Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine in their various forms, in treating the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in children, teens, and adults. Even though stimulants are not the only effective option in the treatment of the disorder, stimulants may be a good choice, and their use should be discussed with your physician.
Below is a chart showing the effectiveness of EEG Biofeedback, or Neurofeedback training. This information is from a study by Rossiter and La Vaque which used the same protocols that we used in our clinical studies with ATTEND. They used the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) as the measuring instrument to determine change in performance after using either medications of EEG Biofeedback training for 30 days. The TOVA is a computerized Continuous Performance Test (CPT) that has no placebo effective, and has no bias (such ahs you might see with parent rating scales).
A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders. Thomas P. Rossiter, and Theodore J. La Vaque. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, Summer 1995
With 30 days of EEG Biofeedback training the group improved in every category measured by the TOVA. They improved a great deal in their focused attention to a task (1.6 standard deviations); their self-control improved nearly one standard deviation (0.9 SD); their reaction time improved a bit (0.5 SD, which is still a statistically significant improvement on the TOVA); and their Consistency score, or Variability score, improved by the same 1/2 standard deviation.
These were good improvements. Perhaps not as big over all as the group that used stimulant medications, but still a significant improvement.
We like EEG Biofeedback training as an intervention, and we provided it in out clinic for seven years or so. The only downside that we'd warn parents about are:
(1) make sure that the person actually doing the treatment is well trained, as often the doctor or psychologist will turn the actual treatment over to a technician who barely knows what they are doing; and
(2) the treatments can come with a tall price tag. Shop around for a reasonably priced provider.
To learn more about your treatment options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder visit the ADHD Information Library at http://www.add101.com.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.add101.com, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
best cleaning company Highland Park .."Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
"To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
Just a couple of years ago Annie helped her parents... Read More
Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More
How on earth can you help your family cope with... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More
A friend phoned her neighbor, complaining about the wafts of... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
The popularity of EEG Biofeedback Training continues to grow both... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
Parents want their children to succeed in school. However, sometimes... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
Teri was 5. As younger siblings do, she looked up... Read More
Blink. That's all we did, blink, and summer is ending... Read More
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More
Did you know that you are the most important person... Read More
In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..What parent hasn't gone into a son's or daughter's room... Read More
When it comes to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
My neighbours' kid impressed me the other day.I was busy... Read More
Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More
To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important... Read More
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with... Read More
I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?Last... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
Peaceful Parenting? ideas are very different from other kinds of... Read More
One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More
Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don't consider... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
Parenting |