How Neurofeedback works to relieve ADHD symptoms:  When most people concentrate, their brains speed up (especially the frontal lobes - behind the forehead).  This helps them organize; direct their thoughts, attention, and feelings; and evaluate the likely results of their actions.  For many ADHD children, the more they try to concentrate, the more this area of the brain slows down.  This makes it even harder to pay attention and organize their thinking.  Neurofeedback (also called EEG biofeedback and neurotherapy) gives children the experience of speeding up their brainwaves and learning to use their brains more efficiently - by their own power, not through the use of drugs.  Telling a child to pay more attention does not work.  Just like actually riding a bicycle is a very different experience from talking about riding a bicycle, neurofeedback designed to speed up brainwaves and increase attention is very different from just talking about paying more attention.

Another way of thinking about the effects of neurofeedback is that it is a way to directly exercise the brain.  Decreasing the strength of slow moving waves (usually Theta waves) and increasing faster moving waves (often SMR and Beta waves) is like getting off the couch and going for a brisk walk.  Just like consistent physical exercise increases our speed, endurance, and physical flexibility; consistent neurofeedback practice can increase focus, sustained attention, and mental flexibility. 

The need for treatment beyond medication:  In 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued guidelines for the treatment of children with ADHD.  These guidelines recommend behavior therapy in addition to medication.  Although the correct medication at the optimal dose can be extremely helpful for many children with ADHD, there often are some side effects and the benefit of medication usually ends abruptly when medication is stopped. 

Effectiveness of Neurofeedback:  Neurofeedback has been found effective in relieving symptoms of ADHD for many children.  Dr. Lubar, who has been researching neurofeedback for ADHD since the mid-1970's, has published 10-year follow-ups on neurofeedback cases.  He found that about 80 percent of patients substantially improve their ADHD symptoms and these changes are maintained over 10 years.  Rossiter and LaVaque found that 20 sessions of neurofeedback produced comparable improvements in attention and concentration to taking Ritalin.  Several other studies have found comparable results.  In a one-year follow-up, controlled group study, Monastra and others found that adding neurofeedback to a medication program maintained gains made after medication was discontinued.   

How Long does it take?  A course of neurofeedback averages about 40 sessions.  Some beneficial results are often seen in 20 or less sessions.  However, the full effect of treatment often requires 40 or more sessions. 

How much does neurofeedback cost? Health insurance often does not cover neurofeedback.  However, some insurance programs will cover a limited number of sessions and some will cover the entire course of neurofeedback.  A course of neurofeedback can cost about $3,000 or more.