EEG NEUROFEEDBACK AND ITS APPLICATION FOR TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH ADD/ADHD

by Ilean Padolsky

In my ten years of experience as a school psychologist, one of the most common referral problems for evaluation of children in the school setting is Attention Deficit Disorder with and without hyperactivity. The most common approach to treatment of ADD/ADHD children is the use of psychostimulant medication such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Cylert. These medications stimulate the underactive Central Nervous System (CNS) temporarily increasing attention span and decreasing impulsive behavior.

In speaking with many parents concerned about the detrimental side effects of psychostimulant treatment, I found that they are searching for an effective nonpharmacological alternative treatment. As a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology, this issue became the focus of my research. In reviewing the literature on alternative therapeutic interventions, it was clear that EEG Neurofeedback or Biofeedback is a efficacious treatment modality. Successful treatment outcomes were evident in the research of Linden et al, 1996; Lubar, 1995; Othmer, Othmer & Marks, 1991; and Tansey, 1993.

This technique was of such great interest to me as an effective alternative approach, I wrote to the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America to arrange to take a training program in BiofeedBack. I completed an eighty hour seminar in theory, applications and practical operation of Biofeedback instrumentation. I also completed coursework in Human Physiology.

In pursuit of further training in EEG Biofeedback, I was accepted as a doctoral intern at Mr. Steven Frederico’s Neurofeedback clinic. Mr. Frederico is an experienced clinician and Neurofeedback therapist. He graciously agreed to train me in the theory and application of Neurofeedback. I learned that researchers attribute the etiology of ADD/ADHD to cortical underarousal. Children with ADD/ADHD, who receive Neurofeedback training, learn to make smoother, more fluid transitions from daydreamy slow theta brainwave activity to task-oriented fast beta brainwave activity.

Well-regulated, Stabilized brainwave activity results in improved focus and increased sustained attention on-task. These positive treatment outcomes are often accompanied by increases in self-esteem and self-efficacy. My research is designed to chart the progress of ADD/ADHD youngsters in terms of levels visual auditory sustained attention, behavioral ratings reported by parents, academic achievement rated by teachers, as well as the child’s self-report of social and emotional functioning.

Upon completion of the study, at no extra charge, an IQ test, which typically costs $300.00 to $400.00, will be provided to all children participating in the research. The objective of this study is to provide empirical research supporting more extensive insurance coverage of this treatment as an efficacious alternative to pharmacological approaches. Parents with children diagnosed as ADD ADHD, ages 8-14. who are interested in participating in this research can call the ADD Action Group.