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Published on the 10th, 20th and 30th of each month (USUALLY)

WHAT ABOUT BIOFEEDBACK?

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DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?

December 20, 2000

Volume 2 Issue 20

Purpose: to present choices to consider AFTER a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD.

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Published 10^th, 20^th & 30^th of each month

** PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT! **

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WHAT ABOUT BIOFEEDBACK?

Biofeedback is a strategy/treatment designed to assist persons in altering their brain waves. It is based on the premise that, when a person is aware of their brain waves, he/she can learn to change them. It has also been described as exercise for the brain.

“biofeedback is used for many conditions and disabilities in which the brain is not working as well as it might.”

Basically this training is done by placing sensors on the scalp and ears. Brain waves are monitored by a biofeedback “reader or machine”. The information is relayed to the subject – sometimes it’s a sound that changes pitch, other times it may be a visual line on a monitor that changes as the brain waves change.

I personally have had the opportunity to be “hooked up” to a biofeedback machine. It is fairly easy to “control” the output from the machine by relaxing, thinking pleasing thoughts, and relaxing the body. I was also able to change the output by thinking negative or scary thoughts and tensing up. I don’t know if this is typical of others who have used biofeedback but that’s what I experienced in my ONE time (about 15 minutes) of use. The purpose of the session was to demonstrate the machine. It was not a therapeutic session. It was a lot of fun!

It doesn’t hurt – I imagine it could hurt if while removing the sensors, some hair accidentally got yanked out at the same time. My session was painless.

WILL BIOFEEDBACK HELP ADD ADHDers?

The research is not conclusive.

It does seem to help some ADDers. (Realize that using Ritalin, Concerta, Adderal, Cylert, or other mainstream treatments also help some ADDers– and not others) The main problem I see with biofeedback is the COST. Sessions are expensive and 40-60 sessions are usually needed before symptoms are lessened appreciably. Also, few insurance companies are willing to pay for biofeedback therapy. Additionally, I tend to disbelieve any claim if it is presented as a “cure all”. Some outlandish claims are made such as >>> “75% of children are completely free of ADD symptoms after 60 in-office sessions”, "alcoholics and drug abusers become sober, and remain sober", and "biofeedback caused criminals to stay out of jail because they didn't commit crimes again." REALLY!! This is a bit much to swallow. If it works SO WELL, why don't they use it to rehabilitate drug abusers and criminals?????

I suggest you visit the following websites and decide for yourself.

GO TO www.about.com and enter biofeedback in their search box. The about.com site has more information than you would ever need about biofeedback. While you’re there, put ADHD in the search box. It is truly amazing the amount of information available.

The next three sites are run by a couple of doctors who are trying to fill the need for a HOME biofeedback program. Take the time to visit their sites. They have done an excellent job of stating their case for using biofeedback with ADDers.