Medications have always been and remain today the first line of treatment to manage the behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However studies reviewing electroencephalographic (EEG) bio feedback treatments on ADHD patients appear promising. While the Mayo Clinic website suggests more research is necessary to ascertain the success of this treatment option, the theory is that by keeping brain wave patterns in the front part of the brain active via bio feedback, ADHD symptoms will improve.
Encouraging Results
EEG neurofeedback combined with cognitive therapy appears promising. This is the summation of an article that appeared originally in the June 2005 issue of "Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback" and was reprinted in the "National Center for Biotechnology Information". Titled "Electroencephalographic biofeedback in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder" and written by V.J. Monastra et al, the authors reviewed 30 years of past studies and concluded that EEG biofeedback together with cognitive or behavioral therapy helped improve behavior and impulse control, in addition to showing improved academic gains and increased IQ scores. Despite these hopeful results, the authors agree that more controlled studies are necessary to state definitively that bio feedback is a viable treatment for ADHD.
How Does it Work?
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, scientists are not able to explain exactly how or why bio feedback works. The process, however, is clear. Electrodes are attached to the scalp which feeds information to a small monitor. The monitor then translates brain wave responses into a tone or a picture that can be read by the computer and the bio feedback therapist. The bio feedback therapist then leads you in mental exercises that require you to focus on a handful of specific tasks. Over time the brain is retrained to identify and control the mental activities that bring about the desired changes.
Benefits
Bio feedback as an alternative to medications to treat ADHD is attractive for a variety of reasons. According to Dr. Thomas Antone of California-based Long Life Sciences, EEG bio feedback is safe, painless, drug-free and non-toxic. There are no detrimental side effects, which is certainly not the case with ADHD medications that include stimulants, non-stimulants, antidepressants and even high blood pressure medications.
