adhd biofeedback games

Electroencephalographic (eeg) Neurofeedback: Another Approach to Treat Adhd

Neurofeedback: Another

Treatment for ADHD

In just the last 20 years, Attention Deficit & Hyperactive Disorder, (ADHD) has

become America’s “leading childhood psychiatric disorder. Approximately 2% to 6% of school-age children are diagnosed with ADHD (Raz 2004).   According to Barkley (1998) the number of children affected by ADHD can vary from 1% to 20 %, depending on how one chooses to define it, the population studies, the geographic locale of the survey, etc. ADHD is characterized by the inability to self-regulate focused attention. Children with hyperactivity are impulsive and behaviorally disinherited. The condition is developmentally disabling which, if left uncontrolled persists into adolescence and adulthood (Edwards, 1995).

Frontal Lobe and ADHD

Research indicates a neurological basis for ADHD, specifically, frontal lobe dysfunction. Frontal lobe functions are executive in nature and are involved in developing plans and organizing resources. They also are critical in mediating inhibitory behaviors such as controlling motor behavior and inhibiting attentional focus on distracter or irrelevant stimuli. The evidence suggesting right frontal lobe dysfunction as the basis of attention deficit disorders is considerable (Chelune, Ferguson, Koon & Dickey, 1986; Gualteri & Hicks, 1985; Hynd, et.al 1990; Lou,et.al., 1989).

There has been increasing interest in the relationship between prefrontal cortex functioning and the ADHD. Children with frontal lobe lesions show impulsive hyperactive behavior (Grattan and Eslinger, 1991), and adolescents with ADHD show decreased anterior frontal lobe activity on positron emission tomography (Zametkin et al., 1993). Performance on neuropsychological tests purported to test frontal cortex functioning is deficient in children with ADHD (Barkley et al., 1992). In study examined frontal lobe functioning in adolescents with ADHD Schandler (2001) found a presence and magnitude reflect frontal lobe dysfunction in children with ADHD ages between 12 and 17. The results of the study conducted by Fredericksen et. al. (2002) was consistent with previous reports of reduced frontal lobe volumes associated with ADHD.  Schmidt’s study (1999) shows that boys with ADHD exhibited a less right-lateralized frontal activation pattern than normal control boys. Halperin (2006) found that the brain activation gradients in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex of ADHD adolescents. Recent research using advanced neuroimaging morphological procedures has shown that ADHD children fail to show the normal right-greater-than-left asymmetry in the mass of the frontal lobes (Hynd, Hem, Voeller & Marshall, 1991). Consistent with this finding, computerized quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis shows significantly greater slow wave (theta) activity and significantly less fast wave (beta) activity predominantly in the frontal regions for ADHD boys and girls when compared to age-and-sex-matched normal (Mann, et.al.,1992).

Neurofeedback Training for ADHD

The neurofeedback Training, also known as EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, uses an electroencephalograph (EEG), a device that detects and records the electrical activity in the brain, called brainwaves. An EEG can detect brainwaves and discern whether they are strong or weak (amplitude) or fast or slow (frequency). Scientists commonly identify brainwaves in four categories:-

Beta, the fastest brainwaves, 14-32 hertz, focused on day-to-day activities and on attentiveness & thinking activities.

Alpha, a slower brainwave, ranging from 8 to 12 hertz.  This rhythm is characteristic of a relaxed yet alert state of awareness.

Theta, the next slower waves range from 4 to 8 hertz. This rhythm is often associated with dreamlike imagery, sleepiness and deep relaxation.

Delta, the slowest waves, from 0 to 4 hertz, predominates during dreamless sleep.

EEG accepts the neurological basis of the ADHD (i.e. frontal lobe dysfunction).  Recognizing that the ADHD patients produce more theta waves activity and less beta waves activity, compared to non ADHD patients (Barabasz et al, 1993; Mann et al, 1992). The goal of EEG training is to alter these abnormal brain waves by decreasing theta waves, while simultaneously increasing beta waves. Proponents of this technique believe that bringing theta and beta brainwave closer to healthier patterns leads to a reduction of ADHD symptoms.The EEG monitors and records the different brainwaves of the patient, who learns how to increase or reduce certain types of brainwaves.  EEG training is intended to teach patients to normalize their brainwave responses to stimuli.

