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 totally 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 on par with medication” in 2012.
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 it Works:
- Electrodes are placed on the scalp, measuring the number and type of brain wave patterns; in particular, theta and beta waves.
There are 5 main types:
- 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
- The patient—child, teen, or adult—is asked to play games with their minds using a computer screen.
- The computer feeds back to the patient the type of brain wave activity it’s monitoring.
- When the brain responds the way it’s supposed to, the computer software rewards the patient (on screen).
- If the patient gets distracted, the computer responds by the game or movie stopping, letting the patient know that they need to relax or focus more.
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, and this is very individual. I will work with you or your child to get to lasting results quickly.
Learn more about neurofeedback strategies for each type of ADD in Dr. Amen’s new book, Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program that Allows You to See and Heal the 7 Types of ADD. Call today to schedule your free demonstration of Neurofeedback at the Brain Training of New England Center in Kittery, Maine.
