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Neurofeedback (Biofeedback)
Biofeedback is an alternative treatment that has become popular and
that
has reported some success in the treatment of ADHD. It provides
feedback from the monitoring on EEG brain waves to the
client. Visual
graphics on a computer screen are used while the brain wave active of
directed concentration from the
client are measured with feedback
from EEG waves. The client learns to focus attention in specific areas
of the
brain, and a reward system is used, giving feedback. The client
then learns to focus his attention in the area of the brain,
the
frontal area in the case of ADHD, thus strengthening, through
training, that area.
Dr. David Rabiner
defines Neurofeedback, "Also known as EEG
Biofeedback - is an approach for treating ADHD in which individuals
are provided
real-time feedback on their brainwave activity and taught
to alter their typical EEG pattern to one that is consistent
with a
focused and attentive state. According to neurofeedback proponents,
when this occurs, improved attention and
reduced hyperactive/impulsive
behavior will result."
The goals of Biofeedback are:
* Stabilizing overall
brain function by strengthening the brain's
ability to routinely produce
brainwaves in healthy ranges.
* Improving the ability of the brain to shift from one brainwave state
to another
smoothly and effectively and then stay there as long as needed.
*
Improving brain functioning in localized areas of the brain associated with
specific problems an individual is experiencing.
Biofeedback
has also been used for anxieties, bipolar disorder and
other mental health difficulties.
Is Neurofeedback (biofeedback)
an effective treatment for ADHD? There
is not universal agreement on the subject, however, it seems as if it
can be
an effective treatment for some. The National Resource Center
on AD/HD, CHADD's information center, lists the
following ratings for
biofeedback:
1.The American Psychological Association (APA) considers biofeedback
for ADHD
to be "Probably Efficacious," the third category in a scale
of five.
Rating Scale
3
5
2. Other Researchers, including
the CHADD Professional Advisory Board
(PAB) lists biofeedback as "Possibly Efficacious," a slightly lower
rating
Rating
Scale
2 5
3. But also, CHADD holds that neurofeedback is a valid "Option," one
level below Clinical Guidelines,
in terms of the 4 level rating system
of the AACAP, below.
Rating
Scale
3 4
4.The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
uses
a four level scale and rates neurofeedback as being reaching the
third level of the four level scale in terms
of "Clinical Guidelines,"
one removed from the highest rating.
Rating Scale
3
4
So, biofeedback can be an effective though costly tool for some
children and adults in conjunction with
other therapy methods and
lifestyle changes.
1. Attention Research Update. Dr. David Rabiner, Duke University.
9/12/07 Newsletter. Extracted 4/2/08.
2. Source: National Resource
Center on AD/HD.: A Program of CHADD.
Neurofeedback – An Effective Alternative Treatment for AD/HD?
NRC News ADHD Newsletter. 3/31/08. Extracted 4/02/08.
3. Neurofeedback
Today, Dr. David Bissette. Extracted 4/02/08.
http://neurofeedbacktoday.com/aboutnf.htm
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