In EEG neurofeedback training, the therapist explains to the patient the connection between what is happening in his/her cortex and what is recorded on the EEG. Then, the therapist helps the patient to learn how to gain control over his/her brain waves. The therapist places the EEG electrodes on the head detect the different types of brainwaves produced by the patient and send the information to a data recorder. Every time the desired brainwave is identified, the neurofeedback apparatus sends a signal to the patient – auditory or visual feedback – to encourage the production of similar brainwaves. The auditory or visual feedbacks vary from simple sounds to elaborate computer graphics made to resemble video games where generating the wanted brainwave adds excitement to the action and brings some kind of rewards. Neurofeedback training typically takes 30-40 sessions depending on the severity of the disorder and other comorbid symptoms present. The first six sessions are completed as quickly as possible and then the frequency of training reduces to two or three times per week. With regular attendance, total training can be completed in four to six months. Each training session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.

The procedure is based on an early study by Sterman and Friar (1972), who discovered that brainwave feedback made it possible to learn to inhibit epileptic seizures by enhancing low beta (12-16) which is referred to as sensory motor rhythm (SMR). As in current neurofeedback protocols for ADHD, Sterman and Friar’s patients were also trained to simultaneously minimize theta. The first preliminary case study application of this procedure to hyperkinetic children was by Lubar and Shouse (1977). The effects of neurofeedback appear to provide a change in performance without continual external intervention. Chartier and Kelly (1991) reviewed the effects of neurofeedback for ADHD on over 200 children treated by Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee, Dr. John Carter at the University of Texas and Dr. Michael Tansey of Sommerville, New Jersey. Chartier and Kelly found neurofeedback training to provide significant and sometimes “dramatic” clinical improvements in children with attention deficit disorder. Parents and teachers of children who receive EEG neurofeedback training have reported dramatic behavioral improvements such as:  finishing tasks, listening better, less impulsivity, greater motivation and focus, and higher self esteem. In some cases, medications are completely discontinued and in others they have been considerably reduced.

Although the review suggests that EEG neurofeedback approach is an effective intervention for addressing behavioral, listening, impulsivity, and attention problems in patients with ADHD, more research are needed to delineate optimal information for training sessions and follow up procedures Presently, limitations of neurofeedback include: 1) the need for additional controlled experimental studies demonstrating effects which are independent of developmental maturation and the potentially confounding effect of the therapists and parents’ attention during the course of treatments; and 2) the large number of sessions (up to 80; 6-8 months) required for permanent clinical and academic changes to occur.  While the field awaits additional research, however, the current EEG training  could be used either separately or can be combined with one or more than one of other traditional treatment approaches in order to eliminate or reduce some the possible drawbacks.

References

• Barabasz, A. (1993). Presidential Address: Antarctic isolation and attentional processes: Research implications for practitioners. Presented at the Fifth International Conference on REST, Seattle, WA, Feb. 26-28.
• Barkley, R. A., Anastopoulos, A. D., Guevremont, D. G., & Fletcher, K. F. (1992). Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mother–adolescent interactions, family beliefs and conflicts, and maternal psychopathology. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20, 263–288
• Barkley, R. A. (1998). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:  A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (2nd ed.).  New York: Guilford.
• Chartier, D., & Kelly, N. (1991). Neurofeedback treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Grand Rounds Presentation, Rex Hospital, Raleigh, N.C.
• Chelune, G. J., Ferguson, W., Koon, R., & Dickey, T. 0. (1986). Frontal lobe disinhibition in attention deficit disorder. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 16, 221-232.
• Edwards, R. (1995). Is the hyperactivity label applied too frequently? American Psychological Association Monitor, 26, 44-45.

• Fredericksen, K. A., Cutting, L. E., Kates, W. R., Mostofsky, S. H., Singer, H.S.,

Cooper, K. L., et al. (2002). Disproportionate increases of white mattering right

frontal lobe in Tourette  Syndrome. Neurology, 58, 85–89.

• Grattan LM, Eslinger PJ. (1991). Frontal lobe damage in children and adults: a

comparative review. Dev Neuropsychol; 7: 283–326.

• Gualteri, C. T., & Hicks, R. E. (1985). Neuropharmacology of methylphenidate and a neural substitute for childhood hyperactivity. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 8, 875-892.
• Halperin, J. M & Schulz, K. P. (2006). Revisiting the Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in the

Pathophysiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Psychological

Bulletin, 132, 560-581.

