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 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.
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 Neurofeedback Works
1. Electrodes are placed on the scalp, measuring the number and type of brain wave patterns; theta and beta waves.
There Are 5 Main Types of Brain Waves:
• 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
2. The patient—child, teen, or adult—is asked to play games with their minds using a computer screen.
3. The computer feeds back to the patient the type of brain wave activity it’s monitoring.
4. When the brain responds the way it’s supposed to, the computer software rewards the patient (on screen).
5. If the patient gets distracted, the computer responds, letting the patient know that they need to work harder.
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. However, at Amen Clinics we use an intensive form of neurofeedback called LORETA (low-resolution electromagnetic tomography), which requires fewer sessions than traditional neurofeedback.
We Can Help
At Amen Clinics, we understand that ADD is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis and that one treatment plan does not work for everyone. Our experienced and compassionate staff can help, even if you or your loved one has been resistant to treatment in the past. Give us a call at 888-288-9834 or tell us more online.
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