ADHD is a common brain disorder that affects brain development. Moreover, altered cognitive functioning can also affect a person’s behavior. This disorder equally affects men, women, and children. However, the onset of this disorder is more prominent in childhood stages. People with ADHD most commonly experience the symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Different treatment therapies are used to prevent ADHD. However, if you want to expand your knowledge related to neurofeedback ADHD, then read this article thoroughly. After reading this, you will get a complete idea related to the neurotherapy for ADHD. In addition, you will also better understand the neurofeedback for ADHD adults.
ADHD
ADHD is a common mental disorder that affects personality traits. This neurodevelopmental disorder can affect any person. However, children exhibit more symptoms of this disorder. Moreover, ADHD affects the mental ability to pay attention to important life details. Furthermore, ADHD also involves hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The onset of ADHD occurs in childhood. However, the situation can persist to adulthood stages without effective care. The severity of impulsivity and hyperactive behavior is most common in the teenage years. The identification of actual ADHD symptoms occurs in teenage or later years.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD can get severe based on the person’s physiological condition. Initially, some persons exhibit reduced symptoms but they can elevate with time. A major difference occurs in the hyperactivity and impulsivity behavior. Some most common symptoms of ADHD include
- Reduced management skills
- Difficulty in paying attention to vital tasks
- Nervousness
- Complications in multitasking
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Random mood swings
- Sudden aggressive or hostile behavior
- Failure to think in distressing situations
- Daydreaming
- Forgetfulness
- Talkative manner
- Become habitual in making careless mistakes
Read More: Top notch Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy
Most common ADHD symptoms
There are three main symptoms of ADHD which include:
Impulsivity
Children usually respond more rapidly before thinking. They don’t focus on things and exhibit undesired reactions. Moreover, they don’t wait for their turn and interrupt others in discussion. Furthermore, they usually show disobedient behavior in front of their parents and elders. Likewise, their emotional instability also increases to a greater extent.
Hyperactivity
Kids suffering from hyperactive behavior can not sit in one place. Moreover, they might often get bored and therefore, feel pleasure in participating the extracurricular activities.
Inattention
Inattentiveness is also a major symptom of ADHD. Affected children are unable to pay attention to their life activities. This can result the decreased performance in their school. However, the extended ADHD symptoms can also adversely affect their professional life.
Causes of ADHD
There are different causes of ADHD. However, the exact cause is not yet evident. Primarily, most of the researchers believe that there are various environmental, genetic, and physiological causes of this disorder. In addition, different environmental stimuli can also affect the pregnancy stages. Furthermore, ADHD affects the following brain parts:
- Grey and white matter of the brain
- Caudate nucleus
- Frontal lobes
- Cerebellar vermis
Genetic factors
ADHD is a heritable disease. There is more probability of the child getting affected by this disorder if a parent is affected by this disorder. Furthermore, a different number of genetic factors are responsible for this disorder.
Brain changes
ADHD can alter the levels of dopamine in the brain. A normal dopamine level can improve their brain efficiency. However, ADHD can decrease the dopamine levels.
Pregnancy Complications
Females suffering from different disorders can also experience the severity of ADHD symptoms. Moreover, ADHD can affect the brain development of developing embryos.
Environmental factors
Different environmental toxins including lead, zinc, etc can develop this disorder. Inadequate nutrition is also one of the main environmental factors. Likewise, any distressful situation that occurs in the past can also develop ADHD. However, children mostly experience this.
Brain Injury
Any brain injury can increase the exposure to stressful life events, and—more specifically childhood Trauma, has been shown to predict ADHD onset as well as the persistence of the disorder into adulthood
We do know that concussions can cause ADHD-like symptoms in patients without neurodevelopmental disorders and that they can make existing ADHD symptoms worse. However since the cause of the symptoms from each is different, treating one will not necessarily treat the other.
Risk factors of ADHD
ADHD is more common in males as compared to females. However, females are most likely to suffer from inattentiveness. In addition, males are more prone to the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Moreover, males affected by ADHD show more anger as compared to females. ADHD can also affect the self-esteem of females. Affected females exhibit reduced self-esteem. They prefer isolation instead of engaging in different social activities. Furthermore, ADHD females exhibit the less number of behavioral issues. Affected males can easily channel their anger through external pathways. While on the other hand, females direct their anger in an inward direction.
Neurofeedback therapy
Neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free approach that is used to treat numerous mental disorders. ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder symptoms can be lessened with this therapy. The main goal of neurofeedback therapy is to train the brain to develop healthy patterns that can result in improved brain efficiency. In addition, neurofeedback therapy can train the brain to indulge in positive thinking abilities. Moreover, neurofeedback therapy works on the principle of neuroplasticity. This involves the capability of the brain to learn and adapt based on environmental stimuli. The main purpose of neurofeedback therapy is to elevate the process of neuroplasticity. Neurofeedback can improve brain efficiency with the help of different brain wave patterns.
