Rhythms of Dyslexia

Current Advances in Neurofeedback Techniques for the Treatment of ADHD

“…However, comparisons of the effectiveness of NF versus medication have generally shown NF remains a safe, non-invasive alternative to medication and can be at least as effective as, if not better than medication with better long-term effects 7,31 . The two main advantages of the NF system, as several non-randomized studies have stated, are the same effects of NF and stimulant medication on measures of inattention and impulsivity in ADHD [32][33][34][35] , and the long persistence of these effects 33 .…”

“…Therefore, brain resets itself to a new steady state and many patients will recognize this sensation, as a real reward, after three or four sessions. Session by session the neural network is involved and strengthens, as the amplitude increases or decreases according to the needs of the individual patient, and any changes are recorded 7 . The NF practitioner expects to see the EEG normalized after 20 sessions.…”

“…The whole idea of abnormally slow or fast brainwaves is built on years of research, first on EEG sleep patterns and, later, on the correlation of the level of arousal to particular frequency bands. It is accepted by all neuropsychologists that there is an inverted U-shape to emotional state, with slow frequencies associated with drowsiness and fast frequencies associated with anxiety, anger or hyper vigilance 7 . The NF technique became a viable alternative to medication in the USA, especially in cases where drugs did not decrease symptoms or the side-effects required withdrawal 56,57 .…”

“…The third protocol widely used is the Rhythm Sensory Motor. Training with SMR protocol, succeeded in reducing ADHD symptoms in all studies in which it was used (80,81).in addition, Alpha enhancement neurofeedback (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) protocols have also been tested in the earlier years of NF progress, but failed to find a specific effect on hyperkinetic behavior 55 . In line with the earlier lack of clinical effects of alpha-neurofeedback in ADHS 55 , these results do not contribute to the question of efficacy of well-investigated neurofeedback protocols such as TBR, SMR and SCP neurofeedback protocols.…”

“…The main objectives of NF are: controlling a system of physiological responses through training, keeping controlled these responses in the absence of the feedback, and generalizing and maintaining the achieved self-control 6 .To achieving these purpose, in spite of spending several sessions of neurofeedback training (20-30 sessions), often the patient is given 'homework', such as listening to recordings of the weekly NF session every day, or how to confirm the new feeling of calm to maintain it outside the NF clinic 7 .…”