What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; also sometimes known as ADD) is a condition that is often observed early in childhood and may persist into adulthood. ADD/ADHD involves difficulties with attention, focus, and concentration as well as behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some individuals tend to have more symptoms related to inattention; other individuals may have more symptoms related to hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, while many individuals have a combination of both inattention and hyperactive symptoms. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys but recent research indicates that teachers, parents, and clinicians may miss symptoms of ADHD in girls, especially if girls have less noticeable behavioral symptoms. It is often overlooked in adults, who may not have been diagnosed as children, but continue to have symptoms that impact their daily occupational, family, and social functioning.

The treatment of ADD/ADHD is particularly important for children’s academic functioning. It can greatly impact learning and academic success. Many children with ADD/ADHD are unable to perform at their true academic potential and this can impact self-esteem and overall academic trajectory. For this reason, it is important to start to address ADD/ADHD symptoms as soon as possible to help children succeed in school and realize their full potential. Additionally, early intervention of ADD/ADHD is important as the impulsivity associated with ADHD can have more serious consequences (e.g. distracted driving, risk taking behaviors, etc.) as children become teens and adults.

Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD

Neurofeedback is increasingly recognized as a safe treatment to successfully treat symptoms of ADD/ADHD in both children and adults. Medications for ADD/ADHD work on the whole brain and impact the body; while these medication may help improve symptoms they also are associated with significant side effects. Neurofeedback represents an alternative treatment that focuses on targeting the specific areas of the brain associated with the symptoms of attention and hyperactivity. Neurofeedback treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or for those individuals who would prefer not to use medication at all.

Treatment of ADD/ADHD using neurofeedback focuses on identifying dysregulation in the brain and targeting these areas in treatment. For example, many individuals with ADD/ADHD have excessive activity in brain regions associated with motor activity as well as the regions associated with distractability and impulsivity. Neurofeedback helps the individual to train and rewire their brain through promoting healthier and more optimal brainwave activity in these regions. Additionally, areas of the brain related to focus, concentration, motivation, and behavioral control are frequently underactive. Neurofeedback can help stimulate and strengthen these areas by learning and encouraging increased activity. These changes in the brain are associated with reductions of ADD/ADHD symptoms, increased academic success, and improvements of overall functioning.

Executive Functioning and Psychotherapy for ADD/ADHD

Interventions focused on improving executive functioning can also help to manage symptoms of ADD/ADHD. This treatment is a type of talk therapy that involves developing and practicing skills related to organization, planning, and concentration. Executive Functioning therapy can be an important adjunct to neurofeedback. Neurofeedback can address the underlying brain dysregulation associated with ADD/ADHD, however often times individuals were unable to learn and develop certain skills necessary for academic success and occupational functioning. This includes learning strategies and study skills related to staying organized, planning ahead, breaking down more complicated tasks, and creating environments for optimal concentration. Psychotherapy can also help to address difficulties with low self-esteem, negative behavioral patterns, and emotion dysregulation often associated with ADD/ADHD.