Neurofeedback Device For ADHD
Neurofeedback is an alternative treatment option that may help children with ADHD manage their inattention and impulsivity without the harmful side effects associated with psychostimulants. Though various standard protocols have proven successful in research studies, clinical practice often deviates from them.
Neurofeedback trials must be carefully planned in order to provide an accurate assessment of its efficacy. This allows researchers and practitioners to conduct objective assessments.
Symptoms
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurobehavioral disorders among children and is marked by impaired attention, excessive motor activity and impulsivity – symptoms often appearing early in childhood and persisting into adulthood. Stimulant medication such as methylphenidate is widely prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms effectively but may lead to adverse side effects including weight loss and sleep problems.
Neurofeedback may also provide a promising approach to treating ADHD. Neurofeedback is a gentle non-pharmacological therapy proven to alleviate its symptoms while being effective against those not responding to stimulant medications. Neurofeedback helps people learn how to recognize and control their brain activity through noninvasive training that can be delivered in office settings by occupational therapists, child and adolescent psychiatrists or psychotherapists.
Neurofeedback can have positive effects on core ADHD symptoms when limited to standard protocols like TBR, SMR and posterior alpha enhancement. Furthermore, it may provide useful supplements to other treatments, like diet and exercise interventions for individuals who do not respond well to stimulant medications.
Although fNIRS-based neurofeedback holds great promise, it should be acknowledged that research on this technology is still limited. Mendi, an EEG alternative that uses near-infrared scanning to measure changes in blood flow across the prefrontal cortex when someone concentrates. When this blood flow increases due to concentration, Mendi provides real-time feedback to users via their screen in order to help keep them focused and encourage focus. While promising, this tool should only be utilized as part of a larger treatment plan including therapy and mindfulness practice.
As this type of neurofeedback is relatively new, it’s essential that individuals familiarize themselves with its technical details and seek qualified practitioners. Alongside training at certified centers, many home tools that use neurofeedback require specific QEEG assessments so that they may help alleviate core symptoms associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
As alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment, tDCS and neurofeedback have proven successful at alleviating symptoms of ADHD. Unlike psychostimulants, however, these methods are noninvasive and can be performed from the comfort of one’s own home; also unlike psychostimulants there are no side effects or long-term safety concerns associated with them; plus they can even be combined with traditional medication for maximum effect or as a complementary therapy strategy.
An EEG machine uses painless sensors placed at different locations on the scalp to measure brainwave activity, connected by wires to an electroencephalograph or EEG machine. A therapist then uses these tools to display real-time information about patient brainwave activity on a computer screen in real-time; when their brainwave patterns change they can immediately see and encourage patients to focus on improving them as their EEG machine displays real-time information about this activity on screen; over time patients learn to adapt their brainwave patterns accordingly.
Neurofeedback’s goal is to teach the brain to regulate itself. Neurofeedback therapy has many applications for everyone from children with ADHD to athletes looking to enhance performance, yet the results don’t always appear instantly and its costs can add up quickly – many individuals don’t have insurance coverage that covers these sessions which often cost over $250 each session.
At the beginning of a session, an individual can watch movies or play games while their brain activity is monitored on a computer screen. Their therapist then asks them to make certain changes in their behavior – such as paying more attention, sitting still more often or not interrupting others – in order to improve the brainwave pattern and report back with any progress being made.
Some programs require a brain map, or QEEG, before beginning training. These typically are implemented alongside clinicians who provide highly tailored neurofeedback. Other programs use protocols as guides instead, reducing individual impact but making things simpler for patients to follow.
A transcranial direct current stimulation device sends electrical currents directly into the brain in order to increase its functions and alleviate ADHD symptoms. Although expensive, these devices have proven safe and effective over time.
Treatment
Neurofeedback therapy is an alternative treatment option designed to alleviate symptoms of ADHD without side effects from medications. Neurofeedback involves attaching electrodes to the head that detect frequencies showing how your brain is reacting, with information being reported back via monitor. Different forms of neurofeedback therapy target specific symptoms; occupational therapists, psychologists or psychotherapists can administer it for this treatment.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of neurofeedback for improving focus among children with ADHD; however, more research needs to be conducted to establish its success. A recent meta-analysis with 10 RCTs demonstrated its long-term benefits versus medication which quickly wear off. Slow cortical potentials (SCP) neurofeedback targets electrophysiological characteristics associated with ADHD symptoms; such as high theta power or low beta power in central and frontal regions of the brain associated with ADHD symptoms – like inattentiveness or hyperactive symptoms or even impulsivity – while several SCP studies show it helps inattentive and hyperactive symptoms as well as impulsivity reduction, but more rigorous clinical trials must be completed in order to confirm these results.
Standard protocols utilizing SMR and TBR neurofeedback have proven highly successful in treating ADHD; however, their clinical implementation has yet to be properly standardised or regulated, increasing the risk that patients could be subjected to ineffective neurofeedback protocols administered by unlicensed personnel or even individuals without medical knowledge or background.
Neurofeedback requires a rigorous trial to demonstrate its efficacy; however, finding suitable “sham” conditions is often impossible. EMG biofeedback has proven useful as an alternate control in these instances although it may not have the same impactful results on core symptoms.
Neurofeedback requires a trained clinician to conduct sessions and interpret feedback. Programs like Cygnet and Othmer require reading the QEEG results and using that as the basis of training; other programs allow the clinician to use his or her clinical judgment when selecting which neurofeedback protocol to implement.
Side Effects
Neurofeedback is a drug-free technique for the treatment of various mental health disorders. Sensors placed on the scalp detect electrical brain signals called brainwaves. Neurofeedback practice changes their strength in order to relieve symptoms; its long-term effectiveness has been proven. Sessions usually last approximately an hour.
At neurofeedback sessions, patients listen to music while monitoring their own brain activity on a computer screen. Neurofeedback seeks to alter certain areas of the brain which are contributing to symptoms. While initially appearing daunting, individuals typically report feeling an increase in clarity and better mood after multiple sessions; the long-term benefits have proven their efficacy for improving cognitive function and eliminating various disorders.
Neurofeedback’s efficacy has long been recognized, yet many countries continue to underuse it as a treatment modality. When selecting a practitioner it is crucial they have extensive training in other therapeutic modalities as well as being licensed by their state or province; unfortunately however, neurofeedback has become popular with non-professional users who attempt to use it without proper certification, leading to serious health and safety risks.
As with any neurofeedback protocol and implementation strategy, the type and implementation can have a tremendous effect on outcomes. Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that Theta/beta ratio (TBR) neurofeedback provides an effective and safe alternative to stimulant medication for treating ADHD – this is important given psychostimulants are associated with serious side effects including weight loss, headaches and sleep disruptions.
TBR neurofeedback protocol has been shown to successfully lower both theta waves and beta waves in central and frontal regions of the brain, in order to lower overactive areas typical of ADHD. As a result of this research, this treatment option has since become accessible for other behavioral health conditions, including anxiety and depression.



