What are the pros and cons of neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD?
Neurofeedback therapy is a proven means of offering help for ADD and ADHD. Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback, in which auditory or visual stimuli are used to help train the mind to produce the appropriate brain wave patterns. It is non-invasive and does not present many of the side effects found in other treatments such as using pharmaceuticals to reduce ADD/ADHD symptoms. However, as with any intervention, there are both pros and cons to its use. Still, for many of those who are challenged by ADD/ADHD, the pros significantly outweigh the cons.
Proven Results
Perhaps the largest and most important pro to the use of neurofeedback therapy to help with ADD/ADHD is that it has been proven to provide results and results that are long term. This type of care has been studied for decades as a means of providing treatment for Attention Deficit and other disorders with a high degree of effectiveness. Numerous studies, including this one, have shown that neurofeedback is effective even when compared with pharmaceutical treatments. In addition to ADD/ADHD, this type of biofeedback has been used to treat brain injuries illustrating the versatility of this intervention in helping many different aspects concerning the brain. For additional information on neurofeedback visit Michigan Brain Health
Non-Invasive/No Side-Effects
Another pro, in favor, of using neurofeedback as means of helping ADD/ADHD is that it is a non-invasive procedure that produces no side effects. With pharmaceuticals, there are often side effects that can range in severity that can contribute to the already existing challenge of dealing with ADD/ADHD. However, neurofeedback therapy presents none of these concerns. This is even when this type of therapy is used in conjunction with other treatment options, as this therapy will not enhance any existing side effects from other potential treatments. Thus allowing it to be utilized with other treatments with no adverse effects or contraindications.
Repeatable As Needed
Other treatments for ADD/ADHD can lose effectiveness over time, especially when durations between treatments are considered. This type of therapy can be repeated as many times as necessary over the period of a lifetime to enhance or reinforce previous treatments, without losing its effectiveness as a treatment option. This also allows other treatments to be utilized to either enhance existing treatments with biofeedback or in place without reducing any potential effect of the biofeedback as a treatment as new neurofeedback treatments can be applied.
The Cons
In practical terms, there are very few cons with the most prominent one being that some individuals will develop or have an allergic reaction to the gel applied to the sensors. This can easily be adjusted for, and any reaction is short-lived and relatively harmless. Another potential con is when considered over multiple treatments, this biofeedback option does come with an investment of time and money. Most providers do not work with insurance since it is considered a brain training program vs treatment for a specific symptom or condition. Finally, as with other treatment options, neurofeedback is not effective in all cases and all situations.
Neurofeedback therapy is an effective means of achieving long-term results for those who suffer from the challenges of ADD/ADHD. It is non-invasive, produces no side effects, and can easily be combined with other treatment options for a more comprehensive approach to helping you manage your ADD/ADHD. While it is true that not everyone will see the same results nor will they have the same longevity of results, the ability for the treatments to be repeated allows for a better response over time. Of course, this type of treatment is not a cure but it offers the potential to reduce the concerns associated with ADD and ADHD, and it potentially can help you put your quality of life back under your control.
Brain mapping helps us locate the areas to train
Remember, brain maps (qEEG) help find the cause of ADHD. Neurofeedback can often correct the problem.
We are located on the west side of Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, Michigan, across from the Shelby Township Library.
If you or your child is facing the challenges and difficulties of ADD or ADHD or other signs of brain and body imbalance. Come in for your Free Evaluation or call (586) 488-4818 and see for yourself how beneficial the Michigan Brain Health neurofeedback program can be for your health challenges.
Always remember one of my mantras., “The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself.”
For more details about the natural approach I take with my patients, take a look at the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body’s Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the bottom of this post, and please share with those you know who are still suffering from chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!