What Can Neurofeedback Do for Kids with ADHD?

We can think of neurofeedback for ADHD ( also known as EEG Biofeedback)as a means of monitoring the body through the mind.

Most of us are not aware of the way our brain's electrical activity can affect our emotions and behavior. It is a form of treatment using a monitoring device that provides immediate feedback of brain electrical activity to the child, allowing him or her to learn what positive changes in the body, emotions and mind feel like. In this sense, EEG Biofeedback manages behavior by controlling the brain.

Because hyperactivity is mainly a problem with the proper functioning of the frontal lobes, proponents of neurofeedback claim that by monitoring and training brain wave activity, this self-regulating therapy can bring about changes in the child's behavior.

How Effective is Neurofeedback for ADHD?

A new study conducted in Germany suggests that neurofeedback for ADHD provides dramatic results for hyperactive children.

102 children aged 8-12 were randomly assigned to two treatment options - 36 sessions of neurofeedback training or 36 sessions of computerized attention training.

These children have all been diagnosed with ADHD; over 90 have never received medication and 80% of the children were boys.

Children in both groups took part in 2-3 training sessions per week. In EEG Biofeedback group, children learned to create and sustain a state of focused attention by monitoring their body responses. These children received direct feedback on their EEG state.

Children in the computerized attention training (the control group) were given systematic exercises to train their visual and auditory perception, attention and reactivity; however these children received no direct feedback of their EEG state.

Results showed that neurofeedback treatment yielded significantly greater reductions of ADHD symptoms than the control group treatment. 51% of children in the EEG Biofeedback group experienced at least 25% reduction in ADHD symptoms.In the control group, only 26% of children achieved this level.