ADD/ADHD

What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattentiveness, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility in academic, occupational, or social settings. While it is one of the most common disorders of childhood, ADD/ADHD is not limited to children. Approximately 50-60% of all children with ADHD will retain this disorder as adults unless they receive treatment.

What is a behavioral pattern of people with AD/HD?

Some individuals with AD/HD tend to be absorbed in their own thoughts and become unaware of the needs of other s. They like to feel/be in control while trying to control others. They appear to be impatient and display low tolerance of frustration. They tend to blame others for their worsening situation or the lack of its resolution. Their short-term memory is poor. They are poor self-observers and self-regulators. They transition poorly. They can forget important responsibilities or tasks. Many need personal space to calm down. Some people experience difficulty getting a good job and retaining it. Others have problems with their private lives. They do not know how to resolve those issues. Fortunately, through Neurofeedback it is possible to normalize various aspects of life and achieve long-standing results. If some of the above characteristics apply to you and you seek help, our staff will be happy to work with you to reduce and/eliminate those issues. Once you have taken control, you will find life exciting and rewarding.

What causes ADD?

• Heredity
• Chemical imbalance
• Birth/head trauma
• Brain damage by toxins, e.g. bacterial/viral, lead intoxication, fetal alcohol exposure/syndrome, etc.
• Food allergies
• Neurological brain differences
• Anoxia—lack of oxygen supply to the brain

What are possible complications of ADD?

• LD—learning disability
• OCD—obsessive-compulsive disorder
• ODD—oppositional defiant disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Juvenile delinquency
• Tic disorders, e.g. Tourette’s Syndrome
• Autism
• Asperger Syndrome
• Developmental delays, whether speech, motor, coordination, etc.
• Relationship and employment failure
• Drug and alcohol abuse

ADD/ADHD Statistics

• ADD affects 3-6% of the population, some estimate as high as 20%

• ADD/ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavior disorder today. (Hoza, et. Al., 1992. Hancock, 1996.)

• Experts believe that more than two million (3 to 5 %) children have attention deficit disorder. (Hancock, 1996.)

• Up to 30% of children with ADD are not hyperactive but still have difficulty focusing.

• Almost half the children who have untreated ADD are a year behind in school, have low self-esteem and lead unsatisfying lives. AD/HD impacts children such areas as grade retention, dropping out of school, academic underachievement/school performance, and social and emotional adjustment difficulties/peer relations.

• Approximately 50% of ADD/ADHD children may be considered underachievers. Over 40% have an IQ achievement discrepancy great enough to warrant a learning disorder diagnosis (Lambert & Sandoval, 1980, as cited in Hoza, Pelham & Sams 1992).

• 20% outgrow it by puberty but other problems can interfere.

• ADD/ADHD affects ten times more boys than girls.

• ADD/ADHD affects more children than any other childhood problem except asthma.

• Approximately 80% to 90% of ADD/ADHD children are given Ritalin or some other stimulants at some stage of their childhood, but only minority of ADD/ADHD children is treated with behavior modification. (Bosco & Robin, 1980, as cited in Hoza, Pelham & Sams, 1992) or special education services. (Lambert & Sandoval, 1980) as cited in (Hoza, Pelham, Sams, 1982).

• The cost of the drugs for ADD/ADHD is between $30 and $60 per month per medicated child.

• Both the drug manufacturers and experts advise against the use of stimulants alone without other remedial measures in the total treatment program for ADD/ADHD. (Hoza, Pelham & Sams, 1992).

• America consumes five times as much Ritalin as the rest of the world combined.

Facts on Ritalin:

• It lasts only 4 hours.

• Ritalin treats only some symptoms of ADD.

• It does not treat the root of the problem.

• Ritalin can cause side effects such as nervousness, appetite loss, weight loss, anxiety, insomnia (inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep), tics, headaches, abdominal pain (stomachaches), drowsiness, potential liver damage, abnormally fast heartbeat, etc. Ritalin can also cause skin rash, pulse changes, chest pain, severe and multiple twitching and writhing movements, dizziness, Taurette’s syndrome, epilepsy, suicidal depression, drug abuse and dependence, etc.

