The ADD Centre® & The Biofeedback Institute of Toronto®

1.) How do children and adults benefit from neurofeedback training?
2.) What is the method used?
3.) Does it hurt and is it interesting?
4.) What does the student do during the 50 minute training session?
5.) Are there research findings?
6.) Do neurofeedback and medications do the same thing?
7.) Can adults benefit?
8.) What are the advantages of EEG training?
9.) How long does the training take?
10.) How soon will progress be noticed?
11.) How long do the results of training last?
12.) Are standardized tests used to help evaluate progress?
13.) How long has this training method been used?
14.) Is training covered by insurance?
15.) Can neurofeedback be combined with other approaches?
16.) Why aren't these procedures better known?
17.) Why it works!

1.) How do children and adults benefit from neurofeedback training? This training procedure has been shown to increase the ability to pay attention, focus and concentrate. Studies have demonstrated that students with Attention Deficit Disorder who have completed this training have also shown significant improvements in classroom performance. Dr. Joel Lubar, the originator of these training procedures, reported that 80% of the first 250 children they worked with demonstrated grade point average improvements of approximately 1.5 levels. I.Q. scores on the WISC also show significant improvement.

2.) What is the method used? Everyone's brain produces electricity and brain-waves of different frequencies are associated with different mental states. People with attentional problems produce an abundance of slow waves and less fast wave activity. A sudden burst of slow wave activity - Alpha or Theta - in the middle of a task may indicate that the individual is tuned out for that moment in time. Tuning out and day dreaming are reduced by training to decrease slow waves (Theta). Fidgeting and hyperactivity are controlled by training to increase a type of Beta called sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). Concentration is improved by training to increase fast wave activity (SMR or Beta).

3.) Does it hurt & is it interesting? NO, it does not hurt and YES, people do find it interesting! Monitoring the EEG is a fairly simple process. It involves placing two or more electrodes on the head. The wires from the sensors transmit the electrical information from the scalp to an instrument which analyzes the brainwaves. The information is fed into a computer

4.) What does the student do during the 50 minute training session? A trainer works individually with each student. There are a variety of EEG feedback programs available at the Centre. With each of them the student sits in front of a computer screen and receives visual and audio feedback. This feedback gives positive reinforcement to the student and trains the student to: relax increase alertness focus concentrate stop fidgeting decrease an impulsive approach to tasks During each training hour the student has opportunities for combined visual and auditory feedback. Other periods of time during the training session are used for audio feedback combined with academic tasks such as reading, mathematics and other subjects. These sections of the training session may include listening, reading and written work. The student is taught metacognitive learning strategies, study skills and time management. At the end of the session the trainer review the scores and graphs which show how well the student was concentrating during each part of the training session.

5.) Are there research findings? YES, numerous studies have shown that distinctly identifiable EEG differences are present in children with learning disabilities and attention deficits with and without hyperactivity. EEG feedback training can be used to improve these problems. In addition, there are basic research findings which indicate decreased brain activity in the frontal lobe (particularly on the left) in persons who exhibit ADD symptoms when they are given an intellectual challenge. These findings include: (i) decreased glucose metabolism (PET scan) as reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, (ii) decreased blood flow (SPECT scan), (iii) excessive Theta brain wave activity (EEG). Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, learning approach that directly influences activation of the brain by rewarding decreased production of slower waves (Theta) and increased production of fast wave activity. This pattern is associated with brain activation and positive response to intellectual tasks and the person is able to see their brainwaves on a computer screen. There are many different feedback screens which can be selected. Young children may select puzzles and mazes while adults often prefer gauges and displays that give quantitative data. Children enjoy taking home printouts of their brainwaves and demonstrating to how they are learning to control them. They can compare this training to that of a gymnast or a martial arts expert. The skill must be practiced until it becomes automatic (unconscious). In addition to acquiring self regulation of brain waves, the students receive instruction in metacognitive strategies - thinking processes involved in learning how to learn and remember. Older students are taught time management and study skills. These skills are learned more rapidly and thoroughly when they are taught in combination with neurofeedback.

6.) Do neurofeedback and medications do the same thing? No. Medications have an advantage in that they act immediately. They can be very useful and helpful with some children to control disruptive behaviors which might otherwise cause negative reactions and a lowering of their self esteem. Medications, however, act only while they are at sufficient dosage level in the blood stream. Dr. Swanson's team at the University of California, Irvie, summarized their usefulness "(1) a short term benefit for the management of behavioral symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity; and (2) a lack of demonstrated long-term effects on learning, achievement, or social adjustment". Neruofeedback takes much longer to produce change (2 to 6 months) but appears to give long term benefits in all the key areas of attention span, impulse control, academic achievement and social adjustment.

7.) Can adults benefit? Yes. ADD symptoms do not necessarily go away as a person gets older and adults benefit from neurofeedback training to the same extent as children. They can achieve long term improvement in attention span, impulse control, reading, listening skills, and time management. In addition, many adults also want assistance with stress and tension. For decreasing tension, neurofeedback of brain waves can be combined with biofeedback.

8.) What are the advantages of EEG training? With EEG training the child is empowered to take control of both attention and concentration. There are none of the side effects associated with medications. Training helps attention to be maintained when the person chooses; for example, during the evening study hours when medications, if used, may interfere with sleep. Training also is a step towards not requiring medications in order to concentrate on one's work in future years.

9.) How long does training take? Training takes approximately 40-60 sessions depending upon the severity of the disorder. Frequency of training is usually twice per week for a period of at least 5 months. Each training session lasts approximately 50 minutes. Condensed schedules are available, especially during the summer.