ADHD Treatment Centers

A Neurobehavioral Approach to Treating Attention Disorders

(Article Continued from: ADD Treatment Centers)

Requirements of Training

Neurobehavioral treatment of ADHD essentially requires patients to learn to normalize their EEGs. Patients train themselves to increase production of beta I while inhibiting theta and electromyographic activity (muscle activity or movement). This treatment protocol, developed by Dr. Joel Lubar, a psychophysiologist at the University of Tennessee, has been successful as an adjunct to traditional approaches to managing ADHD. In outcome studies that have been replicated in many clinical settings around the country, patients typically increase IQ scores by 10 to 15 points and improve significantly in measures of attentiveness, hyperactivity, and academic performance. Further, these positive EEG changes appear to be long-term.

This treatment of ADHD requires a significant commitment of time and resources by patients and their families. The treatment program generally requires 35 to 50 work sessions with the EEG instrument and, in the case of children, initial involvement by their parents. (Neurobehavioral treatment is effective with adult ADHD as well.) Some insurance companies may not cover costs, in which case a financial commitment is also necessary.

Some children are able to reduce and even eliminate the need for medication. The clinical results employing EEG biofeedback training have been replicated by more than 200 organizations internationally. Published clinical studies exist, and controlled studies are being planned or carried out to determine the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback training as compared to medication, behavior therapy, and other techniques. Additional research is needed to determine the extent of long-term benefits.

Many children with mild to moderate learning disabilities can respond very well to EEG biofeedback, provided material that is appropriate for their particular learning disability is integrated into the treatment program and directly used in conjunction with the biofeedback training itself. Learning disabled persons without an accompanying diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are not particularly good candidates for biofeedback training.

The Power of EEG Training

Though EEG training can be very powerful, it has been shown to be even more effective when integrated into a multiple-component treatment program, which may include a certain amount of behavior management, medication if required, and parent training in management techniques.

When specific criteria are used to screen candidates, success is reported for 80% of clients. Success is measured and validated by testing, independent observation, and reports by teachers, parents, and other health care professionals.

Who is a Good Candidate for Neurofeedback Therapy?

Anyone with a primary diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, between the ages of 7 to 50, with at least average intelligence.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for This Therapy?

Treatment generally should not be offered if the person also has any of these conditions:

Childhood psychosis

Significant seizure disorder where medications interfere with learning (i.e., sedating medications)

Severe depressive or bipolar illness

Highly dysfunctional families who refuse to participate in indicated therapy

Author: Aubrey K. Ewing, Ph.D.

(To read more on ADHD Treatment Centers, please click here: ADD Treatment)

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