• It can lead to co-dependency with other drugs. According to the Physician’s Desk Reference, “Long-term abuse can lead to tolerance and mental dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior.”

• Ritalin might have to be taken over the entire life span.

• Scientists report that Ritalin triggers changes to the brain long after its calming effects have worn off.

• Dr. Breggin, author of Talking Back to Ritalin and co-author of Talking Back to Prozac, says that “Ritalin does not correct biochemical imbalances—it causes them.” In his book, Talking Back to Ritalin, he lists the following side effects:
• Causing or worsening of the symptoms that Ritalin is supposed to improve including hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention
• Addiction and abuse
• Decreased blood flow to the brain, which can cause impaired thinking ability and memory loss
• Permanent neurological tics
• Decreased ability to learn
• Possible brain atrophy or other permanent abnormalities
• Disruption of growth hormone, leading to suppression of growth in the body and brain of the child
• Psychosis (mania), depression, insomnia, agitation and social withdrawal

• The National Toxicology program concluded that Ritalin is a ‘possible human carcinogen,” and recommended the need for further research. While still insisting that the drug is safe, the Food and Drug Administration admitted that these findings signal “carcinogenic potential,” and required a statement to this effect in the drug’s package insert. However, these inserts are not seen by parents or nurses. (Ritalin Can Cause Cancer by Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition)

How is ADD/ADHD diagnosed?

According to the DSM-IV, people with AD/HD often exhibit the following tendencies: a lack of close attention to detail; a propensity for making careless mistakes; difficulty in sustaining attention to tasks; inability to listen when addressed directly; failure to follow instructions carefully and completely; a pattern of losing, misplacing, or forgetting important things; restlessness; fidgeting with one’s hands or feet; squirming, running, or climbing excessively; talking excessively; blurting out answers before hearing the whole question; difficulty in awaiting one’s turn; interrupting or intruding on others; difficulty playing quietly. In other words, individuals with ADD often make careless mistakes in their work, fail to follow through and finish tasks, avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort such as paperwork, lose things, are easily distracted, and are forgetful.

ADHD is usually diagnosed at the age of 6-12 years old. To qualify as diagnostic criteria, behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. Isolated difficulties are not indicative of ADHD. At least six inattentive symptoms and/or six hyperactive/impulsive symptoms must be present. Furthermore, they must have been detected before the child is seven years old and continued for at least six months. These criteria set ADHD apart from the “normal” distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood, or the effects of the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our contemporary society. Individuals with ADHD exhibit significant impairment in daily functioning.

ADD/ADHD in children can be confused with other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. Often ADD/ADHD co-exist with other conditions such as anxiety disorder, depression, conduct disorder, oppositional disorder, and so forth.

How does attention relate to the brain wave activity of ADD/ADHD children?

The electroencephalogram or EEG is a quantifiable electrical signal produced by the brain. This signal reflects different levels of arousal. Beta brainwaves are fast ones that are produced during tasks requiring concentration. Theta brainwaves are slow, which is consistent with distractibility, daydreaming, and lack of concentration. A brain wave pattern for children with ADD consists of too many slow, sleepy, low frequency theta waves and not enough alert, focused, high frequency beta waves.

How does Neurofeedback work for AD/HD children?

The computer provides a signal, such as a light or a tone. This "feedback" teaches the child to increase certain kinds of brainwave activity and decrease other types. Once the brain "learns" how to regulate itself to function normally, it tends to retain that ability just as it does any other new skill. In Neurofeedback training children quickly recognize that they are totally in control, responsible, empowered and working it out for them.

How many sessions of EEG biofeedback do children with ADD or ADHD need to train themselves to minimize and/or eliminate the symptoms?