• Hynd, G. W. Hem, K. L., Voeller, K_ K_ & Marshall, R. M. (1991). Neurobiological basis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School Psychological Review, 20,174-186.
• Hynd, G. W., Semrud-Clikeman, M., Lorys, A., Novey, E. S., & Eliopulos, D. (1990). Brain morphology in developmental dyslexia and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Archives of Neurology, 47, 919-926.
• Lou, H. C., Henriksen, L., Bruhn, P., Bomer, H., & Nielsen, J. (1989). Striatal. dysfunction in attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorder. Archives of Neurology, 46, 48-52.
• Lubar, J. F. & Shouse~, M. N. (1977). Use of biofeedback and the treatment of seizure disorders and hyperactivity, Advances in Child Clinical Psychology. N.Y: Plenum, 1, 204-251.
• Mann,C. A., Lubar, J. F., Zimmerman, A. W. Miller, C. A., & Muenchen, R. A. (1992). Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:Controlled study with clinical implications.Pediatric Neurology, 8, 30-36.
• Raz, A.  (August, 2004). Brain Imaging Data of ADHD. Psychiatric Times.  Vol. XXI Issue 9.
• Schandler, S.  (2001). Frontal lobe functioning in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – Statistical Data Included. Adolescence
• Schaughency, E. A., & Hynd, G. W. (1989). Attention and impulse control in attention deficit disorders (ADD). Learning and Individual Differences, 1, 423-449.
• Sterman, M. B., & Friar, L. (1972). Suppression of seizures in an epileptic following sensorimotor EEG feedback training. Electroencephalography & Clinical Neurophysiology, 33, 89-95.
• Zametkin AJ, Liebenauer LL, Fitzgerald GA, King AC, Minkunas DV, Herscovitch P, Yamada EM, Cohen RM (1993). Brain metabolism in teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 50:333-340.

About the Author

Dr. Kamal Sesalem
Professor of Special Education
Dept. of Teacher Education
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA 70609

NASA Video Game Brain Training for ADHD

brainwave entrainment blog

The Four States of Consciousness

Before you begin your journey into meditation it is important to understand how your brain can switch between different states of consciousness and also the benefits and importance of each one of these states. It is also important that you realize that you already meditate numerous times throughout your day without you even realizing, read on and I will explain.

Your brain is active during every moment of your life and is full of electrical impulses, yes you heard me right, your brain is constantly pulsating with electricity, electrical impulses that are generated by your brain. Essentially, your brain is an electrochemical organism consisting of over 10 billion interconnected brain cells constantly firing electrical impulses between them.

These electrical impulses that your brain produces can be measured with an electroencephalogram (EEG). EEG measures the frequency or rather speed of the electrical currents, or rather brainwaves in Hertz(Hz).

Now here’s the really cool stuff, these frequencies can be associated with your state of mind at any particular moment, which means that your state of mind, for example being relaxed, afraid, or sleepy…can be seen in your brainwave frequencies. The speed of the frequency allows us to categorize our brainwaves into four different brainwave patterns ranging from the most activity to the least activity, these states are known as beta, alpha, theta and delta, all of which have been well researched and documented if you wish to research further.

Explaining the Different Brainwave Patterns
These different brainwave patterns are associated with different states of consciousness and this is known as brainwave entrainment, the practice of entraining one’s brainwaves to a desired frequency and the one that we are mostly familiar with is Beta Waves.

Beta Waves resonate at between 14 and 20Hz, the higher the resonation, the more active and alert your brain is. These brainwaves are associated with your normal waking consciousness. They are present when you are actively engaged in every day activities in the outside world such as holding a conversation, or concentrating on our work.

Alpha Waves. Whereas Beta state is associated with our engagement with the outside world, Alpha waves resonate on a lesser frequency of between 9 and 14Hz and you are in this state when you are relaxing, or taking time to reflect on something. They are prevalent when you are daydreaming and they increase when you close your eyes, it is also likened to a light state of meditation. So if you think that you have never meditated before think again, because every time you daydream, or take time out to reflect, you are actually in a light state of meditation.

Now the cool thing about being in this state of consciousness is that it is known to accelerate learning, focus and enhance creativity, so next time you notice that you are daydreaming try to get a feel of what it is like and try to remember that feeling of relaxation and calmness within you. What you are feeling is a light meditative state and when you begin meditating it is this feeling that you want to recreate as the start of your meditation session and after some practice you will quickly and easily be able to enter this state of consciousness with ease.

Theta Waves resonate even lower than Alpha at between 4 and 7Hz. Theta waves occur during heightened states of creativity and are found with a deep meditative state. Once again we experience theta state during our every day lives, ever driven down the highway and then suddenly realized that you cannot recollect the last five miles, chances are that you were in theta state. Some of you who are regular drivers on the highway may also realize that you often get a free flow of good idea’s during the time that you are in theta state. Theta state can also occur during routine chores such as when you are shaving, or brushing your hair as it is in this state that tasks become automated and so you can mentally disengage from them. Take a moment to think about this and the next time you notice it happen I want you to think about your state of mind as theta state is typically a very positive mental state.

