ADD/ADHD

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition which makes it difficult for the person to control his/her behavior and/or pay attention. The condition is usually identified in preschool or gradeschool and can sometimes continue into adulthood. It is estimated that 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD. We will focus on children with ADHD, however, the treatments discussed are also effective for adults with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the behaviors associated with the condition can sometimes be seen as just a kid being a kid. It is very common for children to first be diagnosed ADHD in school. The structure of the classroom may make the child's symptoms appear more prominent. A teacher may say that a child can't sit still or is always daydreaming or the child may have frequent discipline problems. At this point the child's parents generally consult a pediatrician and possibly a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or counselor. Generally the diagnosis is made simply using observed behavior. Available research indicates that individuals with ADHD have decreased SMR beta waves in some areas of the brain and increased theta wave activity compared to individuals without ADHD. A certified biofeedback specialist can perform a test to determine if these brainwave patterns are present. This provides more concrete evidence of the diagnosis, or may suggest another diagnosis entirely. The standard treatment for ADHD involves medication, the most well known of which is Ritalin. Counseling may also be suggested or sought out for the child and sometimes for the parents as well. While medications can be very effective for many patients they may carry negative side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia, increased anxiety, and/or irritability, mild stomach aches or headaches. Other patients may try multiple medications without effect. Clinicians and researchers have reported that symptoms of ADHD are reduced when brainwave activity is changed. Neurofeedback can make this happen. Neurofeedback, a specialized form of biofeedback, can help a person learn how to modify brainwave activity to improve attention, reduce impulsivity and control hyperactive behaviors. This is done using a variety of modalities including a form of a video game. The patient is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brain wave activity is "shaped" toward the more desirable, more regulated performance. Neurofeedback treats the root cause of the disorder and can therefore provide effective and lasting results. A patient may see results in just a few sessions. In most cases 20 to 40 hour long sessions will yield success on a more permanent basis. This treatment is especially effective in children because their brain wave patterns are less set than in the adult brain. Neurofeedback is also very effective for adults with ADHD, however, it may take longer for the patient to see lasting effects.