ADHD is recognized as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with one’s ability to function in social, academic, or professional environments. ADHD effects between 3-7% of children, with a 40-70% rate of persisting into adulthood. Those who suffer from ADHD may experience difficulty paying attention to detail, following instructions, completing assignments, organizing tasks and activities. An individual with ADHD may forget things often and become easily distracted. They may demonstrate frequent fidgeting, may have difficulty remaining seated, may act “as if driven by a motor”, blurt out responses, and interrupt others.
Out of all the mental health disorders, ADHD has the most research regarding neurofeedback. This is because ADHD was one of the first clinical applications of EEG biofeedback, after epilepsy. In 1976, Joel Lubar described the use of Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback with a child exhibiting symptoms of ADHD. His results found that the application of SMR improved hyperactivity and distractibility.
Neurofeedback works to reduce symptoms of ADHD by utilizing the principle of operant conditioning to train the brain to develop enhanced control over its activity. ISF or Infraslow Fluctuation Neurofeedback helps children and adults with ADHD by reinforcing a state of alert relaxation, in which concentration and attention are strengthened along with executive function. As the individual completes our neurofeedback for ADHD in NYC, their EEG waves are recorded, and a positive or negative tone (higher or lower pitch) is emitted as feedback to guide the brain toward desirable states.
After a QEEG or brain map is completed, we develop a specific, individualized protocol to target areas of highest deviance or dysregulation in the brain. The protocol involves the specific placement of electrodes, and which frequency bands (theta, delta, alpha, beta, lobeta) are either inhibited or reinforced. Over time, this protocol helps to “normalize” or regulate the brain to produce lasting changes and long-term improvement of ADHD symptoms.
NFSNY provides a uniquely individual approach to treating depression symptoms that is rooted in a quantitative brain map (QEEG). In addition, our clinicians are all licensed mental health providers with ample training and experience working with people who have attention and hyperactivity disorders. We can provide psychotherapy in conjunction with neurofeedback, and often we provide in-session interventions such as guided meditation, guided breathwork, as well as biofeedback such as HRV training.