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ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Attention and concentration are regulated by the combined action of the brain's prefrontal cortex and parietal regions. Dysfunctions in this system can lead to attention deficit, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child's academic, social, and daily life functions. It can occur alongside learning disabilities. Healthy attention and concentration are necessary for learning academic information. Dysfunction in the attention centers of the brain can make it difficult to process information and achieve lasting learning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADHD is a common condition in children. Learning disabilities can also affect children's ability to perceive, process, and organize information.
What causes Attention Deficit Disorder in Children?
Many biological and environmental factors can play a role in the development of attention deficit:
Genetic predisposition
Electrical or chemical imbalances in the brain
Head traumas
Problems during pregnancy and childbirth
Environmental toxins
Allergic and neurological factors
Some children can maintain their attention for extended periods in areas they enjoy, while struggling in academic subjects. This is because the brain's reward and motivation systems are more active in subjects they are interested in.
Diagnostic Methods
ADHD diagnosis is not based on a single symptom. The child's functioning at home, school, and in social life is evaluated together. Assessment methods used include:
Clinical psychiatric evaluation
Teacher and family scales
WISC-R intelligence test
TOVA attention test
QEEG (Quantitative EEG) assessment
Objective methods such as QEEG and TOVA are helpful in evaluating brain functions related to attention, learning, and impulse control.
Treatment Approach
The most effective approach to treating ADHD is a multifaceted one:
Child's education
Family counseling and adjustment of parental attitudes
School and teacher collaboration
Nutritional adjustments
Special education support if needed
Neurofeedback applications
Medication when necessary
Medications can help with attention and impulse control in some children; however, they may not be equally effective in every child and may have side effects.
Neurofeedback Therapy
Neurofeedback is a scientifically based brain training method that aims to regulate the brain's electrical activity. It has been researched for many years, particularly in attention deficit and learning difficulties.
In children with ADHD, it is frequently observed that:
Theta waves, which reduce attention, are increased.
Beta and SMR waves, which support attention and focus, are decreased.
The aim of neurofeedback applications is:
To reduce unwanted brain waves,
To increase waves that support attention and concentration,
To strengthen the brain's self-regulation capacity.
Research shows that neurofeedback treatment can have positive effects on attention, impulse control, academic performance, and some cognitive functions. Meta-analysis studies have reported that neurofeedback applications can provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. Some studies have observed an increase in attention performance and cognitive functions. The treatment plan should be evaluated individually for each child.
Patient Sample
Biofeedback Therapy for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Biofeedback has been upgraded to a “Level 1 – Best Support” intervention for Attention and Hyperactive Behaviors!
The American Academy of Children’s “Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions for Children and Adolescents” has upgraded Biofeedback from Level 2 – Good Support to Level 1 – Best Support for Attention and Hyperactive Behaviors. We see that Biofeedback achieves the same level of effectiveness alone as when used in combination with medication and behavioral therapy.
The drug-free treatment method Biofeedback is now a “Level 1 – Best Support” intervention for Attention and Hyperactive Behaviors.
PractiseWise announced that Biofeedback has been upgraded to “Level 1 – Best Support” for Attention and Hyperactive Behaviors under the American Academy of Children’s “Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions for Children and Adolescents”.
Beauregard, M., & Levesque, J. (2006). Functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the effects of neurofeedback training on neural bases of selective attention and response inhibition in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Applied Psychology and Biofeedback, 31, 3–20.
Gevensleben, H., Holl, B., Albrecht, B., Vogel, C., Schlamp, D., et al. (2009). Is neurofeedback an effective treatment for ADHD?: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50, 780–789.
Levesque, J., Beauregard, M., & Mensour, B. (2006). Effect of neurofeedback training on the neural substrates of selective attention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Neuroscience Letters, 394, 216–221.
Omizo, M. M., & Michael, W. B. (1982). Biofeedback-induced relaxation training and impulsivity, attention to task, and locus of control among hyperactive boys. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 15, 414–416.
Rivera, E., & Omizo, M. M. (1980). The effects of relaxation and biofeedback on attention to task and impulsivity among male hyperactive children. The Exceptional Child, 27, 41–51.