Training usually involves 40 to 80 sessions, although this varies from child to child.

What are the results of Neurofeedback training with ADD/ADHD children?

• Learned self-regulation
• Improved behavior and learning at school and at home
• Better grades
• Increased self-esteem, attention, focus, and concentration
• Higher scores on intelligence tests
• Improved scores on IQ tests
• Better sleep
• Possible cessation of bedwetting
• Fewer headaches
• Less frequent temper tantrums/tempers/outbursts
• Increased abilities in mathematics, reading, speech, handwriting and listening
• Greater tolerance of frustration
• Less disruptive behavior
• Better task completion and organizational skills
• Reduced impulsiveness and hyperactivity
• Fuller realization of innate potential
• Long lasting effects unless trauma to the brain (physical or emotional) counteracts the effects of the training.

What can parents expect?

• Improved listening and learning skills
• Increased cooperation and better relationships with peers and family
• Improved self-esteem
• Higher rate of completion of tasks and assignments at home, in school or at work
• Improved interpersonal relationships
• Reduction or elimination of medication
• Improved ability to understand and follow rules of games and sports
• Permanent benefits from treatment
• Improved self-control

Why use Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD?

• With Neurofeedback, your child can teach him- or herself how to get better.
• This approach can reduce the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
• With the training, the medication dosage (e.g., Ritalin) can be reduced or eliminated completely. In contrast, EEG Biofeedback is absolutely harmless and safe, and it has no side effects.
• When medication fails to produce the desired improvement in behavior, Neurofeedback can lead to dramatic shifts in behavior and learning.
• This method will enable your child to modify his or her own brain wave pattern.
• Your child will acquire skills he or she needs to control the physiological source of attention and behavioral disorders.

Other approaches that can be used along with Neurofeedback to treat AD/HD include the following:

• Educational intervention
• Behavior modification
• Counseling of children, e.g. behavior modeling, self-verbalization and self-reinforcement
• Parent training
• Anger management counseling
• Dietary suggestions/intervention (e.g., Mega-vitamin & mineral supplements)
• Chiropractic approach
• Optometric vision training


