Since 1995, the Scottsdale Neurofeedback Institute has specialized in treating children, adolescents, and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Thorough and careful testing using interviewing, testing, and Quantitative EEG topographic brain mapping allow for confident evaluation and diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and/or any additional mental disorders. This comprehensive testing avoids the possible misdiagnosis with other mental disorders such as learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, and post-concussive syndrome, which can present themselves as ADD/ADHD.
Although we do offer a multi-modal approach here at the Scottsdale Neurofeedback Institute, we primarily use a successful, alternative, non-invasive and evidence-based practice treatment called QEEG brain Map based Neurofeedback training for the treatment of Attention deficit disorder.
The American Acadamy of Pediatrics has Neurofeedback listed as a Level 1 “Best Support” intervention for attention and hyperactivity behaviors. To view the full chart showing the best-supported treatments for psycho-social behaviors click here.
At the Scottsdale Neurofeedback Institute we offer an efficacious alternative treatment to Attention Deficit Disorder. As well as using standard instruments for testing, we also utilize Quantitative EEG Topographic brain maps. Research by New York University Medical School showed that QEEG brain maps were a reliable instrument for predicting individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). This research was able to show a clear pattern for individuals with ADD. It has now been shown that there are three sub-types (Theta, Alpha and Beta) of ADD and that these correlate with response to different medications
In the July 2009 issue of the journal “Clinical EEG and Neuroscience”, Martijn Arns and his colleagues completed a meta-analysis of research with Neurofeedback for the treatment of ADHD. Specifically, they wanted to determine the overall effectiveness of Neurofeedback on the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in individuals who struggle with ADHD. A meta-analysis is a statistical procedure that allows the estimation of the effect of a particular type of treatment on a certain type of condition. In a meta-analysis, researchers establish criteria determining what kinds of studies will become a part of the review. Often they will look for things such as how well-controlled the studies were, how clearly the study’s methodology was described, whether the study had a large enough number of subjects to have statistical power, etc. Meta-analytic techniques generate a statistic known as the “effect size,” which allows a standardized measure of the effectiveness of treatment across studies that utilized different procedures and outcome measures. In the 2009 meta-analysis of studies evaluating the effect of Neurofeedback on ADHD, the authors found 15 studies that qualified for inclusion. Between all the studies, 1194 subjects were treated with Neurofeedback for the symptoms of ADHD. Overall, the meta-analysis found large effect sizes of Neurofeedback on symptoms of inattention and impulsivity and a medium effect size on hyperactivity. This meta-analysis indicates that Neurofeedback is a clinically effective approach for the treatment of the core symptoms of ADHD
Reference: Arns, M., deRidder S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of Neurofeedback Treatment in ADHD: the Effects on Innattention, Impulsivity, and Hyperactivity: A Meta-Analysis. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, Vol. 40 (3), 2009.The first step in the process is for us to perform a QEEG topographic brain map. This is painless and non-invasive. We place a cap with 19 electrodes on the scalp which picks up the brain electricity (EEG). The recorded EEG is then processed through six normative databases, including the New York University Medical School Normative Database. The statistical data will demonstrate which abnormalities are present and the degree of severity.
These abnormal areas can be trained back to normal using neurofeedback training. During the training, you are given real-time feedback on the electrical activity (brainwaves) within your brain. The original symptoms are greatly reduced when these areas are trained towards a normal range.
Stimulant medication such as Amphetamine and Methylphenidate has been shown to help significantly with Attention Deficit but can carry side effects and may lose potency after 2 ½ to 3 years of continuous treatment. The most important thing to consider is that medication, although, as mentioned, can be effective, it only helps to control the symptoms of the disorder and hence needs to be taken indefinitely to maintain the desired level of functioning.
ADHD Treatment involves many choices and should be comprehensive to be effective:
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