Neurofeedback for ADHD: How Does It Work?

At Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback (ECNF), we’ve seen the difference neurofeedback sessions have made in the lives of our clients, and we’re excited to help you and your child see what’s possible with our non-invasive, safe, evidence-based training protocols for ADHD. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to us to work with your child to meet their unique needs. We’re committed to providing the personalized care that each of our clients deserve. We begin by developing a baseline for your child’s symptoms and goals, helping us determine measurable growth areas that will guide feedback sessions.

Understanding ADHD in Children

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect the way a child pays attention in academic and other settings, controls impulses and regulates activity levels. One of the most common neurodevelopmental issues in children, ADHD can affect a child’s academic performance, behavior and social interactions. Some children with ADHD only struggle with attention (inattentive type), others struggle with impulse control and restlessness (hyperactive-impulsive type), and others struggle with symptoms of both categories (combined type).

Common symptoms of ADHD in children include:

• Inattention: Easily distracted, difficulty organizing or ordering activities, trouble following directions, forgetful, struggles to finish tasks
• Hyperactivity: Near-constant movement, difficulty sitting still for an age-appropriate period of time, excessive talking, excessive fidgeting
• Impulsivity: Interrupting others, calling out in class, acting without thinking, struggling to take turns with other children

While ADHD treatment has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, conventional approaches still have limitations. In many cases, medications are a first-line treatment for ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall) increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to increase focus, attention and impulse control while taking the stimulant. Non-stimulant medications are also sometimes utilized in the treatment of ADHD. Generally, about 70% of children with ADHD respond to medication but may suffer from side effects, including insomnia, appetite loss, headaches and irritability- in addition to ‘not feeling like themselves’ while on the medication. Neurofeedback demonstrates 70-80% responsiveness across symptoms.

Behavioral therapy is another option for children with ADHD. While this method can be effective for behavior modification, it doesn’t address the neurobiological factors that cause ADHD. Educational support (like tutoring, special services or individualized education plans at school) can also support students with ADHD. While both therapy and support can help children with ADHD, neither addresses the root cause of the problem.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Also known as EEG biofeedback, neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free way to help children and adults alike regulate their brain activity. Using sensors to pick up electrical activity from the brain. Audio-visual neurofeedback is provided in real-time.

As the brain receives neurofeedback, it begins to self-regulate. Over multiple sessions, the brain begins to produce optimal brainwave patterns associated with improved attention, focus and calmness. Unlike medication for ADHD, the brain’s improvements during neurofeedback sessions are lasting because the brain is actually learning something about how it is functioning and how to improve.

This drug-free option can be life-changing for parents and children who prefer not to introduce medications or don’t respond well to ADHD medication. Research shows that neurofeedback can lead to improved attention and focus and a reduction in other ADHD symptoms.

Neurofeedback can also be used in combination with any other ADHD treatments/medications for enhanced effects.

Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback’s Approach to ADHD

Pamela Downey, MS, LMHC, and founder of Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback, began practicing neurofeedback therapy in 2015. After realizing the broad benefits of this non-traditional therapy, she opened Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback in 2021.

We recommend two neurofeedback sessions per week, although some may elect to do a more intensive course of feedback (more sessions over a shorter span of time, such as a holiday break or off-season from a sport). Your child’s training plan will be tailored to your family’s needs and goals to create lasting, significant improvements in everyday tasks, schoolwork and social functioning. We’ll talk with you about the course of feedback that we believe makes the most sense for your child, and we’ll work together to ensure that they’re moving toward your goals.

The Process at Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback: What To Expect During Sessions

Each client works with a licensed therapist and trained team of professionals who closely and collaboratively monitor progress throughout the process. Your first appointment will be for a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and goals to help us create a feedback protocol best suited to your needs. Next, you/your child will begin to attend neurofeedback sessions, typically two times per week.

During a neurofeedback session, the client will have 3-5 sensors attached to their scalp and ears to record their brainwave activity. Then, our computer-based software provides immediate auditory and visual feedback based on second-to-second brainwave patterns. When the brain is responding to the feedback by exhibiting desired brainwave patterns, the software provides positive feedback, like a pleasant tone or smooth image on the computer screen. If the brain activity is not desired, the video may pause or distort sounds or images. This is not effortful for the client; they cannot do it wrong.

Consistency and monitoring are important for optimal progress. Missing sessions or taking long or unplanned breaks between sessions can hinder clients from gaining the maximum benefits of Neurofeedback treatment. However, there are many ways we can customize training plans to meet your and your family’s unique needs.

Long-Term Benefits of Neurofeedback for ADHD

Our neurofeedback approach offers significant improvements for ADHD symptoms in just a couple of months or less in some cases. Our training approach helps the brain optimize brainwave patterns using neuroplasticity. This means that with neurofeedback, you get true brain learning. This is different from the effects of medications, which may help the brain get to a state of better attention but cannot teach the brain how to get there. The child’s brain is dependent on that medication to function properly, and when not on the medication, they return to their previous state of functioning.

Children who have ADHD may experience many benefits from neurofeedback sessions, including:

• Increased emotional control
• Improved school performance
• Higher self-esteem
• Higher confidence
• Improved social skills
• Fewer outbursts

At ECNF, we recognize that each child has unique needs and goals. In some children, neurofeedback replaces the need for medication entirely, while in other children, neurofeedback therapy is complementary to medications. It’s important to talk to your child’s pediatrician before making any changes to their medication. ECNF will work collaboratively to find the best overall approach to meet your family’s needs.

Why Choose Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback Over or With Other Approaches?

Our non-invasive, personalized approach is different from other treatment strategies for ADHD. With neurofeedback training, we aim to address the underlying brain functioning that leads to symptoms of ADHD. We work on an individual level to identify what symptoms are most detracting from the quality of life and train the brain to improve these symptoms through true brain learning. Once that learning is solid, no further sessions are needed to keep these gains, in contrast to medication, which needs to be ongoing. Neurofeedback is also more comprehensive in nature, meaning there are often ‘good side effects.’ Our clients often report improvements that go beyond their initially identified symptoms and training goals, making neurofeedback safe and lasting and of better value than focusing on a single treatment for a diagnosis. Neurofeedback focuses on overall functioning, helping the brain be its best so your child can do their best.

Call Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback Today

Neurofeedback can help your child rewire their brain to enjoy freedom from the symptoms of ADHD. If you’re interested in learning whether neurofeedback may be a good fit for your child with ADHD, we’d love to talk to you. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation at 850.779.8712 (Pensacola) or 850.761.1070 (Fort Walton Beach).