		ADD/ADHD What is ADD/ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattentiveness, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility in academic, occupational, or social settings. While it is one of the most common disorders of childhood, ADD/ADHD is not limited to children. Approximately 50-60% of all children with ADHD will retain this disorder as adults unless they receive treatment. What is a behavioral pattern of people with AD/HD? Some individuals with AD/HD tend to be absorbed in their own thoughts and become unaware of the needs of other s. They like to feel/be in control while trying to control others. They appear to be impatient and display low tolerance of frustration. They tend to blame others for their worsening situation or the lack of its resolution. Their short-term memory is poor. They are poor self-observers and self-regulators. They transition poorly. They can forget important responsibilities or tasks. Many need personal space to calm down. Some people experience difficulty getting a good job and retaining it. Others have problems with their private lives. They do not know how to resolve those issues. Fortunately, through Neurofeedback it is possible to normalize various aspects of life and achieve long-standing results. If some of the above characteristics apply to you and you seek help, our staff will be happy to work with you to reduce and/eliminate those issues. Once you have taken control, you will find life exciting and rewarding. What causes ADD? • Heredity • Chemical imbalance • Birth/head trauma • Brain damage by toxins, e.g. bacterial/viral, lead intoxication, fetal alcohol exposure/syndrome, etc. • Food allergies • Neurological brain differences • Anoxia—lack of oxygen supply to the brain What are possible complications of ADD? • LD—learning disability • OCD—obsessive-compulsive disorder • ODD—oppositional defiant disorder • Conduct disorder • Juvenile delinquency • Tic disorders, e.g. Tourette’s Syndrome • Autism • Asperger Syndrome • Developmental delays, whether speech, motor, coordination, etc. • Relationship and employment failure • Drug and alcohol abuse ADD/ADHD Statistics • ADD affects 3-6% of the population, some estimate as high as 20% • ADD/ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavior disorder today. (Hoza, et. Al., 1992. Hancock, 1996.) • Experts believe that more than two million (3 to 5 %) children have attention deficit disorder. (Hancock, 1996.) • Up to 30% of children with ADD are not hyperactive but still have difficulty focusing. • Almost half the children who have untreated ADD are a year behind in school, have low self-esteem and lead unsatisfying lives. AD/HD impacts children such areas as grade retention, dropping out of school, academic underachievement/school performance, and social and emotional adjustment difficulties/peer relations. • Approximately 50% of ADD/ADHD children may be considered underachievers. Over 40% have an IQ achievement discrepancy great enough to warrant a learning disorder diagnosis (Lambert & Sandoval, 1980, as cited in Hoza, Pelham & Sams 1992). • 20% outgrow it by puberty but other problems can interfere. • ADD/ADHD affects ten times more boys than girls. • ADD/ADHD affects more children than any other childhood problem except asthma. • Approximately 80% to 90% of ADD/ADHD children are given Ritalin or some other stimulants at some stage of their childhood, but only minority of ADD/ADHD children is treated with behavior modification. (Bosco & Robin, 1980, as cited in Hoza, Pelham & Sams, 1992) or special education services. (Lambert & Sandoval, 1980) as cited in (Hoza, Pelham, Sams, 1982). • The cost of the drugs for ADD/ADHD is between $30 and $60 per month per medicated child. • Both the drug manufacturers and experts advise against the use of stimulants alone without other remedial measures in the total treatment program for ADD/ADHD. (Hoza, Pelham & Sams, 1992). • America consumes five times as much Ritalin as the rest of the world combined. Facts on Ritalin: • It lasts only 4 hours. • Ritalin treats only some symptoms of ADD. • It does not treat the root of the problem. • Ritalin can cause side effects such as nervousness, appetite loss, weight loss, anxiety, insomnia (inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep), tics, headaches, abdominal pain (stomachaches), drowsiness, potential liver damage, abnormally fast heartbeat, etc. Ritalin can also cause skin rash, pulse changes, chest pain, severe and multiple twitching and writhing movements, dizziness, Taurette’s syndrome, epilepsy, suicidal depression, drug abuse and dependence, etc. • It can lead to co-dependency with other drugs. According to the Physician’s Desk Reference, “Long-term abuse can lead to tolerance and mental dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior.” • Ritalin might have to be taken over the entire life span. • Scientists report that Ritalin triggers changes to the brain long after its calming effects have worn off. • Dr. Breggin, author of Talking Back to Ritalin and co-author of Talking Back to Prozac, says that “Ritalin does not correct biochemical imbalances—it causes them.” In his book, Talking Back to Ritalin, he lists the following side effects: • Causing or worsening of the symptoms that Ritalin is supposed to improve including hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention • Addiction and abuse • Decreased blood flow to the brain, which can cause impaired thinking ability and memory loss • Permanent neurological tics • Decreased ability to learn • Possible brain atrophy or other permanent abnormalities • Disruption of growth hormone, leading to suppression of growth in the body and brain of the child • Psychosis (mania), depression, insomnia, agitation and social withdrawal • The National Toxicology program concluded that Ritalin is a ‘possible human carcinogen,” and recommended the need for further research. While