Neurotherapy for Adults & Children with ADD-ADHD

If either you or your child are struggling with Attention Deficit – Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD-ADHD), this guide explains how neurotherapy for adults and children with ADD-ADHD can help, as an alternative to medication, and provides references to current research.

Neurotherapy for adults and children with ADD-ADHD is an alternative to treatment with medication.1 Medications have side-effects and only work for as long as they are taken.2 Also, Medications do nothing to change the underlying causes of ADD/ADHD.3

Neurotherapy utilizes neurofeedback. In contrast to medication, Neurofeedback works on underlying symptoms by re-training the brain. Neurofeedback has been scientifically proven as an effective way to alleviate the underlying core symptoms of ADD/ADHD.4  

Neurofeedback provides simple real-time information about what is happening to cause symptoms. With certain limitations, by utilizing neurofeedback training, unhealthy brain wave patterns associated with ADD/ADHD, can be changed.5 Changes are likely to be long-term and possibly permanent.6

Studies have shown that after just one course of neurotherapy, half the children treated still had no ADHD symptoms two-years later. In contrast, the effects of treatment with medication cease when the medication is stopped.7

Neurotherapy for Children with ADD-ADHD

The most commonly found behavioral disorder affecting children is ADD/ADHD.8 The ADD/ADHD core symptoms are “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity- impulsivity that is a predominant characteristic of an individual’s behavior”.9 This causes behavior issues and poor performance at school and difficulty in life.10

Powerful psycho-stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, are used to treat many children with ADD/ADHD. Although the drug might address some symptoms, mounting evidence suggests that it does not improve the underlying causes.  Research has shown that “to date no medication has been found that creates long-term improvement in children with ADHD”.11

Many parents are seeking effective alternatives to drug therapy due because of the side-effects and long-term risks. The good news for parents and their children is that recent scholarly articles and scientific studies show that neurotherapy is effective for ADD/ADHD and other learning disorders in children.12

According to research, children with ADD/ADHD usually have a higher ratio of theta/beta brain waves.13 Neurotherapy for Adults and Children with ADD-ADHD focuses on lowering theta brain waves and increasing beta brain waves, to help normalize the theta/beta brain wave ratio.14

Neurotherapy for adults and children with ADD/ADHD

Neurotherapy uses electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to detect and display information (Neurofeedback) about brain waves in real-time. “The goal of brain training is to change dysfunctional brain waves patterns to more desirable ‘healthy’ patterns.”15

“Neurofeedback technology has been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for the underlying core symptoms of ADHD including: decreased impulsiveness and hyperactivity; increased mood stability; improved sleep patterns; increased attention span and concentration; improved academic performance; increased retention and memory.”16

Neurotherapy for Adults and Children with ADD-ADHD is a new alternative to treatment with medication. 

Sanger Research Institute for Neurorehabilitation

At the Sanger Research Institute we provide neurotherapy to help both adults and children with psychological symptoms related to attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Other neurological issues neurotherapy can help

Current research also shows that, in addition to ADD/ADHD, neruotherapy can help rehabilitate concussions. It can also reduce symptoms related to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

The Sanger Research Institute also offers Neurotherapy to help adults and children with these issues.

Neurotherapy to enhance sports performance and concentration

Studies have shown that neurotherapy can enhance performance and concentration by improving focus, calming nerves and reducing stress.

For those seeking to perform at a higher level in sports or with studies and testing, neuro-cognitive training at the Sanger Research Institute offers unique advantages. 

An evaluation at the Sanger Research Institute can also capture a baseline, that can be saved and referenced later in the event of a concussion, to aid in recovery.

Call for more information and options: 406-360-2252

FOOTNOTES:

