Neurofeedback is being successfully administered as an alternative to common ADD/ADHD prescription drugs. Everyone's brain produces electricity. The elecrical patterns produced in the brain are called Brainwaves. Neurofeedback is a pain free, therapy that allows a person to acquire information about their brainwave activity. The information you get from neurofeedback is used to elevate and decrease identifiable brainwave activities.  ADD/ADHD individuals have high theta brainwave activity as well as minimal levels of beta brainwave activity. It is important to keep in mind however, that persons with ADD/ADHD do not have abnormal brainwave activity the just have a difference in the fast and slow aspects of the waves. Several doctors and researchers have used Neurofeedback on patients with ADD/ADHD and have found that there was significant improvements in school and job performance, the ability to focus and pay attention. The main strength of neurofeedback is that no know side effect has been noted therefore it is considered a safe alternative to prescription drugs.

How is neurofeedback Administered

Neurofeedback is like exercise for your brain. A computerized biofeedback machine is connected to your scalp and earlobe with a special gel. The sensors are painless and usually are not uncomfortable. While receiving game like displays and auditory feedback to their theta and beta waves the patient performs different tasks. Changes in the wave patterns alerts the individual that they are dazing off and helps to train them to recognize that pattern. This helps them to keep the patterns at the desired levels. Neurofeedback is commonly administered two or three times per week to start with. Then, when the individual seems to be making progress the treatment is reduced to once a week. Ordinarily the treatment should require 40-45 one hour sessions however it takes time to learn and may require longer. Improvements are usualy permanent, but in some cases patients may need refreshers.