It is estimated that nearly 10% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. And those diagnoses continue to rise every year. Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys, there’s recently been a surge among girls and adult women—especially moms. Most commonly, treatment for ADHD includes medication and behavioral therapy, but science suggests neurofeedback could be beneficial too. If you’re interested in neurofeedback for ADHD, it can help to understand how this natural treatment benefits focus disorders.
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that provides real-time readings of brainwave activity to teach the self-regulation of brain function. Neurofeedback participants are usually provided with a song, movie, or video game, which plays during desired brain activity and stops during undesirable activity.
This type of instantaneous feedback helps a patient gain increased control over their neurophysiological parameters, which contributes to changes in brain functioning and, in turn, their behavior.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD can present with a number of symptoms. Learning how to identify these symptoms is key to finding the treatment options that make the most sense. Typically, symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: focus, hyperactivity, and impulse control.
Focus
It’s normal for children—and even adults—to display some inattention. From time to time, we all struggle to focus. However, if that inability is preventing you or your child from regularly completing basic tasks, it’s worth looking into ADHD treatment. Those with ADHD may experience many common focus related symptoms of ADHD, such as:
- Being easily distracted
- Unable to finish tasks
- Difficulty listening to and following directions
- Repeatedly making the same, careless mistakes
- Forgetfulness
- Struggles to stay organized
- Struggles to prioritize responsibilities
- Constant daydreaming
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity symptoms present themselves a little differently than focus-related symptoms. In many cases, hyperactivity symptoms are easier to identify. Symptoms of ADHD related to hyperactivity include:
- Squirming, fidgeting, and difficulty sitting still
- Inability to stay seated, even when asked to
- Excessive talking
Impulse control
Symptoms of impulse control present very differently in children and adults. For children, impulse control symptoms include:
- Difficulty waiting their turn
- Blurting out comments or questions
- Interrupting or talking over others
In adults, impulse control symptoms often include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Compulsive disorders
- Anger management
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
How neurofeedback supports ADHD treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling to manage any of the above-mentioned symptoms, neurofeedback can help you manage them in a variety of ways.
Identify neurological patterns
To treat ADHD effectively, it’s important to first ensure you or your child present with the neurological patterns consistent in focus-related disorders. To do that, you’ll complete a qEEG brain map.
Determine the root problem
Upon analysis of your brain map, your clinician can determine the root of the problem and create an appropriate treatment plan based on their findings. Even if findings are not consistent with ADHD neurological patterns, treatment can still help increase your ability to focus, or your child’s ability to focus.
Redirect unwanted behavior into healthy habits
Once your personalized treatment plan is created, you will begin neurofeedback to start redirecting unwanted behaviors into healthy habits that allow you to focus better.
The number of sessions you or your child will need depends on the severity of symptoms. Once the treatments are complete, the end goal is increased self-regulation in the brain and an overall reduction in ADHD symptoms.
Learn more about neurofeedback for ADHD in Denver
If you or your child are struggling to stay focused or manage your ADHD disorder, reach out to us at Braincode Centers. Our behavior experts can help determine if neurofeedback for ADHD is right for you or your loved one.
Schedule your free consultation today to get started.
