ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD, also called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a behavior disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity and in many cases, hyperactivity. It is estimated that nearly 12% of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD.

Three Primary Catagories/Symptoms of ADHD

Inattention

Easily distracted
Forgetfulness
Poor listening skills
Short attention span
Lack of organizational skills
Poor study skills for age

Impulsivity

Often interrupts others
Difficulty waiting for his or her turn
Impulsively blurts out answers
Takes frequent risks (often without thinking before acting)

Hyperactivity

Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs – always moving
Difficulty remaining seated
Often fidgets with or taps feet/hands
Talks excessively
Has difficulty engaging in quiet activities
Loses or forgets things repeatedly and often
Inability to stay on task or complete any given task

Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback has demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms of ADD and ADHD after just 8-10 weeks. This is accomplished by training abnormal brainwave patterns to produce normal organized patterns.

NeuroFeedback Therapy for ADHD

At Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback, we use the most advanced neuro-training assessment and protocols to provide long lasting results for you/your child. Our brain training protocols are tailored to help you increase the stability of the brain and improve its flexibility to move between mental states. Neurofeedback teaches these brain areas to function better. Many clients start to see improvements in impulse control, attention, focus, and mood after just 5 sessions of neurofeedback.

NeuroFeedback Therapy

A safe and natural approach
No risky side effects
Teaches the brain without chemicals
Effects are long-lasting
Children receiving neurofeedback therapy prior to age 12 or 13 tend to respond more quickly
While under an MD’s supervision most people can either cut down or stop using medication after successfully completing the required number of sessions

Untreated ADHD

Untreated ADHD can be problematic throughout life. People with ADHD tend to have short attention spans and be impulsive, making it harder to succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and many areas of life.

What is Stimulant Therapy? (Medication)

Stimulant therapy (medication) is the most common treatment for ADHD. Stimulant medication is designed to stimulate the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, attention, and movement. There are currently more than 15 different stimulant medications being prescribed for ADD/ADHD. In many cases, there may be changes to the medication prescribed or to the dosage, if the initial medication is not effective or creates unfavorable side effects.

This method of treatment includes ongoing doctor appointments and can require years of therapy, creating added stress on both the children and parents or care takers.

Common side effects of ADHD medication

Loss of appetite
Sleep problems
Nausea and headaches
Sudden mood changes
Costs (monetary and time)

Does Medication Fix the Problem?

Medication is meant to treat the symptoms but is not a cure for ADD/ADHD. Stimulant medication provides great improvement in symptoms for some; however, others often have unwanted side effects or simply do not get the results they are hoping for. As with other mental health conditions, medications do not teach the brain to function differently. As soon as one stops taking the medication the brain returns to the same patterns that produced the initial symptoms.

For more information on how Neurofeedback can help ADHD

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Shannon Aplin

2022-11-05

I can't stress enough how much working with Margaret and Pamela has changed my life. I had been struggling with my mental health for years before coming across Emerald Coast Neurofeedback. I initially was simply looking for someone to help with my unmanaged OCD, depression, and relentless anxiety. My partner found Pamela on a whim, hoping to schedule therapy appointments. Even before being sure if she could fit me in soon, she talked through my history extensively on the phone with me and gave me information and resources on types of treatments as well as other practitioners that she recommended in case I decided to take another route. What changed everything was the recommendation that Neurofeedback may help what I was going through. I was nervous, did a lot of research, and ultimately decided that I should give it a try. Pamela was extremely kind and empathetic as we went through my initial intake assessment, even when I felt embarrassed answering questions and dealing with the emotional aspect of reliving certain traumas. I can't stress enough that I've had a few therapists over the years, and the process of finding someone empathetic while still professional is daunting. Pamela met every expectation and beyond. I've never worked with a kinder and more effective set of mental health professionals than Pamela and Margaret. Margaret set everything up, monitored my sessions twice a week and did everything and more to make sure I was comfortable and felt safe and heard. She is a wonderful person that truly believes in what she is doing, and it shows. I went through roughly 20 sessions of Neurofeedback. At the start, I was struggling with nightmares, health anxiety, and even leaving my home. Three months later, I had gained the confidence in myself and my mental heath to accept a job in another country and uproot my life to follow my ambitions. The transition throughout my sessions was so immense and yet so gradual and subtle. After just a handful of sessions, I started to realize that my dreams were less intense and stressful. About halfway through, I noticed that one of my biggest issues involving my health anxiety simply didn't bother me anymore. I am a worrier by nature -- sensitive to medications and anything involving my mind or body. I went into this terrified that it might affect me in ways that I wouldn't be ready for. But instead, I simply went in twice a week, and trusted the process to help maneuver the way my mind was reacting to certain stimuli. And to put it as simply as possible, it worked. I could not be more grateful to have found such a wonderful team, so dedicated to helping others. I specifically want to say that Neurofeedback as a whole is wildly underutilized and should be considered as a form of treatment for a range of issues If you take anything from this massively long review, it should be that this is worth a shot and that you will be in such good hands with this team. Thank you both so much for everything!