Neurofeedback is a non-invasive state of the art therapy that is a drugless method for training the brain to have healthier activity. Neurofeedback is based on operant conditioning, which is a type of training that involves rewarding patients that are inhibiting specific brain wave frequencies and increase other brain wave frequencies.

This is accomplished by placing sensors on the scalp using electroencephalography (EEG), with feedback shown using video and audio sounds. The brain has the ability to change and adapt which is known as neuroplasticity.

Neurofeedback has the ability start the process of neuroplasticity. Numerous amounts of neurological disorders are illustrated by specific patterns of brain wave activity. Neurofeedback training can be used to treat these disorders by altering brain function.

Example of Recent Patient

Female patient of 10 years of age suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The parents main concern was that she was falling behind in classes and had issues focusing. The patient was seen by a psychiatrist who prescribed her Adderall. As the patient started taking the Adderall she started having mood swings, trouble sleeping, and started getting headaches.

The parents were very concerned they then took her back to the psychiatrist. The psychiatrist stated that it will take time for her body to get used to the medication.

The parents then started doing their own research and found out about Hope Brain Body & Recovery Center. The patient’s care plan consisted of neurofeedback two times per week. After she completed her neurofeedback sessions she was able to get off her medication and started getting ahead in her classes. The young girl stated she was happy to be back to herself again.  

What are the different types of brain waves?

There are four main types of brain waves alpha, beta, delta, and theta. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation and you experience them during meditation or daydreaming.

Alpha waves can help decrease stress and anxiety. Beta waves are associated with alertness, concentration, and cognition. Beta waves can help you improve your cognitive function and memory. Delta waves are associated with deep sleep. Delta waves can improve your immune system and reduce stress levels.

Theta waves are associated with light sleep, dreams, and REM sleep. Theta waves help improve your mood and reduce stress levels. 

How can neurofeedback be used to treat children diagnosed with ADHD?

Children with ADHD will produce excessively lower frequency theta waves and shortage of fast (beta) brain waves in certain regions of their brain. That are detected during a brain scan (QEEG).

Neurofeedback training with kids who are diagnosed with ADHD will attempt to decrease the amount of lower frequency theta waves and improve the amount of fast beta brain waves. Which is done through rewarding them each time they show fast beta brain waves.  

Research has shown that neurofeedback therapy for children with ADHD have great outcomes. For example, the research article: (The Effects of Stimulant Therapy, EEG Biofeedback, and Parenting Style on the Primary Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) took One hundred children, ages 6 to 19 who were diagnosed with ADHD were treated for one year with a combination of Ritalin, academic accommodations, and parent counseling.

More than half of the participants also received neurofeedback in the treatment plan. The children who received neurofeedback showed more improvement on the QEEG. The QEEG showed evidence that their brain waves had normalized.

Also, the children received neurofeedback had more improvement on teacher and parent reports. After discounting the medication, only the children who received neurofeedback had continuing results.