How to Treat ADHD Through Biofeedback

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a difficult childhood condition often misdiagnosed. In reality, ADHD not only affects children, but also many adults who may not have been diagnosed as children. Many with ADHD may have been misdiagnosed as being lazy or as having behavioral problems. The fact is, these children (or adults) are wired differently. The characteristic symptoms of attention deficit disorders include trouble engaging in any one activity for any length of time. They often have a great deal of difficulty in school. That's not surprising since some of the other symptoms include impulsivity, disorganization and forgetfullness. Those with ADHD can have trouble following directions and interacting well with peers. In recent years, as more and more children are being diagnosed, schools often turn to parents to have their own children medicated so they can stay in mainstream classrooms. Fortunately, many families are now turning to alternative medicine to find ways to help treat the symptoms of ADHD. Ironically, the hyperactivity component of this disorder is actually caused by slower brain wave activity. Biofeedback gives patients a means to gain control over involuntary body functions such as brain wave activity. Children (and adults) are trained to use visual cues (colors or pictures) to "rev up" their brains, much like driving from first gear at a stoplight and getting to third or fourth gear quickly. Follow these steps to find out more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Treat ADHD Through Biofeedback

1. Confirm your (or your child's) ADHD diagnosis. There is no one test to determine ADHD. A diagnosis is made after several different professionals, such as teachers, therapists, medical doctors and coaches who regularly observe you or your child, answer questionnaires. Parents are also asked to fill out a survey to confirm diagnosis.
2. Find a good therapist certified in biofeedback protocols used for patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by visiting the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) Web site(see Resources below).
3. Discuss with your therapist the development of a treatment plan, both short term and long term. Children (or adults) do not outgrow ADHD. They may experience a change in symptoms or be able to minimize their effects; but it is not something that goes away.

Tips & Warnings

• ADHD is a life-long condition. Help your child build positive self-esteem. This is a medical condition and not something they can control without help.
• The costs of individual biofeedback sessions are relatively inexpensive compared to psychotherapy sessions, but require intense intervention and ongoing follow up.
• If your child also takes medication, be alert. Selling Ritalin or other ADHD meds has become the rage in high schools and colleges. For people who do not have ADHD, these stimulants can cause serious health problems, including death. Overdose symptoms include vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, blurred vision and rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms, go to an emergency room immediately.