Content updated from previous publish date.
Our brains are hubs of electrical activity. At any moment of the day or night, electrical impulses are sparking signals between neurons, allowing communication that enables us to live our lives. When the brain is healthy, the electrical activity keeps the proverbial lights balanced, so various regions can communicate quickly and effectively. When the brain isn’t operating optimally, electrical activity can flicker, fade, or intensify. In some people, this is associated with ADD/ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility, and procrastination. The good news is, that you can retrain the brain to balance electrical signaling and improve ADD/ADHD symptoms with a non-invasive therapy called neurofeedback.
You can retrain the brain to balance electrical signaling and improve ADD/ADHD symptoms with a non-invasive therapy called neurofeedback.For anyone who is looking for natural ADD/ADHD treatments other than stimulant medication, neurofeedback may be beneficial, offering benefits that continue to persist well beyond each treatment session. And while stimulants are associated with a number of side effects, such as irritability, anxiety, headaches, decreased appetite, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping, neurofeedback has none of these negative side effects.
WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?
Simply stated, neurofeedback, also called brainwave biofeedback, is a noninvasive therapy that measures brainwave activity in real time to help a person modulate brainwaves to achieve a desired brain state. There are 5 main types of brainwaves:
- Delta waves: very slow brainwaves, seen mainly during sleep
- Theta waves: slow brainwaves, seen during daydreaming and twilight states
- Alpha waves: brainwaves seen during relaxed states
- SMR (sensorimotor rhythm) waves: brainwaves seen during states of focused relaxation
- Beta waves: fast brainwaves seen during concentration or mental work states
Basically, neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that lets people gain control over brain processes that are typically involuntary. By learning greater self-regulation over brain functions, people can optimize brain patterns until they become automatic. Neurofeedback allows adults and children to retrain their brain function to address certain mental health symptoms, such as ADD/ADHD, and achieve improvements in behaviors, emotions, and learning.
BENEFITS OF NEUROFEEDBACK
According to research in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, people who have engaged in neurofeedback therapy have reported numerous benefits, including
- Better focus
- Improved impulse control
- Better mental performance
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Decreased anxiety
- Less stress
- Improved sleep
- Improved memory
- Better moods
- Decreased irritability
- Better energy
- Reduced pain
RESEARCH ON NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD
For decades, clinicians have been reporting the effectiveness of this natural and non-invasive process for treating ADD/ADHD. A growing body of research confirms that neurofeedback can be effective for ADD/ADHD, as well as other psychiatric, behavioral, and learning disorders. Studies point to neurofeedback as a promising treatment for issues such as depression, addictions, schizophrenia, insomnia, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, anxiety, and memory problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved neurofeedback as a “Level 1: Best Support” intervention for childhood ADD/ADHD. This indicates that adequate studies with sufficient sample sizes have been completed showing that neurofeedback is an effective and safe treatment for ADD/ADHD.
For example, a quantitative review published in 2020 looked at systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and multi-center randomized controlled trials. It concluded that neurofeedback is a well-established treatment protocol with remission rates of 32%-47% and results are sustained after 6-12 months.
One systematic review of 9 studies appearing in a 2021 issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that neurofeedback therapy resulted in improvements in behavior, sustained attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADD/ADHD. Another systematic review in a 2019 issue of European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reported positive effects on hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
HOW DOES NEUROFEEDBACK WORK?
Neurofeedback therapy takes place in the presence of a qualified professional and involves EEG technology and a computer.
- Getting equipped. Neurofeedback sessions typically begin by outfitting the patient with a cap, headband, or helmet that is equipped with electrodes that are attached to the scalp. These sensors evaluate the brain’s electrical signals and brainwave patterns and transmit the information to a computer.
- Participating in a computer-based activity. During the session, the patient—child, teen, or adult—may be asked to play a video game, watch a movie, or engage in some other activity using the computer screen. A trained therapist monitors the activity and maps your brainwave patterns in comparison to the optimal state the patient is attempting to achieve.
- Getting feedback. In real-time, the computer provides cues to the patient on how the brain is functioning. These cues allow the patient to respond in ways that help the brain reach the desired state. If the patient gets distracted, the computer provides feedback encouraging the patient to re-focus their attention on the activity.
- Earning rewards. When the brain responds in the desired way, the computer software delivers on-screen rewards.
- Repeating sessions. To gain long-lasting benefits, neurofeedback therapy involves multiple sessions. The number you (or your child) will need depends on your condition and individual needs.
LASTING BENEFITS OF NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD/ADHD
Over time, children and adults with ADD/ADHD can literally retrain their brains to function more optimally, and naturally. Neurofeedback therapy is powerful, in part, because the patient becomes an active part of their healing by gaining more control over their own physiological processes.
ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
I like that you mentioned that people with ADD are able to improve reading skills and decrease their need for medication after neurofeedback treatments. My nephew has ADD, and my brother has been trying to figure out what treatment would be best for him for months now. Thanks for the information–I’ll be sure to pass it along to him.
Comment by Oscar O'Malley — January 11, 2018 @ 11:30 AM
Hi Dr Amen and team
I am based in Canberra, Australia. Can you suggest where I could do LORETA in Canberra or Sydney (3 hours drive from my home)? Thanks in advance,
Kada
Comment by kada — June 9, 2018 @ 1:27 AM
My 30 year old grand daughter gives me concern. Strange actions. She was cooking spaghetti that was about to boil over. I turned down the burner. Made her angry so she dumped it all in the sink. I looked at a pan of boiling water and she said why are you so nosy, don’t touch it. While she can give you an affectionate hug she cannot stand to be touched in passing saying she cannot stand to be touched. She washes clean glasses from the cupboard before she will drink from them. She examines forks etc. before using them. She will not eat canned goods one day past the expiration date. Mostly sweet and loving with outbursts of anger.
