Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex, frequently misunderstood mental health disorder that impacts many daily lives. The constant distraction can be frustrating for some as they try diligently to get their brain to focus.
There are three types of ADHD – predominantly inattentive, where you have difficulty finishing a task; predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, where you are fidgety and impatient and a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Symptoms of ADHD can include brain fog, irritability, poor time management, exhaustion, social isolation, and inability to make decisions or to listen actively.
If you can relate to the signs and symptoms of ADHD, you may have sought treatment already. Common treatments are medications and psychotherapy. Medications can be stimulants which produce a calming effect resulting in a reduction of hyperactivity and improvement in attention span, and non-stimulants which increase a chemical called norepinephrine in the brain, thus enhancing attention and memory. The potential side effects of the medications can make taking the medication challenging.
Psychotherapy can help individuals open up and express the challenges they face with ADHD while also exploring common behavioral patterns.
Neurofeedback for ADHD
Neurofeedback is an alternate therapy that is worth exploring. Neurofeedback, or EEG biofeedback, helps “rewire” the brainwaves’ physiological responses, improving cognitive and emotional health. It uses real-time displays of brain activity to train your brainwaves, helping you feel more in control of your self-regulation and responses to situations. There are 32-47% remission rates and sustained effects of ADHD as assessed 6-12 months after implementation of Neurofeedback.
The Neurofeedback Training Process
An initial assessment is conducted to develop a comprehensive overview of your history, symptoms, and desired outcomes for neurofeedback training. A baseline image of your brainwaves is collected through non-invasive and painless sensors. Sensors are attached to a headband or cap and record electrical activity in your brain. Your brain is then trained by using your mind to control the feedback while displaying different visual displays. Over time, the stimulus’ difficulty level increases, improving your brain’s regulation ability. An improvement in your symptoms is the result.
Benefits of Neurofeedback Training
People with ADHD are usually fidgety and suffer from exhaustion as they are often hyperactive. Training the brainwaves in neurofeedback training teaches the brain to calm itself, making it easier for you to implement coping strategies.
Anxiety reduction and improved sleep are additional benefits as your brain becomes calmer from neurofeedback for ADHD.
Concentration and focus are challenges for persons living with ADHD. Neurofeedback training helps areas of the brain by changing how the brain communicates and optimizing the activity in specific brain areas. Activity is optimized for increased focus and concentration.
Persons with ADHD struggle with sudden mood changes as they are often irritable. This loss of emotional control can impact the relationships individuals have with others. Neurofeedback training helps the brain learn to regulate itself in a healthier way so emotional control is not so hard. It changes the brain’s patterns of becoming stuck on negative thoughts and helps regulate mood better. Thus, people develop greater self-awareness and emotional control and have better relationships.
As neurofeedback for ADHD improves cognitive functioning, it enhances academic and work performance, a struggle that people living with ADHD face.
Neurofeedback for ADHD in Colorado Springs
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you should consult a therapist specializing in neurofeedback training to get the support you need. With its immense benefits, you can have better control over your emotions, improved focus and concentration and work and academic success.
At The Center for Cognitive Health, we start listening the moment we meet. Our job is to make sure you feel heard, cared for and get the help you need from the time you walk through our real or virtual door until your treatments are done.
Regain control and stability in your life.
Retrain your brain, and enjoy a calmer state of mind.
