Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with interruptions of brainwave activity related to focus, hyperactivity, executive functioning, and emotion regulation. Due to an imbalanced central nervous system (CNS), children and adults with ADHD may be prone to overwhelm, frustration, and poor cognitive efficiency. Neurofeedback may assist individuals with training brainwave patterns associated with cognitive, motor, and emotional "stillness", leading to reductions in a number of symptom areas.

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With ADHD, there are almost always additional issues (co-morbidities) contributing to symptoms. Many children and adults who have ADHD also deal with stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

For example, anxiety often shows itself as reactivity due to an over-aroused central nervous system (CNS). When the CNS is over-activated, the amygdala is in charge - meaning that the person responds to everyday events through the flight, flight, or freeze response. When the amygdala is in control, the frontal part of the brain (the thinking brain where we can problem solve/executive control center) is literally offline. This makes it difficult for children or adults to think logically or rationally, which can often result in emotional outbursts.

Small-scale studies from the University of Central Florida and Optimind have reported improvements with NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback sessions for individuals struggling with ADHD symptoms.