Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. It is characterized by the persistent and ongoing symptoms of inattention, low concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can impair a person’s ability to function on a daily basis and may have a negative impact on their personal and professional life. In this article we’ll look at how Neurofeedback helps the symptoms of Adult ADHD, but first…
What is Adult ADHD?
Adult ADHD affects about 5% of adults at some point in their lives. Its main diagnostic criteria are being easily distracted, having little self-control, fidgeting, being restless or impatient when waiting for something, having trouble focusing on details rather than general ideas, needing to do the same thing again and again before getting it right, having difficulty finishing tasks or meeting deadlines, etc. How does Neurofeedback help with Adult ADHD? Let’s find out…
How Neurofeedback Helps with Adult ADHD
ADHD is a neuro-behavioral condition. Neurofeedback has been used as a treatment for ADHD in clinics for over 40 years, and in some studies, it has even been as effective as medicine in managing symptoms of inattention and impulsiveness. It can be used in combination with other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy or medicine.
Since people with ADHD exhibit brainwave dysregulation, neurofeedback trains the brain to regulate itself. It does this by detecting when the brain is out of balance and then rewarding the brain for bringing itself back into balance. By doing this, neurofeedback creates new pathways in the brain. These new pathways can help bring attention and focus, decrease distractibility, decrease impulsivity, increase attention span and self-control, help with organization and time management, improve sleep, decrease anxiety and depression, and increase overall health and wellness.
What is Neurofeedback and how does it work?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a form of biofeedback therapy that trains the brain to regulate itself. It is based on the principle that the brain is like a computer and can be programmed to change how it functions. EEG stands for electroencephalography, which is the measurement of electrical activity in the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp. This is a diagnostic test that is standard in any neurology practice. Biofeedback is a therapeutic treatment that helps the body regulate its own physiological processes, like heart rate and blood pressure.
How does Neurofeedback help ADHD?
People with ADHD have a brainwave dysregulation and tend to exhibit more theta waves than usual and less beta waves than others. Although each and every neurofeedback is protocol is designed based on individual symptoms and a brain map, typically, the objective of an ADHD protocol is to lower theta brainwaves and increase beta power in central and frontal areas. When we can lower the theta-beta ratios, we reduce the theta power, and/or increase the beta power. This allows for increased focus, concentration, and attention in addition to a SMR training.
Final Words
Neurofeedback has been employed in clinics for over 40 years to treat ADHD symptoms, and in some studies, it has been shown to be as effective as medications in addressing hyperactivity and impulsivity. For example, behavioral therapy or medications can be combined with neurofeedback treatment. Neurofeedback is safe, simple, and effective, and is non-invasive.
Neurofeedback trains the brain to regulate itself. It’s based on the principle that the brain is like a computer and can be programmed to change how it functions. If you suspect you might have Adult ADHD, or know someone who does, we hope this article is helpful and sheds some light on how Neurofeedback helps with Adult ADHD symptoms.
Knot Counseling Can Help!
Knot Counseling has created a program to target the symptoms of ADHD. We have a unique combination of neurofeedback therapy, counseling, and ADHD coaching that is proving to have great results. Call for a free consultation.
