Neurofeedback was first utilized as an intervention for ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the 1970’s. It has since been used as a primary alternative.Throughout the years, numerous clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of this treatment on the different symptoms presented. Common ADHD symptoms include, difficulty in playing quietly, often talking excessively, easily distracted during academic tasks, inability of finishing current tasks, often don’t seem to listen, interrupting or intruding others, always in constant motion, squirming and fidgeting.

ADHD may be the resultant of several factors. This includes sudden life changing events such as divorce, relocation or death in the family. Other contributing factors are depression, anxiety, medical disorders affecting the brain and possibly undetected seizures in the brain. Accordingly to DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition), a child with ADHD is only diagnosed when he or she portrays six or more specific symptoms of hyperactivity and/or inactivity regularly for a period of more than six months in at least two different settings. These symptoms start before the age of seven.

There are three types of ADHD:

A) Combined Type where the child is inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive.
B) Hyperactive/Impulsive Type where child is impulsive and hyperactive but pays attention.
C) Inattentive Type also known as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder where the child only exhibit inattentiveness.

At the moment, there are numerous interventions for children with ADHD. Following are some common options. It is advised to discuss with your health care provider on the best treatment for your child.

Drugs are usually prescribed for children with ADHD. Common stimulants are Ritalin, Daytrana, Concerta and Adderall. While medications may help your child to concentrate better or reduce their hyperactivity, this is often short lived. Some have also responded experiencing side effects such as agitation, nervousness, anxiety, diarrhea, lost of appetite and many more.

Behavioral treatment is another alternative that parents have embarked on. Evidence shows that eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise will help your child to manage symptoms of ADHD. Physical activity has found to boost brain’s neurotransmitter. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are key transmitters which affect focus and attention. You are what you eat. Scheduling regular meals, reducing simple sugar and elevating zinc, magnesium and calcium levels are some ways to eat right.

Finally, Neurofeedback also referred to as neurobiofeedback, neurotherapy or EEG biofeedback is a popular intervention for ADHD. This proven and non-invasive therapy utilizes real time displays of electroencephalography which reflect on the current state of mind. Its changes reflect the nature of mental activities. Sensors are routinely placed on the scalp to measure EEG activity where it will be converted via an amplifier to “controls” for a video or game. With a person being aware of the neural activities, he or she will learn to regulate or change the neural activities. Once learn, it will be internalized and becomes reflective on day to day activities.

Benefits for using neurofeedback on ADHD individuals include improved focus and attention span, improved socialization, improved emotional regulation, improved academic performance, decreased disruptive behavior, eradication of bad habits and many more.

Do you need help understanding what your child is going through?

Call us now at +65-68349476 or email Julia at julia@spectrumlearning.asia. Learn more about ADHD and Neurofeedback here: www.spectrumlearning.asia/adhd.