcement.

 

Does it hurt?

No.  It is painless.  It does not involve any types of needles andit is not invasive in nature.

 

Does age matter?

No.  Children, adolescents and adults can all betrained to improve brain function. 

 

How do I know if it is theright choice for me?

Whenever considering any typeof intervention, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthprofessional (such as a neurologist, psychiatrist and/or clinicalpsychologist). They can assess your needs and make appropriaterecommendations.  In many cases,Neurofeedback practitioners offer a free consultation at which they can let youknow if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

 

Will the symptoms return?

Once enough sessions areconducted and the symptoms are addressed, the brain should maintain improvedfunction.  However, if an emotional orphysical trauma (such as a blow to the head) is experienced the symptoms mayreturn. 

 

How can I get moreinformation?

You may contact a localpractitioner or the Neurofeedback Institute for further information.  You may also go online to www.theneurofeedbackinstitute or www.eeginfo.com.