1. Gevensleben, H., Holl, B., Albrecht, B., Vogel, C., Schlamp, D., Kratz, O., … Heinrich, H. (2009). Is neurofeedback an efficacious treatment for ADHD? A randomised controlled clinical trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50(7), 780–789. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02033.x; Gevensleben, H., Kleemeyer, M., Rothenberger, L. G., Studer, P., Flaig-Röhr, A., Moll, G. H., … Heinrich, H. (2014). Neurofeedback in ADHD: Further Pieces of the Puzzle. Brain Topography, 27(1), 20–32. doi:10.1007/s10548-013-0285-y; Hammond, D. C. (2011). What is Neurofeedback: An Update. Journal of Neurotherapy, 15(4), 305–336. doi:10.1080/10874208.2011.623090; Hillard, B., El-Baz, A. S., Sears, L., Tasman, A., & Sokhadze, E. M. (2013). Neurofeedback Training Aimed to Improve Focused Attention and Alertness in Children With ADHD A Study of Relative Power of EEG Rhythms Using Custom-Made Software Application. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 44(3), 193–202. doi:10.1177/1550059412458262; Lubar, J. F. (1991). Discourse on the development of EEG diagnostics and biofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 16(3), 201– 225. doi:10.1007/BF01000016; Monastra, V. J., Monastra, D. M., & George, S. (2002). The Effects of Stimulant Therapy, EEG Biofeedback, and Parenting Style on the Primary Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(4), 231-249. doi:10.1023/A:1021018700609; Pop-Jordanova, N., Markovska-Simoska, S., Zorcec, T., & others. (2005). Neurofeedback treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prilozi, 26(1), 71–80; Sherlin, L., Arns, M., Lubar, J., & Sokhadze, E. (2010). A Position Paper on Neurofeedback for the Treatment of ADHD. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14(2), 66–78. doi:10.1080/10874201003773880; Steiner, N. J., Frenette, E. C., Rene, K. M., Brennan, R. T., & Perrin, E. C. (2014). In-School Neurofeedback Training for ADHD: Sustained Improvements From a Randomized Control Trial. Pediatrics, 133(3), 483–492. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-2059; Steiner, N. J., Sheldrick, R. C., Gotthelf, D., & Perrin, E. C. (2011). Computer-Based Attention Training in the Schools for Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Preliminary Trial. Clinical Pediatrics, 50(7), 615–622. doi:10.1177/0009922810397887.

2. Cantwell, D. P. (1996). Attention Deficit Disorder: A Review of the Past 10 Years. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(8), 978–987. doi:10.1097/00004583-199608000-00008; Doggett, A. M. (2004). ADHD and Drug Therapy: is it Still a Valid Treatment? Journal of Child Health Care, 8(1), 69–81. doi:10.1177/1367493504041856; Hammond, D. C. (2011), Supra 1.

3. Fox, D. J., Tharp, D. F., & Fox, L. C. (2005). Neurofeedback: An Alternative and Efficacious Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 30(4), 365–373. doi:10.1007/s10484-005-8422-3, p.365.

4. Hammond, D. C. (2011), Supra.

5. Gevensleben et al., 2009, 2014, Supra 1; Hammond, 2011, Supra 1; Hillard et al., 2013, Supra 1; Lubar, 1991 Supra 1; Monastra et al., 2002, Supra 1; Pop-Jordanova et al., 2005, Supra 1; Sherlin, Arns, Lubar, & Sokhadze, 2010, Supra 1; Steiner et al., 2014, 2011, Supra 1.

6. Pigott, H. E., De Biase, L., Bodenhamer-Davis, E., Davis, R. E., (2013). The Evidence-Base for Neurofeedback. as a Reimbursable Healthcare Service to Treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (white paper), International Society of Neurofeedback and Research, p.3 (citing the eight-year-long NIMH-funded MTA Cooperative study).

7. Pigott. (2013), Supra 6.

8. Steiner (2011), Supra 1.

9. Fox (2005), Supra 3, P.365.

10. Fox (2005), Supra 3, P.365.

11. Fox (2005), Supra 3, P.368.

12. Gevensleben et al., 2009, 2014, Supra 1; Hammond, 2011, Supra 1; Hillard et al., 2013, Supra 1; Lubar, 1991, Supra 1; Monastra et al., 2002, Supra 1; Pop-Jordanova et al., 2005, Supra 1; Sherlin, Arns, Lubar, & Sokhadze, 2010, Supra 1; Steiner et al., 2014, 2011, Supra 1.

13. Monastra, V. J., Lubar, J. F., Linden, M., VanDeusen, P., Green, G., Wing, W., Fenger, T. N. (1999). Assessing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder via quantitative electroencephalography: An initial validation study. Neuropsychology, 13(3), 424–433. doi:10.1037/0894-4105.13.3.424.

14. Monastra et al., 1999, Supra 13, p. 425

15. Garcia, R., A Parent’s Guide to Neurofeedback. College of Education, California State University, San Bernardino. P.6.

16. Garcia, R., Supra 15; Hammond (2011), Supra 1.