Now, the theta state when meditating is a deep meditative state of true bliss, you can lose your attachment with your body and this gives you the feeling of deep physical relaxation, it can even give you a sense of floating as your mind expands beyond the boundaries of your body. In disconnecting your mind from your body you allow yourself to focus on the inner you, the higher self and this is the ideal state to be in whist meditating and will probably take some practice as it rests on the threshold of the subconscious and it can take time for you to learn to let go and release yourself to continue your meditation journey.

Theta state also plays an important part in behavior modification, or rather reprogramming your mind and is used in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, it is also an ideal for learning and also self hypnosis.

Because it can take practice and some determination to enter this state of consciousness it’s not a bad idea to investigate some of the products that are available, which using new technology can have you in theta state in minutes. See my page on brain entrainment technologies, which discusses how these new recording work, and also take a look at my recommendations, which I have categorized to assist you in deciding which product would best suit you. In fact, all of my recommendations come with free samples for you to try out so why not experiment and see which one works best for you.

Delta Waves resonate at between 1 and 3Hz and is the brain wave signal of your subconscious mind, the place in which your intuition arises. We experience Delta waves when we are in a deep state of sleep, or unconsciousness and has immense benefits to those who suffer from sleep disorders. Certain frequencies within the delta wave can also trigger the release of human growth hormone which is beneficial to the bodies healing and regeneration and so it is when we sleep that our body heals itself.

The benefits of reaching delta state in meditation are immense in that it they are essential to the healing process and in helping to relax the body. Again, it takes practice to reach this state of consciousness, but when reached the benefits to both body and mind are bliss.

Conclusion
Gaining knowledge of brainwave states and utilizing these different states by using meditation enhances your ability to make use of the special characteristics that each state has and thus you can benefit from being mentally productive in a wide range of activities such as intense focus, relaxation, creativity and restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Still not convinced? Then why now broaden your mind and try out some of the free meditation recordings that I recommend and find out which ones benefit you, it’s a small thing to ask, but I assure you, the benefits are indisputable.

Take care and may peace and relaxation be with you.

Hi there,

At http://www.morphogeneticmeditation.com you will be able to add a whole host of content including video, pictures, music, your own blog, submit articles, post classified advertisements, post upcoming events and of course make friends, chat, learn and meditate.

MorphopgeneticMeditation.com is your very own meditation social network so come along and have some fun at http://www.morphogeneticmeditation.com

Come and join us in our quest to make this world and your world a better place to live in through collective meditation.

Yes, that’s right, I want to have people collectively meditating on any chosen topic at the same time anywhere in the world and thus improving your success with meditation and also manifestation. I want to prove to the world through your success that the collective consciousness exists and so I want you to share your success with everyone.

We are also going to arrange times for everyone on the site to get together at a predetermined time and meditate on peace, love and happiness and raise awareness of the collective consciousness.

About the Author

MorphopgeneticMeditation.com is your very own meditation social network so come along and have some fun at http://www.morphogeneticmeditation.com

At http://www.morphogeneticmeditation.com you will be able to add a whole host of content including video, pictures, music, your own blog, submit articles, post classified advertisements, post upcoming events and of course make friends, chat, learn and meditate.

binaural beat mp3


Has anybody else had any Interesting Experiences with Binaural Beats?

Last night was my first time experimenting with binaural beats. It was pretty awesome. I was really relaxed and it seemed like my entire body was sleep except my mind. I saw a few visiualisations but they werent like actual visualisations that were full colored but just certain images in the darkness behind my eyelids. After the recording was over I started listening to other music on my MP3. I had what seemed like a black and white experience when I started listening to Nirvana. It was like a bad trip but at the same time it was good. LoL Hard to explain. R&B music made me have a very euphoric feeling. Anyone else have any experiences with bin. beats?

I have been using binaural beats for years for meditation. There are hundreds of CDs available and every frequency has it’s affects.

If you like the effects there is a really challenging series called the Gateway Series from the Monroe Institute.

Have Fun!

528 Hz Alpha Binaural Beat (listen with stereo headphones)

neurofeedback and add
What is Neurofeedback? Where can I learn more about it?

I’m interested in learning about Neurofeedback. I hear that it can be used to treat all sorts of things like ADD, ADHD and Migraines. Where can I find out more about it?

I would recommend checking out two places.

First go to http://www.eeginfo.com/info_what.htm which contains a lot of great information.

Also check out this video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6XeCwFQrCA

Neurofeedback for Attention Deficit Disorder