ADHD Evaluations and the best Neurofeedback Programs
DISCOVER solutions based on your individualized brain functioning to improve your attention.
Most physicians diagnose ADHD in 10 minutes or less before proceeding with treatment. At some point, ADHD is likely to become an outdated diagnosis. It is a descripton of commonly occurring symptoms that can result from any number of brain patterns. There are MANY things that can make it difficult for one to sit quietly for hours processing language as the only way to learn or work. But they are all subsumed under this one category: ADHD. We wouldn’t expect that any one protocol would work with every client. We use personalized medicine to find the right approach for you.
We are 1 of less than 10 offices in the United Sates that does ADHD evaluations to know which type of ADD is present and be able to customize neurofeedback, other forms of biofeedback training, medications and other methods to help the brain work better on its own, resulting in improved attention.
In June 2018, an official German medical standards organization has given formal recognition to neurofeedback in application to ADHD for the discipline of psychiatry. The clinical evidence is judged as ‘sufficient’—not a glowing endorsement, to be sure, but it recognizes the actual state of affairs in formal research. Nevertheless, the adoption of NF is ‘strongly recommended.’
We work with Your Physician to Find Medications to Improve Your Attention
There are several different classes of medications to treat ADHD. We can recommend to your treating physician which class would be best for your type of ADHD. In some cases, a person’s brain may be making two types of ADHD, which may make it more difficult to treat with medication.
Non-Medication Treatment for Attention
We also assess how exercise, nutrition, sleep, and electronic use can be managed to help the brain work at its best. At times, therapy can also be a useful tool to help develop new behaviors to replace old habits.
A Natural Path Proven to be Effective for over 85% of People with ADHD
We have over 15 years experience in neurofeedback training and will help you find the neurofeedback program that will work best for you.
Surveys of health professionals using neurofeedback to treat ADHD estimate that over 85% of their patients report improved ability to focus, regulate behavior, and decrease impulsivity when they train on a consistent schedule. complete a full course of neurofeedback training. Once completed, most people do not have to continue training, as the brain has learned better self-regulation. Most people can’t control the number of heartbeats they make per minute. With biofeedback training, they can learn to do so. Likewise, biofeedback also makes it possible for teach the brain to control its rhythm. When you train your brain with EEG biofeedback, it helps you learn how to become focused, calm, and to gain self-control.
- Included in the evaluation report, we offer proven alternatives to prescription drugs
- We have experience working with schools to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans, so that your child gets consistent messaging
- We provided comprehensive reports to help facilitate communication with schools and medical professionals
- We can work with your physician to help monitor and reduce the need for medication. Many individuals are able to eliminate medications altogether, while some are left with a minimal dose and/or a maintenance training schedule (once every 3-6 months, for example).
My son was failing three subjects in school, primarily due to attention problems. He was diagnosed with ADD and began taking a stimulant to help, but the medication was only slightly effective and had side effects that almost negated the benefits. Following his evaluation, and within 4 or 5 sessions of neurofeedback training, his attention problems started to turn around. After 2 months of training, his grades are now B’s, and his teachers report that he is retaining what he is learning.
He still has more training to come, but so far the results have been remarkable. He is medication free and continues to improve his schoolwork.
Over the last 30 years, the use of stimulants in pediatrics has increased, yet long-term consequences have yet to be fully explored. Past studies have identified isolated epileptiform discharges (IEDs), a brainwave abnormality, in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An article published in 2011 suggested that EEG technology should be considered prior to prescribing stimulants to children with ADHD in order to screen for epileptiform discharges. The 2011 study found 26% prevalence of IEDs when using sleep-deprived EEGs. This study sought to replicate the 2011 results using conventional EEG and qEEG technologies. Our results showed 32% of patients with ADHD had IEDs, which further supports that an EEG screening should be considered before prescribing stimulant medications.
Ronald Swatzyna et. al., Clinical EEG and Neuroscience 1–3© EEG and Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS)
2016 Reprints and permissions:
sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav
DOI: 10.1177/1550059416640441
eeg.sagepub.com
How does neurofeedback compare to other treatments for ADHD?
Neurofeedback | Psychotherapy | Medication- Ritalin/Adderall | |
---|---|---|---|
How Long has the treatment been around? | Since 1960s | Early 20th Century or before | Ritalin – 1956Adderall – 1996 |
Results are long term once stopped | Yes | Yes | No. Possible “rebound effect” |
Average Cost per Session | $110 | $100 | $20/month for Ritalin$140/month for Adderall |
Average Time Investment | 30-50 hours over 1 year | 10-60 hours over 1-2 years | 1 minute per day until adulthood or longer |
Negative Side Effects | No | No | Ritalin- Decreased appetite , symptoms worsen when drug wears off, nervousness, potential for abuseAdderall- False sense of wellbeing , abdominal pain |
Ability to treat multiple biomarkers | Yes | Yes | Medications for differing biomarkers often conflict with one another |
Outside Interests that conflict | No | No | Possible financial and political |
Effectiveness | Shows improvement approx. 80% of the time | Many people report positive results when they follow assignments | Varies. Some report good results. May require several different medication attempts to find the best fit |
American Pediatric Association Approved | Yes Level l | Yes, Level l when combined with behavior therapy | Yes, Level l when combined with behavior therapy |
Approved for children under 6 | Yes | Yes | No |
Total Costs | Lifetime: $3000 average | 1-10 years: $600-$6000 | 6 years: $1440, plus behavior therapy: total approximately: $4000 |
I cannot believe how this training has helped me. I used to have problems understanding what my teachers expected of me, and got in trouble a lot.
Now I immediately understand what is expected, and do not waste time.