Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects both adults and children all over the world. ADHD impacts their focus, impulses, and even their emotional regulation. While behavioral therapy and/or medication are common treatment options that are used with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, many individuals and family members are trying to find alternative approaches.
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with ADHD, you’ve probably heard of all the different therapy options, medications, timers, and even fidget toys. But there is a new approach that is quickly gaining traction and attention.
A non-invasive method rapidly gaining attention is neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback is essentially a therapy approach that works to help train your brain to focus better. Sounds easy enough, right? Let’s learn more about neurofeedback therapy and how it’s used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with ADHD, you’ve probably heard of all the different therapy options, medications, timers, and even fidget toys. But there is a new approach that is quickly gaining traction and attention.
A non-invasive method rapidly gaining attention is neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback is essentially a therapy approach that works to help train your brain to focus better. Sounds easy enough, right? Let’s learn more about neurofeedback therapy and how it’s used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that helps individuals regulate their brain activity. This technique is based on the idea that people can learn to change their brainwave patterns. This is done with the help of real-time feedback. During a neurofeedback therapy session, sensors are placed on a person’s scalp to help monitor the electrical activity in the brain. The feedback is provided via computer, typically in the form of visuals, videos, or sounds, once there is a detection of the desired brainwave activity. This process was designed to teach the brain how to function more efficiently, especially in the areas responsible for attention, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.Neurofeedback and ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often associated with irregular brainwave patterns. This is especially seen in the area of the brain known as the frontal cortex. For example, individuals who have ADHD often experience fatigue or daydreaming. This means that they’re experiencing too much theta activity and not enough beta activity to help them stay alert and focused. Neurofeedback works to correct these imbalances in the brain. Other symptoms of ADHD that can see improvement with neurofeedback therapy are self-regulation, emotional reactivity, mood stability, hyperactivity, and it can reinforce a calm and focused brainwave pattern.The Effectiveness
Neurofeedback for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is still a fairly new therapy technique. The research is growing. More studies need to be done, but so far, they are showing significant improvements in one’s attention, impulses, and hyperactivity levels. These improvements are the same or even better compared to the use of medication.The Benefits
These are some of the most common benefits of neurofeedback therapy for ADHD:- Engaging for children
- Long-lasting improvements and results
- Non-invasive
- Personalized
- Reduced reliance on medication
The Considerations
As with everything in life, there are always benefits as well as considerations. These are some of the different areas to consider when looking into neurofeedback therapy for ADHD:- Costs
- Gradual progress—not a quick fix
- Not always covered by insurance
- Requires many sessions
- Time-intensive
- Varying results
