Neurofeedback for Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADD and ADHD are cognitive syndromes that are seen in children and adults. They manifest as inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity with impulse control problems. Problems usually begin in early childhood and continue throughout adulthood. ADHD often runs in families, so we usually see the brain signs in at least one parent as well as the child.
The three main reasons are to do with excess slow waves that relate to these areas of the brain, a lack of connection within certain areas, making communication between them poor, and a lack or excess of coherence. Coherence means frequency bands in the brain between two or more areas are similar. We don’t want them to work exactly the same (hyper-coherence) or completely differently (hypo-coherence), as this stops them working well together.
Action Plan
The first step is to assess the key areas to see which ones have an imbalance in the frequency levels. I will gather information from the person and where possible from those closest to them, as well as study any evaluations that are available on academic and behavioural issues. I will then train the areas that are key for the area of functioning that needs to be improved. This is done by down training the excess fast and slow wave frequencies and up training the frequencies associated with relaxed calm attention.
Children with ADHD often receive feedback from adults that result in the child feeling "lazy" or "stupid", because their brains do not allow them to retain information well or to follow instructions reliably.
Counselling for Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The symptoms can result in a heart-breaking picture of childhood, in which the ADD/ ADHD child feels that he or she cannot perform academically in age-appropriate ways. Children with ADHD often receive feedback from adults that result in the child feeling “lazy” or “stupid”, because their brains do not allow them to retain information well or to follow instructions reliably.
These children may feel “on the fringe” of their social circles, because their impulsive behaviour irritates their peers. They may act out in school and at home due to the constant frustration of a distracted and disorganised mind that just won’t turn off.
Adults with ADHD can have very similar feelings and may suffer from problems at work and in interpersonal relationships that constantly remind them that they don’t “measure-up” to what is expected of them.
Action Plan
The first step is to help people realise that their brain waves can change and help them see that a better future is possible. It is important to process some of the experiences that they have stored physically, somatically held tension and trauma.
As the neurofeedback starts to work, I will help them to reimagine a future with better memory, focus and emotional regulation.