How does Neurofeedback work?
Neurofeedback therapy uses different sensors that record brain activity. Electrodes containing the sensors are attached to the scalp. Then brain activity is measured via electroencephalography. EEG can diagnose the different brain wave patterns and their desired response. The brain is rewarded with positive feedback. With repeated therapy sessions, Braun can learn how to self-correct and then obtain the rewards.
Patients can also analyze their brain changes via the monitor. Feedback is provided to the brain based on real-time activity. Electrodes that are placed on the brain can determine different brain wave patterns. The neurofeedback session usually lasts for 30 minutes. However, the duration can be extended depending on the situation. During the entire session, patients are free to do any kind of activity. For example, they can use mobile phones, and watch television. However, it is make sure that they are not watching any violent or aggressive things on the screen. Otherwise, normal brain patterns can be altered in the neurofeedback recording.
Types of brain waves
Different types of brain waves can be detected via neurofeedback. Low-frequency brain waves result in an inactive and depressed state. However, on the other hand, high-frequency brain waves lead to hyperactivity and increased impulsive behavior. Therefore, the frequency of brain waves is also considered as the diagnostic factor in neurofeedback. Those brain waves that are widely measured include:
Alpha waves
The frequency of alpha waves is greater as compared to other brain waves. When the brain is in a relaxed state, alpha waves are emitted. Moreover, anxious brain conditions can be effectively determined under the continuous release of alpha waves. Although, the speed of alpha waves is slower, but can shift to an increased speed of brainwave pattern.
Beta waves
The speed of beta waves is greater as compared to that of alpha waves. There is a strong link between attentiveness with the beta waves. When the person is alert and active or paying effective attention to varied things, beta waves are released from the brain. Furthermore, any strenuous activity such as a heavy physical workout can also cause the emission of beta waves. In most cases, persons suffering from anxiety or depression also experience the release of beta waves.
Gamma waves
Any distressing situation can cause the release of gamma waves from the brain. In addition, they are considered the fastest among other brain waves. Dyring theur realize, the body’s sympathetic system gets activated. Therefore, it is believed that the fight or flight response has a strong connection with the gamma waves.
Delta waves
When the body receives pleasure or calm stimuli from the environment, delta waves are produced. Delta waves are released from the thalamic region of the brain. They retain the highest amplitude among other brain wave patterns. However, their speed is slower compared to other brain waves. When the person is sleeping, then specifically delta waves are released. These waves are essential for the body as they provide a calming effect to the brain.
Gamma waves
After the delta waves, gamma waves exhibit a faster speed. They are also realized during stressful situations. Furthermore, when the children are learning and trying to solve the different analytical skills, gamma raus helps them. As they improve their attention and therefore they learn more effectively.
Who can benefit from Neurofeedback sessions?
Anyone who is suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and some other mental illnesses can benefit from neurofeedback therapy. Moreover, professional therapists can better train your brain and effectively perform the rewiring of your brain. However, if you don’t have access to the therapists, you can also perform this therapy at home. Moreover, you just need a few products to perform this session which includes Muse headbands or EMOTIV. The sensory part of these products can access the altered brain activity.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain functioning. Neurofeedback therapy can regulate brain activity and prevent ADHD symptoms.
Different types of Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback therapies are also distinct based on the types of brain waves that are being trained. Some common types of neurofeedback treatment include
Z score training
This type of neurofeedback involves the comparison of the brain with the other brain wave patterns. Moreover, the main goal of this training is to guide the brain to utilize healthy strategies. Ultimately, the brain can effectively learn how to stay calm and relaxed even in anxious states. The Z score training generates the z scores that assist in the identification of the brain state.
Amplitude training
As the name indicates, this neurofeedback involves the regulation of the magnitude of electrical activities in the brain. Then the EEG is regularly monitored to suggest the best possible therapy.
Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback training
This neurofeedback therapy is also considered useful in treating ADHD symptoms. Different studies have reported the success rate of this neurofeedback therapy.
Sloreta training
Sloreta stands for standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography. This neurofeedback therapy creates a three-dimensional brain image. Furthermore, this training is efficient as physicians can easily determine the brain activity of deep brain areas. Sloreta training is also ideal for determining the functioning ability of synapses and neural networks.
Hemoencepahlography
This therapy is best to determine the undesired changes in the frontal cerebral region of the brain. In addition, this therapy plays a significant role in increasing the oxygenation rate in the brain. Specifically, the prefrontal cortex is controlled under its effect.
Does neurofeedback work for ADHD?
Neurofeedback therapy is also considered effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Different studies have suggested that approximately 25 or 30 sessions can work like stimulants. Furthermore, neurofeedback therapy can result the significant outcomes. Most people do not require the medications after the neurofeedback session.
