AD(H)D and Neurofeedback
In July 2009 the results of a meta-analysis with the object ‘Neurofeedback and ADHD’ were publicized. Scientists from the University of Tuebingen (Germany) in alliance with their colleges from the University of the city of Nijmegen (Holland) were able to proof that with the use of Neurofeedback on the core symptoms of Impulsiveness and Lack of Attention and clinically significant effects were achieved (Source: Press Announcement University of Tuebingen), whereas the ADHD-core symptoms of Hyperactivity showed medium effects. The researchers used for this analysis the total results of 15 studies in this area.
ADHD affects not only children, adults also can be affected. Using Neurofeedback on adults shows often also very noticeable improvements. But before we continue to discuss the effects of Neurofeedback on ADHD, we want to first explain what ADHD really is.
What does ADHD mean?
ADHD is the abbreviation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It starts most commonly already in children age and can manifest in different forms. If manifested as attention disorder and hyperactivity then it is classified as ‘Simple Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder’ by international statistic classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD-10). Is it accompanied by impulsiveness and therefore shows additionally a disturbance of social behavior then it is classified as Hyper Kinetic Disturbance of Social Behavior. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association divides ADHD into the mainly inattentive type, the mainly hyperactive-impulsive type, and a combination mix of both type. According to ICD-10, ADHD can for example show up as a constant physical restlessness, as a burst of short time spontaneous activity, and as a remarkable pronounced activity in situations which call for relative relaxation. How ADHD shows itself can be very different from case to case. According to qualified estimates, ADHD occurs as at least in a mild form in about every 10th child and teenager, and for about 50% of these children and teenagers treatment will be necessary. According to the Federal Chamber for Physicians in Germany (Bundesärztekammer) at least one third of all cases continue into adulthood.
How can Neurofeedback help with ADHD?
As a scientifically accepted method, Neurofeedback is on one hand used for measuring brain activity, and, on the other hand, to change and improve it. Certain mental and physical conditions can be assigned to certain brainwave patterns, which are recognizable on computer screens. That way certain typical behavior actions on a ADHD-Disturbance can be clearly identified. That’s where Neurofeedback comes in. With Neurofeedback the patient gets a positive feedback every time– for example in the form of a computer animation – when his brainwave patterns differ from those that are typically associated with ADHD. This way the patient often permanently learns how to influence his own brain activity to clearly reduce the for ADHD typical brainwave patterns. The successes that Neurofeedback shows with ADHD help people who suffer from this condition as well as parents, partners, and friends. Often it means a beneficial return to a normal interaction with each other.