Advanced Neurofeedback Demonstrates Great Promise in Overcoming ADHD Symptoms
A recent New York Times Magazine feature examines the complexity of the way ADHD is defined, diagnosed, and treated. In fact, ADHD may have less agreement among experts about the nature of the disorder compared to a couple of decades ago, according to this article.
With increasing awareness of the different presentations of ADHD and perhaps our dopamine-drenched Digital Information Age, there has been a sharp uptick in using stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin, which can be helpful, but the results often don’t last, and side effects are common. Even when there are perceived benefits, research shows minimal benefits in learning and academic achievement. There is little long-term understanding of stimulant risks, but there appears to be a 6-fold increase in the risk of Parkinson’s disease in those with ADHD taking stimulant medications.
It's no surprise that many parents and doctors would prefer alternatives to medication treatment for ADHD.
The Shifting of Science
The NYT reports on the emerging science that challenges previous assumptions, including a new model that rethinks ADHD differently, not as a disorder one always has but as a condition that one may experience temporarily. The article highlights more discoveries on the role of someone’s environment in the progression of symptoms. This opens the door for interventions that help people better adapt to their environment.
A Cutting-Edge, Evidence-Based, and Drug-Free Approach Targets Brain Connectivity
Advances in neuroscience and computing have led to precision brain training: Z-Score swLORETA Neurofeedback (ZL-Neurofeedback) – an FDA-cleared, cutting-edge approach backed by decades of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research.
ZL-Neurofeedback directly addresses the parts of the brain involved in ADHD and shapes rewards in a more desirable direction by focusing on functional connectivity—the communication between brain regions.
Think of the brain as an orchestra in which many parts must function in harmony to make beautiful, effortless music. Medication does nothing but press the brain to work harder but doesn’t change the balance of the sections or the way they play off of each other.
ZL-Neurofeedback, by contrast, uses the brain’s ability to self-regulate when given feedback. The trainings focus on providing positive feedback at the moments the music strikes the right chord with the right timing. Over time this fosters the brain’s capacity to make beautiful music effortlessly. This works for the parts involved with ADHD but can also rewire parts involved in autism, depression, and concussion recovery.
Unlike medications, which only provide temporary relief, ZL-Neurofeedback harnesses your brain’s natural healing capacities to foster healthy brain functioning all day long: in work, school, and relationships.
If you want to learn more and are seeking a different approach to ADHD or support of other brain functions, consider ZL-Neurofeedback. Bradley Engwall, MD, has worked with patients of all ages starting at age five. He has observed long-lasting changes in his patient’s mental health and recovery from brain injury.
Dr. Engwall offers a satisfaction guarantee and payment plans.
Contact us to schedule a consultation.
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Relevant Publications:
Yin-Chen Wu¹, Hong-En Yu¹, Cheng-Fang Yen², Yi-Chun Yeh², Cian-Ruei Jian³, Chien-Wen Lin³, I-Mei Lin⁴ (2024). “The effects of swLORETA Z-score neurofeedback for patients comorbid with major depressive disorder and anxiety symptoms.”
Nooshin Basiri1, Zahra Khayyer2, Habib Hadianfard₃ & Amirhossein Ghaderi₄ (2017). “Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Neurofeedback: Reducing Insomnia Symptoms.”