Neurofeedback and ADHD
Instead of implementing different strategies, it is essential to treat the target region effectively. Neurofeedback therapy can provide long-term potential benefits.
Neurofeedback is preferred among various other therapies due to several reasons. The first main reason is that it is a painless therapy and provides gentle pressure to the brain during sessions. Furthermore, this therapy can not only reduce the symptoms but also treat the main stem causes. Neurofeedback can train the brain to recognize the stimuli and respond accordingly to this disorder. The second major reason to choose this therapy is its feasible use during the preschool years of children.
Various findings support the fact that neurofeedback is strongly linked with ADHD. A large number of studies have improved hyperactivity and impulsivity. Moreover, neurofeedback therapy can effectively treat or prevent ADHD symptoms in children. This therapy is considered safe for treating children. Therefore, this therapy can be used after inhibiting the intake of medications.
Neurofeedback therapy and ADHD in children
If your child is suffering from ADHD, then neurofeedback therapy can be considered effective. Neurofeedback can treat the situation of inattentiveness. With this therapy, they can effectively focus on their academic life. Moreover, various other ADHD symptoms can also be treated with this therapeutic approach. Neurofeedback therapy can improve their ability to focus. They can indulge in their desired activities for a longer period, without getting distracted.
Moreover, if your child is taking any ADHD medication, then you do not need to stop the intake. You can consult the physician for your satisfaction. Moreover, it is also suggested that parents should consult professional therapists for the appropriate neurofeedback therapy plans.
Neurofeedback for ADHD adults
Adults of different ages can use neurofeedback therapy to treat ADHD symptoms. Specifically metacognitive therapy can provide rapid results in adults. Recovered adults can effectively organize different things. Moreover, time management also becomes feasible for them. In addition, symptoms of anxiety and depression also deceased.
Furthermore, the brain of each person responds differently in this therapy. However, some individuals get tired after completing the sessions. This situation is quite normal so there is no need to take any stress. Likewise, the efficacy of neurofeedback in treating ADHD symptoms is also different. Some ADHD adults show recovery after one session. While some take more sessions to completely recover. It is suggested that average neurofeedback ADHD adults comprise 10 to 20 therapy sessions. Adults also experience other positive consequences which include:
- Improved anger management
- Get rid of addiction
- Treatment of eating disorders
- Improvement of OCD symptoms
- Enhanced cognitive functioning
Is neurofeedback therapy safe?
Although, neurofeedback therapy is a secure treatment to treat ADHD. Neurofeedback does not cause any harm to the brain.
However, different side effects can also occur. Some common side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive abnormalities
- Muscle contraction
- Fatigue
- Internal vibrations
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty in sleep
Some side effects extend for a longer period. While some stay for a short period and can disappear within one or two days.
Other treatment methods
Cognitive behavioral therapy
This therapy is essential to locate the thought distortions. A therapist communicates with the patient and can implement better treatment strategies. Furthermore, patients can share underlying disturbing thoughts. Highly professional therapists can better identify the causes of ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy
This therapy also works better in treating ADHD symptoms. Meta-cognitive alters the perspective of thoughts. In addition, a person can learn to step back from unusual thoughts. Instead of thinking about why these thoughts are coming to mind and what are the main reasons, complete halting of thoughts is best. Metacognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are somehow different. Metacognitive therapy specifically focuses on thoughts. While, on the other hand, talk therapy functions to eradicate varied factors of disorder.
Family Therapy
Just like metacognitive and talk therapy, family members can also guide ADHD persons. If the close persons are aware of the causes of disruptive behaviors, they can devise the best therapy. Furthermore, their social interaction can also improved effectively.
Psychiatric Medication Management
This involves the use of different psychostimulant compounds. They are the most efficacious medications that can effectively manage ADHD in both children and adults. FDA has approved various psychostimulant medications such as
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidate
- Focalin
- Concerta
- Daytrana
- Dextroamphetamine
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Ritalin LA
Lifestyle changes
Read More: How Can Neurofeedback Treat Anxiety?
Healthy activities
Different persons have reported ADHD improvements after the regular workout. However, exercises don’t need to be performed only by affected persons. A regular workout schedule can provide better outcomes even for healthy individuals. Moreover, their brain remains active and they can contribute more effectively in different life aspects.
Concluding Remarks
ADHD is a chronic mental health issue. It can affect the different life aspects of an individual. Moreover, This disorder makes it hard for people to focus and listen appropriately. Furthermore, hyperactivity and inattentiveness are most common among other symptoms. To treat ADHD symptoms, neurofeedback therapy can be considered a valuable tool.
If you know anyone who is suffering from ADHD, then you can recommend this platform. Experts at Brainpiwer Wellness Institute offer the best neurofeedback therapies. Therefore, your brain can learn to pay attention more. Moreover, your brain will also learn those mechanisms that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly, Neurofeedback therapies can also used for children as it is highly safe.