Comment by June Cooper — July 30, 2018 @ 4:57 AM
Do you have any research which documents efficacy of neurofeedback and/or LORETA for ADHD? Can you send it to me?
Comment by Andrew Mensch — July 30, 2018 @ 8:06 AM
Hi Kada, Im from Sydney Australia. I was also looking into this treatment and found this place in Sydney.
http://www.mybrainmap.com.au/brain-training/neurofeedback/
Hope this helps.
Comment by Patrick — August 8, 2018 @ 6:39 PM
Do you have a program in Seattle?
Comment by Marti — September 8, 2018 @ 2:11 PM
Hello Marti, thank you for reaching out. We have a clinic location in Bellevue, WA: https://amenclinics.com/locations/seattle-metro-area/
Comment by Amen Clinics — September 10, 2018 @ 7:50 AM
Do you know of anyone in the Boise, Idaho area? My 8 year old grandson is ADD ADHD and dyslexic. We need some help.
Comment by Rhonda Johnson — February 12, 2019 @ 12:44 AM
Hello Rhonda, thank you for reaching out. Our Care Coordinators will reach out to you to provide information and referral sources in your area. Our nearest clinic to you is in Bannockburn, IL: https://amenclinics.com/locations/chicago-metro-area/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — February 12, 2019 @ 9:14 AM
Do you have any clinics in the Detroit/Southeast Michigan area?
Comment by Natalia — February 12, 2019 @ 5:03 PM
I watch Dr. Amen on the public broadcasting stations. I have a question. Do you know about Tapping ?. It is suppose to be done to effect a part of the brain. Supposedly there are pressure points and if they are tapped this will cause certain things to happen in a particular area. Is there any truth to this?. Thank you in advance for your response.
Comment by Odessa Henderson — February 12, 2019 @ 9:57 PM
Do you know of any doctors in the Houston area that offer this treatment?
Comment by Yady Blessinger — February 13, 2019 @ 5:09 AM
Hello Yady, our Care Coordinators are able to provide referrals to practices that utilize brain SPECT imaging and/or practice The Amen Clinics Method. They can be reached at 888-288-9834 or by submitting this form on our website: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — February 13, 2019 @ 8:03 AM
Hello Natalia, our closest clinic to you would be in Bannockburn, IL: https://amenclinics.com/locations/chicago-metro-area/. If you are unable to travel to one of our clinics, our Care Coordinators are able to provide referrals to practices that utilize brain SPECT imaging and/or practice The Amen Clinics Method. They can be reached at 888-288-9834 or by submitting this form on our website: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — February 13, 2019 @ 8:04 AM
Go to isnr.org. there you can see a complete bibliography of peer reviewed article on Neurofeedback.
Comment by Dr Alan Strohmayer — February 20, 2019 @ 6:48 AM
Is there anywhere in south, south Texas that I could get treatment for my college daughter with neuro feedback treatments. We live in Brownsville, texas. I would appreciate any help.
Comment by Rosie — January 15, 2022 @ 11:13 AM
Hello Rosie, thank you for reaching out. Amen Clinics currently has 9 locations, including one in the Dallas Metro area: https://amenclinics.com/locations/dallas-metro-area/. For more information about scheduling, please contact our Care Coordinators: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — January 17, 2022 @ 9:17 AM
Do you know of any locations in Birmingham, AL that use this treatment? Also, how often and how long is the treatment done?
Comment by Robin — September 29, 2023 @ 5:50 AM
Hallo Dr Adam and team,
Thank you for all your information. We are from South – Africa. My 11 year old daughter would benefit so much from this.
She is on medication for ADHD, Anxiety and depression.
Can you please help us here in South- Africa.
Thank you so much
Kind regards
Amanda
Comment by Amanda Jansen van Rensburg — September 29, 2023 @ 7:18 AM
I live in Martinsville, Va. Where would be the closest clinic for me?
Comment by Yvonne Tilley — September 29, 2023 @ 8:18 AM
Is there a neurofeedback clinic in Phoenix?
Thank you!
Comment by Karen — September 29, 2023 @ 9:36 AM
"Neurofeedback allows adults and children to retrain their brain function to address certain mental health symptoms…" Don't you mean "to address certain symptoms indicating brain dysfunction"?
Comment by Sandra — September 29, 2023 @ 12:33 PM
Hello Yvonne, thank you for reaching out. At this time, Amen Clinics has 11 locations nationwide: https://www.amenclinics.com/locations/
Comment by Amen Clinics — September 29, 2023 @ 12:56 PM
I am an 81 year old women and have ADD. I am easily distracted, procrastinate, and cant keep up with what I need to do.
Is there a Clinic that offers the biofeedback in the Franklin/Brentwood area in Tennessee?
Comment by Catharina Silvey — September 30, 2023 @ 11:42 AM
Hello Catharina, thank you for reaching out. For more information about brain SPECT scans and our services, please contact our Care Coordinators: https://www.amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/. Amen Clinics currently has 11 locations nationwide: https://www.amenclinics.com/locations/.
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Comment by vorbelutrioperbir — November 20, 2023 @ 1:33 AM