Neurofeedback Supports ADHD Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects roughly 6 million children across the United States. Often, these children suffer from a lack of focus, impulsive behavior, and difficulty paying attention. One study estimates adult ADHD prevalence is 4.4% of the population.

Stimulant medication is a common prescription for those who have ADHD to improve focus. Though prescribing medication is very common, it does not work for all children and sometimes comes with negative side effects.

Neurofeedback is a brain exercising therapy that can help reduce stress while offering support to adults and children.

Inside A Brain With ADHD

The brains of individuals with ADHD function differently than the brains of individuals who do not have ADHD. Individuals with ADHD have imbalances in the type and quantity of their brainwaves.

For example, the front of the brain, which handles concentration and organization, has an excess of Delta and Theta brainwaves. These brain waves are slower-moving and are usually only found in a higher quantity when someone is resting or relaxing.

When these brain waves remain high while a person is in an active state, they begin to interfere with the faster-moving Beta brainwaves. Beta brain waves are important because they are necessary for clear thinking.

Common Options for ADHD

Oftentimes, clients with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications such as Adderall, Vyvanse or Ritalin. These medications work by speeding up the brain and improving attention and focus.

Sometimes, these types of stimulant medications produce unwanted side effects. Clients can experience sleep disruptions, reduced appetite (a potential issue for growing children), depression, irritability, and other side effects per insert warnings and study feedback.

Medication can put a bandage on a problem, but it doesn’t change the root cause of the issue, which can be very frustrating for clients.

Using Neurofeedback to Support ADHD

Neurofeedback is a medication-free, pain-free, all-natural therapy that can reduce stress to help someone struggling with focus or attention issues. It supports the balancing of the brain and exercises it to create more efficient neural pathways within the brain, leading to clearer thoughts and a more efficient brain.

A typical neurofeedback session involves watching a video or listening to music while sensors on the scalp assess brainwave activity. As the brain reacts to the visual and auditory stimulation from the video or music, the brainwaves are observed.

The video or volume is changed slightly, so the brain begins to react differently and then can communicate more efficiently. Repeated practice in supporting the brain’s response to outside stimulation of light and sound create stronger neural pathways.

The brain is actually learning a new habit of mind, and these exercises become the new routine for the brain, for example, repeating positive daily affirmations. Just like learning to type for the first time, you never forget the exercise you receive with neurofeedback.

Start Your Neurofeedback Experience With A Consultation

Sano Wellness Center uses neurofeedback training to help clients in Lakeville, the Twin Cities area, and all over the country. If you have questions or would like to schedule a complementary new client consultation regarding neurofeedback therapy, call 952-681-2916 to speak with one of our caring staff members!