still insisting that the drug is safe, the Food and Drug Administration admitted that these findings signal “carcinogenic potential,” and required a statement to this effect in the drug’s package insert. However, these inserts are not seen by parents or nurses. (Ritalin Can Cause Cancer by Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition) How is ADD/ADHD diagnosed? According to the DSM-IV, people with AD/HD often exhibit the following tendencies: a lack of close attention to detail; a propensity for making careless mistakes; difficulty in sustaining attention to tasks; inability to listen when addressed directly; failure to follow instructions carefully and completely; a pattern of losing, misplacing, or forgetting important things; restlessness; fidgeting with one’s hands or feet; squirming, running, or climbing excessively; talking excessively; blurting out answers before hearing the whole question; difficulty in awaiting one’s turn; interrupting or intruding on others; difficulty playing quietly. In other words, individuals with ADD often make careless mistakes in their work, fail to follow through and finish tasks, avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort such as paperwork, lose things, are easily distracted, and are forgetful. ADHD is usually diagnosed at the age of 6-12 years old. To qualify as diagnostic criteria, behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. Isolated difficulties are not indicative of ADHD. At least six inattentive symptoms and/or six hyperactive/impulsive symptoms must be present. Furthermore, they must have been detected before the child is seven years old and continued for at least six months. These criteria set ADHD apart from the “normal” distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood, or the effects of the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our contemporary society. Individuals with ADHD exhibit significant impairment in daily functioning. ADD/ADHD in children can be confused with other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. Often ADD/ADHD co-exist with other conditions such as anxiety disorder, depression, conduct disorder, oppositional disorder, and so forth. How does attention relate to the brain wave activity of ADD/ADHD children? The electroencephalogram or EEG is a quantifiable electrical signal produced by the brain. This signal reflects different levels of arousal. Beta brainwaves are fast ones that are produced during tasks requiring concentration. Theta brainwaves are slow, which is consistent with distractibility, daydreaming, and lack of concentration. A brain wave pattern for children with ADD consists of too many slow, sleepy, low frequency theta waves and not enough alert, focused, high frequency beta waves. How does Neurofeedback work for AD/HD children? The computer provides a signal, such as a light or a tone. This "feedback" teaches the child to increase certain kinds of brainwave activity and decrease other types. Once the brain "learns" how to regulate itself to function normally, it tends to retain that ability just as it does any other new skill. In Neurofeedback training children quickly recognize that they are totally in control, responsible, empowered and working it out for them. How many sessions of EEG biofeedback do children with ADD or ADHD need to train themselves to minimize and/or eliminate the symptoms? Training usually involves 40 to 80 sessions, although this varies from child to child. What are the results of Neurofeedback training with ADD/ADHD children? • Learned self-regulation • Improved behavior and learning at school and at home • Better grades • Increased self-esteem, attention, focus, and concentration • Higher scores on intelligence tests • Improved scores on IQ tests • Better sleep • Possible cessation of bedwetting • Fewer headaches • Less frequent temper tantrums/tempers/outbursts • Increased abilities in mathematics, reading, speech, handwriting and listening • Greater tolerance of frustration • Less disruptive behavior • Better task completion and organizational skills • Reduced impulsiveness and hyperactivity • Fuller realization of innate potential • Long lasting effects unless trauma to the brain (physical or emotional) counteracts the effects of the training. What can parents expect? • Improved listening and learning skills • Increased cooperation and better relationships with peers and family • Improved self-esteem • Higher rate of completion of tasks and assignments at home, in school or at work • Improved interpersonal relationships • Reduction or elimination of medication • Improved ability to understand and follow rules of games and sports • Permanent benefits from treatment • Improved self-control Why use Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD? • With Neurofeedback, your child can teach him- or herself how to get better. • This approach can reduce the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of ADD/ADHD. • With the training, the medication dosage (e.g., Ritalin) can be reduced or eliminated completely. In contrast, EEG Biofeedback is absolutely harmless and safe, and it has no side effects. • When medication fails to produce the desired improvement in behavior, Neurofeedback can lead to dramatic shifts in behavior and learning. • This method will enable your child to modify his or her own brain wave pattern. • Your child will acquire skills he or she needs to control the physiological source of attention and behavioral disorders. Other approaches that can be used along with Neurofeedback to treat AD/HD include the following: • Educational intervention • Behavior modification • Counseling of children, e.g. behavior modeling, self-verbalization and self-reinforcement • Parent training • Anger management counseling • Dietary suggestions/intervention (e.g., Mega-vitamin & mineral supplements) • Chiropractic approach • Optometric vision training