ADD Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups do you treat?
Client age ranges from 6 to 60. Although younger and older patients will
benefit from this work, most of our diagnostic data base was obtained
from this age range, and therefore, it is harder to measure changes empirically
(accurately), although improvements will certainly be present.
Is this biofeedback?
Yes, or at least conceptually it is the same. Biofeedback has been used
for many years to reduce headaches and other tension problems by teaching
people to relax certain muscles or to increase blood flow. Neurofeedback
is a type of biofeedback, affecting the whole nervous system. This brain-based
biofeedback can help your brain work better.
Changing brainwaves can have
a much broader effect than peripheral biofeedback. EEG biofeedback provides
a mirror into your brainwave functioning. As you are fed back the results
of these inner workings, you begin to learn self-management techniques,
permitting you to control attention, focus, and performance.
 What is the impact on ADHD?
You learn to manage the symptoms of ADHD, for example, improving attention
and concentration. One of the applications of EEG Biofeedback is for the
remediation of attention deficits, related behavioral disorders, and specific
learning disabilities. This training procedure has been shown to increase
patients' ability to pay attention, focus, and concentrate. Studies have
demonstrated that children with Attention Deficit Disorder who have completed
this training have also shown significant improvement in classroom performance.
What does the patient do?
Training the brain is similar to exercising and developing a muscle. As
the training progresses, students are asked to perform cognitive skills
such as math and reading. Our EEG biofeedback instruments measure and
process electrical signals from the brain and feed the results back to
the patient and coach via video displays and games. The trainee begins
to enjoy viewing the results and watching his or her ability to manage
Brainwaves.
The computerized feedback lets participants know whether they
are maintaining optimal brainwave states during these activities. The
skill must be practiced until it becomes automatic (unconscious). In this
process, students are developing learning strategies and quieting techniques
which can be then used without the computerized feedback.
What research has been done?
A growing number of studies have been published in research journals about
the value of EEG Neurofeedback therapy for treating ADHD. Research shows
that a distinctly identifiable brain signature pattern is present in children
with learning disabilities and attention deficits, with and without hyperactivity.
What are the advantages of EEG training?
With EEG training the child is empowered to take control of both attention
and concentration. Training helps attention to be maintained when the
child is not on medication; for example, at critical times of the day
such as evening study hours when medication, if used, may interfere with
sleep. Training also is the first step towards not requiring medication
in order to concentrate on one's work in future years.
Tell me more about the training session.
We begin each session discussing any impact previous sessions have had
upon sleep, fidgeting, focus, school, play and listening. Then, depending
upon the protocol chosen, the therapist will select one of the biofeedback
instruments or learning tools available. Frequently, the student is encouraged
to listen to Mozart or Baroque music playing in the background, a relaxation
tape, or an individual motivational aid.
Most often the student sits in front of a computer screen and the electrodes
are attached to the scalp. The sensors are only to measure brainwave activity.
While the therapist monitors the session on a separate computer, the student
receives visual and audio feedback in the form of a video game. This feedback
gives positive reinforcement to the participant and trains the student
to relax, increase alertness, focus, and concentration, while decreasing
fidgeting, and impulsive approaches to tasks.
How long does training take?
Training typically takes approximately 30-60 sessions depending upon the
complexity of the disorder. Frequency of the training varies from 2-3
times per week for a period of 4 months to 1 year. Progress can generally
be noticed after about 20 training sessions. Changes in behavior in the
home or classroom can usually be noticed after 2 to 4 months of training.
How long do the results of training
last?
Long term follow up indicates that the improvement appears to be long
lasting, the same way that ridding a bicycle, once mastered, stays with
you.
Are standardized tests used to help
evaluate progress?
Yes, standardized intelligence and academic testing may be done, at the
parents' request, with the school or a psychologist before and after training
has been completed. We utilize the Computerized Test Of Variables Of Attention
(T.O.V.A.), Integrated Visual and Auditory Test (IVA) or Connors Continuous
Performance Test, which we administer before, and at intervals during,
the training.
How long has this training method been
used?
EEG technology has been utilized in training epileptics to manage seizures
for over 25 years. It has been used for solving attention problems for
over 20 years.
Can anyone benefit from your work?
 Yes! Peak performance occurs when a person's mind is aroused but their
body is relaxed. Few people can achieve this state naturally; for the
rest of us, it has to be a learned process, beginning with an awareness
of one's mental habits, followed by learning to improve those habits through
exercise, challenge and practice. Peak performance will mean different
things to different people, depending on the result they are trying to
achieve.
Whether you are a professional golfer looking to trim your score
by a few critical strokes, or a student who wants to get the maximum benefit
out of the study time available, biofeedback can help you achieve your
goal. Biofeedback is a process of coaching attentiveness and improving
effectiveness.
Why is biofeedback important?
Feedback is vital to our survival. Your car’s gages give you feedback
like how fast you are driving or how hot is your engine running. Your
body gives you feedback, your temperature, if you are hungry or thirsty,
or if you are in pain (alarm signals to disengage from that activity).
Your brain does the same, and the same way you can read heart activity
or health based on EKG reading, we can measure your brain activity. Once
you understand how to change, then changing your brain state occurs easily.
Is it safe and are there any negative side
effects?
No, In over 20,000 cases, no significant negative side effect has been
reported. The most common problem reported is changes in sleeping patterns
(difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or sleeping well but more
resistant to getting up) which last one or two nights.
What about insurance?
Although some insurance companies do pay for our work, to insure maximum
client confidentiality, we do not accept insurance as a form of payment.
We do, however, issue you receipts which you can submit to your insurance
company directly.
ADD is considered a disability, and although persons
with ADD are protected against discrimination by the Americans With Disabilities
Act, being diagnosed with ADD can cause a person to lose their job (for
example, if you are in the Army, or if you are a pilot). A national database
of your health records is maintained in Boston which is shared by most
insurance companies, the government, and potential employers.
How much does it cost?
The initial consult is $75 and typically takes 45-50 minutes.
The costs will vary significantly depending on a Varity of factors, including what assessments are needed (assessment can range from $375 to $3,500). Treatment packages range from $2,000 to over ten thousand dollars, with a majority of cases being from $4,500 to $7,500.
What is your refund policy?
In the event you decide to discontinue your work, any unused portions
of fees paid in advance will be returned to you. Any discount taken will
be recaptured and you will be charged the single session rate applicable
at the time services were rendered. Otherwise, all fees are considered
earned at the time of your appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
To avoid being charged for a missed appointment, you will need to advise
us of any changes no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment time.
Our office receives and relays messages 24 hours a day, every day including
weekends and holidays.
Do I need a medical diagnosis
to come to see you?
Generally no, but it mostly depends on the nature of services you are
seeking. If a medical referral is required, we can obtain it after your
initial consult.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept Visa and Master Card, as well as ATM cards, cash, and checks.
We also offer financing with low monthly payment options.
For additional information, call
the
Attention & Achievement Center at 925-280-9100
Disclaimer: The information presented
here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the
expert and professional advice of your physician, psychologist, or therapist.
Always seek help from qualified professionals in the field of your interest.
Our treatments are considered complimentary or alternative to traditional
pharmacology and are not licensed or endorsed by the State of California,
nor are we licensed healing arts practitioners by the State.
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