What is ADD ADHD Neurofeedback Therapy?

ADD ADHD neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical process that helps to address a variety of psychological and neurophysical conditions.

Our clinics use NFT to optimise brain functioning and enhance personal performance in both the corporate and academic sectors. NFT can also be used to maximise performance in elite sports. In addition, other positive outcomes include reducing performance anxiety, improving sleep, reducing mind chatter and increasing focus.

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a non-invasive way to teach people how to better control their involuntary functions such as heart rate, muscle tension and blood pressure. This approach has been used to decrease chronic pain from tension, manage anxiety, and assist with other physiological symptoms which impact daily living.

What is EEG Biofeedback / Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a way to train brain activity; acting as biofeedback for the brain. NFT / EEG biofeedback is used with people with a variety of conditions, including:

• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Concentration difficulties
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Learning disabilities
• Depression
• Sleep disorders
• Migraines and headaches
• Behavioural disorders
• Emotional disturbances and PMS

Similar conditions involving brain deregulation symptoms can also be treated with this process. In addition, NFT may help people with organic brain conditions such as cerebral palsy and seizures. The ADD / ADHD Treatment Centre therefore offers a combination of NFT / EEG biofeedback treatments to provide the most proactive solutions possible.

What is our ADD ADHD Neurofeedback Therapy Treatment Process?

NFT / EEG biofeedback tells us about your brain’s electrical activity. In other words, we can train your own brain to self correct and regulate its own brainwaves. Essentially, it acts as a kind of workout for the brain.

All NFT / EEG biofeedback treatments begin with an initial assessment. This provides an understanding of your medical history and helps us set behavioural and emotional goals so can we develop suitable training protocols. After that, one of our trained technicians will take measurements of your brain’s electrical activity and begin training.

What happens next?

After this, sensors are placed on your scalp and ears to record brain signals. This is just like how a doctor places a stethoscope on someone’s chest to detect a heartbeat. Your brainwaves are then translated into sounds and graphics for our technician to read. During later training sessions, you will focus on different sounds and pictures for between 7 to 30 minutes. The length depends on your specific program.

For example, if you want to train your brain to be more focused and less distracted, you would do the following. Every time your brain goes into an alert state, you’ll hear a beep and see graphics on the screen. In this way, it becomes possible to train you using your favourite DVD. We can even use video games in the same way. The more you use the correct brainwaves (remaining relaxed, calm or focused) the easier it is to watch the movie or play the game. This trains your brain to reach more positive mental states with far higher consistency. Essentially, your brain learns to become more efficient, flexible, and resilient.

How long does it take to work?

It’s impossible to predict how many sessions a person will need. This is because each person’s brain is different. However, improvements are usually seen after 2 to 5 sessions. Simple cases may need 30 sessions, while other cases may need 50 or more sessions. This depends on the severity and complexity of your symptoms. Studies have shown that clients often continue to improve after sessions end. In most cases, once your treatment has finished, the benefits to your brain are permanently retained.

How often do I need to have sessions?

We begin with 1 to 3 sessions per week. However, the more frequent your sessions, the faster your progress will be. Remember: you’re re-training your brain and this takes time and patience.

What results can be achieved?

Improvements to a wide range of symptoms can be achieved through NFT / EEG biofeedback treatment, including difficulties with:

• Concentration and/or staying on task
• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Short-term memory
• Organisation
• Impulsiveness / self-control
• Depression / low mood
• Anxiety
• Reading, learning, and academic performance
• Social skills
• Low energy or motivation
• Irritability and meltdowns
• Sleep difficulties including chronic insomnia
• Chronic pain and more

Are there side effects?

NFT / EEG biofeedback has no adverse side effects when administered by experienced and responsible clinicians. There are over 250 published scientific studies and articles on NFT / EEG biofeedback that verify there are no harmful effects following these treatments.

From what age can NFT / EEG biofeedback be administered?

Resources such as the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) have stated that neurofeedback and biofeedback are suitable for all ages. A common recommendation is that NFT and biofeedback are first able to be conducted from approximately the ages of 5-6 years old. For children and individuals with complex developmental issues, we can facilitate an integrated programme with our occupational therapy team to get them ready for brain training.

How effective is NFT / EEG biofeedback?

In general, NFT / EEG biofeedback is effective in 75-80% of cases.

How much does it cost?

Your initial assessment will cost more than each subsequent session as we will need to establish your baseline statistics and establish you within our system. You may also be eligible for private health rebates.

What is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)?

HRV measures variation in-between heartbeats and can accompany your brain training and psychological sessions. In general, the higher the variable between beats, the more relaxed the body is. Heart rate variability can indicate fatigue or stress and provides a physiological marker for how well the body is recovering. HRV training typically uses audio and visual stimulus to teach calming techniques like breathing and mindfulness. These techniques can then be applied within different daily activities and/or high-pressure situations.

What is a QEEG Assessment and Report?

Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) assessments and reports provide an analysis of your brainwave patterns that we compare to other people your age. This can indicate abnormal cognitive or emotional states. A QEEG can determine brains that are anxious, depressed, inattentive, traumatised, injured, or have learning difficulties and express how this affects brain function and behaviour. QEEG helps to detect reasons behind these conditions and assists in our intervention strategies by providing more accurate NFT support.