Neurofeedback for ADHD. A new treatment has been emerging in the last several decades for Attention Deficit Disorder and other mild brain-behavior problems —biofeedback of your brain waves. This is Neurofeedback, and the latest term is Neurotherapy. This method of treatment has been shown to be effective for a wide range of disorders besides Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); it can help PMS, alcohol abuse, depression, mild brain dysfunction from a variety of causes (some examples are cognitive problems from cardiac bypass surgery, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease) and closed head injury. Patients learn how to self regulate their own brain states by watching feedback on the computer (including your favorite movie).
This treatment has the advantage of minimizing or avoiding the use of medications. Many people would rather avoid medications with the above noted disorders.
In order to be most effective, a minimum of 20 sessions is often needed before results can be seen. For more difficult cases, 40 or more sessions are advised. Additionally, patients should plan to do 2 sessions per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Neurofeedback can help one gain control over one’s own consciousness, but by itself it is not a miracle cure. Other treatment modalities may be recommended. Follow this link to The Brain Clinic’s Neurofeedback Manual to get more in-depth information on neurofeedback.
A quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) is recommended, which involves getting detailed measurements of brain waves at 19 sites on the scalp. Besides getting exact physiological data of brain functioning, information is gathered which leads directly to treatment protocols, thus making the neurofeedback more efficient.
I have compiled a bibliography of research articles related to neurofeedback for ADD, since some people like to assert that there is no research available on this. Click here for the bibliography.
Neuropsychological/Psychological Assessment. A brief assessment is required which measures attention, concentration, visual and verbal memory, overall intelligence and social and emotional functioning.
Insurance Information. We do not accept insurance since insurance companies can be maddening to deal with. For each treatment session the fee is $275. For the QEEG, the fee is $1200. For the brief neuropsychological evaluation, the fee is $1200. A receipt can be given so that reimbursement can be obtained from insurance companies. The CPT code for biofeedback is 90901, 90876, or 96152. For QEEG, the CPT codes are 95957 (Digital Analysis of EEG), and 99090 (Reference EEG Database Access). For the neuropsychological evaluation, the CPT code is 96118. You can inquire if your insurance company will cover these services.
