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Brain-Based Self-Regulation Techniques



Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorders




Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorders
6-question Adult Self Reporting Scale (ASRS) Diagnosis (World Health Organisation, 2003)

ADD/ADHD Fact Sheet provided by the Attention Deficit Disorder Association

ADD/ADHD Level 4 Efficacy (Efficacious)

Numerous case studies demonstrate the efficacy of neurofeedback in treating ADD and ADHD (Ramos, 1998; Wadhwani, Radvanski, & Carmody, 1998). Studies using neurofeedback that decreased slow wave activity and increased fast wave activity show people with attention deficit disorder (ADD) improve in ADD symptoms, intelligence score, and academic performance (Grin'-Yatsenko et al., 2001; Lubar, Swartwood, Swartwood, & O’Donnell, 1995; Thompson & Thompson, 1998). Those individuals who significantly reduced theta over the training sessions also showed a 12-point increase in WISC-R IQ, improved Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), and ADDES rating scores (Lubar, Swartwood, Swartwood, & O’Donnell, 1995). One large multi-center study (1,089 participants, aged 5-67 years) showed sensorimotor - beta neurofeedback training led to significant improvementin attentiveness, impulse control, and response variability as measured on the TOVA (Kaiser & Othmer, 2000) in those with moderate pre-training deficits. EEG biofeedback training has also been used successfully in the school setting (Boyd & Campbell, 1998).

 
ADD/ADHD Tips

by Biofeedback Centre in Maitland, Florida

1. You would think ADHD children get enough exercise in their regular hyperfocused and energetic day. There is evidence that martial arts have a substantially positive effect on these children.

2. When a new born preterm infants were given 15 minute three times a day of gentle touch and passive movement they had 50% greater weight gain, were more active and responsive, were discharged 6 days earlier, had improved growth as well as better physical and mental abilities 8-12 months after birth, and the cost saving per infant was $3,000 US (Field et al, 1986). This demonstrated there is excellent reason to believe ADHD children benefit from increased physical interaction, touching, petting, caressing, rubbing, massaging, and roughhouse play with appropriate adults.

3. Doris Rapp, MD and one of the pioneers of food allergy research with over 40 years experience, states 66% of ADHD kids are allergic to foods. In addition to pollen, mold and chemicals (such as additives and food colouring), milk, wheat and corn are the most common triggers for ADHD. Dr. Rapp explains that resulting symptoms can be controlled within one to three days!

4. Want to increase your endurance and boost energy? Take zinc. A recent USDA (United States Drug Administration) researchers found a group of men who were put on a low zinc diet got tired more quickly while exercising than when on a high zinc diet. Moreover, when they were low in zinc, their levels of blood enzymes that protect against muscle soreness were 10%-12% lower.

5. Dr. John Taylor points out our children are what they eat. Author of over 20 books and TV programmes on ADD, Dr. Taylor advised parents feed their children a wholesome balanced diet, avoid fast foods, look for allergies, and be sensitive about chemical additives. He also says "of all the tools for ADHD, Neurofeedback has the greatest amount of research backing it." Taylor, J., Deppenschmidt, K. (1997). Answers to ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder with or Without Hyperactivity: A Practical Guide for Parents. Marco Productions.

6. There are more than 40,000 chemicals added to foods in the US. In Europe, you'll only be exposed to 20! Food dyes and chemicals can contribute to ADD and ADHD in susceptible children. If your child is sensitive to sulfa drugs or aspirin, avoid all dyes and consider the Feingold Association for more information on an available diet.

7. Antibiotics may put your child's tendons at risk.
It's always good to give your child's body rest when he/she is recovering from an infection. It may be especially important if you're using fluoroquinolone antibiotics often prescribed for urinary tract, pulmonary, and other infections. Fluoroquinolones may affect tendons in the knee, thigh, calf or shoulder. Butnik, S. M. (May 2005).

Technical Papers & Abstracts

Alhambra, M. A., Fowler, T. P., and Alhambra, A. A. EEG Biofeedback: A New Treatment Option For ADD/ADHD. ISNR (1-2)3.

Barabasz, A., & Barabasz, M. (1995). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Neurological Basis and Treatment Alternatives. Special Issue on Attention Deficit Disorders, Child Study Journal. Retrieved from ISNR.

Butnik, S. M. (May 2005). Neurofeedback in adolescents and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 61(5), 621-625. Retrieved from Medline.

Chabot, Robert J. (1997). QEEG Profiles of Children of Attention & Learning Disorders and the Role of QEEG in Predicting Medication & Response. Society for Neuronal Regulation 1997 Annual Meeting Conference Abstracts. New York School of Medicine.

Cowan, Jonathan, PhD., BCIA, CEBP. (1997). The Clearest & Simplest NF for Concentration- Frontal Wide Band Suppression. Society for Neuronal Regulation Annual Meeting Workshop 14 and 16 Abstracts.

Cynthia A. R., George W., Hynd, M. J. C., & Jose J. G. (1999). Neurofeedback for the management of attention deficit./hyperactivity disorder. Exceptional Children, 60. 493-522.

Duffy, F. H. (Jan 2000). The state of EEG biofeedback therapy (EEG operant conditioning) in 2000: an editor's opinion. Clinical Electroencephalography. 31(1):V-VII.

Hynd, G. W., Hem, K. L., Voeller, K. K., & Marshall, R. M. (1991). Neurobiological basis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School Psychological Review, 20,174-186.

Lubar J. F., (1991). Discourse on the development of EEG diagnostics and biofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 16, 201-225.

Lubar, J. F., & Shouse, M. N. (1976). EEG and behavioral changes in a hyperkinetic child concurrent with training of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR): ISNR preliminary report. Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 3, 293-306.

Othmer, S., Othmer, S. F., & Marks, C. S. (Sept. 1991). EEG biofeedback training for attention deficit disorder, specific learning disabilities, and associated conduct problems. Retrieved from EEG Spectrum Inc.

Swanson, J., Mcbumett, T., Wigal, T., Pfiffner, L., Lerner, M., Williams, L., et al. (1993). Effect of stimulant medication on children with attention deficit disorder: A "review of reviews". Exceptional Children, 60(2), 154-162.

Thompson, L., & Thompson, M. (Dec. 1998). Neurofeedback combined with training in metacognitive strategies: effectiveness in students with ADD. Applied Psychophysiology And Biofeedback, 23 (4), 243-63. Retrieved from Medline.

Trudeau, D. L. (Jan. 2000). ADHD Neurological Basis & Treatment Alternatives. Clinical Electroencephalography, 31(1):13-22.


NEWS

ADHD Awareness Week October 16-22


Mother of 14 year old Jack H.

My son was struggling with ADHD and was placed in the district special class. His reading and writing skills were insufficient because he skipped class, and was having trouble focusing as well as sleeping. After only 4 visits, he can do his homework much faster taking only 20 minutes to do a page of math in comparison with his previous 45 minutes. He is getting up and going to sleep faster, he is not as chatty, is more thoughtful, where before he used to ramble on in car rides with far fetched grandiose ideas. Before we started with ADNC, he would get angry easily and had a flaring temper. Now, after 44.5 sessions over 29 visits within 3 months, he is much more realistic and sensitive now he can do his homework twice as fast. Also, I am able to have a whole night's sleep and I can wake up in the morning only being asked once!

April 13, 2010

www.add.org

Individual & Families

Individuals & Families

Discover how ADNC can help you and your family members identify, understand, & successfully manage the challenges of living with ADHD.