EEG Neurobiofeedback for Inattentive ADHD

EEG Neurobiofeedback treatment to treat Inattentive ADHD as well as the other subtypes of ADHD started in the 1970's. A recent thorough review of journal articles looking at all the published studies on the effect of EEG Neurobiofeedback and ADHD has been recently published. The reviewers concluded that this treatment is effective for both the hyperactive/Impulsive subtype of ADHD and for Inattentive ADHD.

When the brain is in a state where the person is alert and attentive, the brain waves (EEG) shows a certain wave pattern. The goal of this treatment is for the person to learn how to produce and maintain this EEG pattern. The treatment works because the brain can perform better if it is given visual information about how 'better' looks.

Today, this is primarily done with a computer screen and an electrode attached to the patient's head. The patient is challenged to maintain their brain waves in a certain state which is shown on the computer screen. By changing the way they attend, they change the computer's feedback. By staying 'on course' with their brain waves, they win the computer game and learn how to produce attention and focus in their brains. The exiting news about this treatment is that patient's tend to retain the learning and are able to sustain attention and focus even when they are no longer receiving the feedback.

This is the good news about EEG Biofeedback. The bad news is that this treatment can be costly. The average Inattentive ADHD Treatment can range in costs from $2000.00 to $6000.00 and these cost are usually not covered by insurance. The time commitment involved is sometimes prohibitive. A patient is required to go to between twenty and forty sessions which last about one hour and the training usually lasts 2-3 months. Though this is very effective treatment, many families with working parents do not have the time or resources to use this treatment option. Finding a certified EEG biofeedback provider is another obstacle to treatment. Most large cities have providers but rural areas and smaller cities do not.

I have attached a link below to search for EEG Neurobiofeedback providers in your area. Just type in your zip code and it will show you the providers closest to where you live.

http://www.eegspectrum.com/Providers

The research on EEG Neurobiofeedback is very exiting. With time I think Insurance companies will see the long term benefits of using this type of treatment over the use of the stimulants. Until then, most of us will have to get by with treatments for our ADHD kids that are, by far, our first choice.