Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It typically presents during childhood and continues throughout one’s lifespan, though some folks grow out of it, and others receive their diagnosis as adults.
ADHD is characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that becomes so severe, it impairs daily functioning.1
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback therapy that provides information about one’s own brain activity. It is designed to help the individual gain self-control over maladaptive brain functioning in real-time. In turn, this can provide relief from any distress caused by dysregulated neural activity.2
This article will discuss the symptoms of ADHD and explore neurofeedback therapy as a treatment option for ADHD. Read on to learn more.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD can be very challenging to live with since it can impact interpersonal relationships, academic and work performance, and daily functioning.
For those who experience inattentive symptoms, they may experience the following signs, amongst others:1
- Lack of attention to detail resulting in mistakes during school, work, and daily activities
- Struggles to pay attention during activities like school, work, and play
- Easily distracted when communicating
- Difficulty finishing work tasks or chores due to issues sustaining focus
- Problems with meeting deadlines and timeliness
- Challenges with organization
- Misplacing or losing essential items like wallets, keys, and cell phones
- Avoiding activities that require attention and focus
- Forgetful in necessary daily activities
Some may experience hyperactivity-impulsivity, which can include the following:1
- Often fidgets, wiggles, and squirms in their seat
- Inability to sit still when needed, for example, in the classroom or the workplace
- Consistent feelings of restlessness, moves about, climbs on things when inappropriate
- Excessive talking, frequently without a filter
- Frequent interruption of others during conversations
- Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
- On the go, as if “driven by a motor”
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, one doesn’t have to present both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, though it isn’t uncommon to struggle with each of these issues. However, the individual must be experiencing some of the above symptoms chronically, and they must be so severe that it is impacting their daily functioning. These symptoms cannot be otherwise explained by any other mental or physical illness.
Children can begin expressing excessive motor activity as a toddler, but it is difficult to distinguish from normal variation in behavior before they reach the age of four. if symptoms are evident after that, they should be demonstrated in more than one setting (home and school).
Adults may have lived with symptoms of ADHD their whole lives but may not receive a diagnosis until they are an adult. Therefore, it is important to visit a mental health professional to receive a full screening for ADHD.1
ADHD Treatment
Once a diagnosis has been received, treatment options can be explored. ADHD often requires a holistic approach, meaning a mix of psychotherapy, medication, psychoeducation, and lifestyle changes can reap the best benefits.1
The recommended psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy helps individuals bridge the connection between their feelings, thoughts, and actions. In turn, this can help folks begin to control some of their symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, children may be referred to behavioral therapy. This type of therapy focuses on learning how to regulate behavior and emotions. It isn’t uncommon for behavioral therapy to be a collaborative effort that involves teachers, parents, and family members. By involving teachers and family members, routines and skills learned in behavioral therapy can be reinforced in the classroom and at home.1
Medication is often recommended in the treatment of ADHD. Stimulants are often the first recommended medication. Through different mechanisms both inside the neuron and in the synapse, stimulants increase the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine, which is very important for motivation and overall cognitive function.
However, stimulants can have harmful side effects and aren’t a fit for everyone. In the event that stimulants aren’t working out, non-stimulants may be prescribed. They can be just as effective as stimulants, but they can take longer to kick in and begin working.1
Learning more about ADHD, joining a support group, and having workplace or classroom accommodations are also part of a well-rounded treatment plan.1
What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy is a technique that bridges the connection between the mind and the body. Neurofeedback can be empowering because it helps you gain personal control over the way your brain works by providing feedback directly to you.
This is achieved through audio or visual feedback that demonstrates positive feedback for properly functioning brain activity, while negative feedback is given for maladaptive brain activity.2
How Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?
Neurofeedback therapy is a unique process in which a trained professional measures brainwave activity with an electroencephalograph (EEG). Electrodes will be attached to one’s scalp, or sometimes a special neurofeedback cap can be worn. Note that the electrodes read electrical brain activity, and do not deliver an electrical current; therefore, they don’t produce any negative sensations.2
The electrical feedback is transmitted to a screen in a meaningful way for the individual to interact with. It is sometimes in the form of a video game, a movie, or music. For example, there may be a digital thermometer that appears on the screen, and the person is asked to cause the temperature to rise or fall. Or, they may be asked to focus on a character on the screen until they can make it sit down and relax, through their mind. Some programs offer a scene from a movie, that dims when you aren’t focused enough, and brightens when you direct your attention in a specific way.
This positive and negative feedback helps the individual learn to control their own brain activity through a process known as operant conditioning. With practice, the ability to focus their attention will become more natural.
Neurologists explain how the ratio of theta and beta waves (T/B ratio or TBR) is different in the brain of someone with ADHD. Specifically, the frontal lobe shows less fast wave activity (beta) and more slow waves (theta) while they are awake.3 Other research shows differences in slow cortical potentials in people with ADHD.4 Neurofeedback helps rebalance these maladaptive patterns, and in turn, this can decrease symptoms of ADHD.2
Will Neurofeedback Therapy Effectively Treat ADHD?
Neurofeedback is a promising treatment for ADHD. Research recently proved that as little as 30 sessions of neurofeedback treatment could be as effective as popular stimulants in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people no longer need ADHD medication after neurofeedback treatment.5
If you’re interested in exploring neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD, reaching out to your medical provider is the first step in seeing if it is the right fit for you. The International Society for Neuroregulation & Research also offers an online directory that you can search based on your geographical location or the provider’s area of specialty.