FAQs – ADD-ADHD
Some common questions you might have about the Montreal Neurotherapy Center.
EEG Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses real-time digital technology to measure electrical activity of the brain (EEG) and present this information in a form that enables the individual to perceive changes in the state of the brain and learn to modify abnormal EEG patterns.
To rewire the brain, we make use of Neurofeedback-therapy.
This treatment stimulates metabolism and blood flow, strengthens dendritic connections as well as the functioning of neurotransmitters, which accounts for improvement in the patient’s ability to carry out cognitive tasks successfully.
Treatment with EEG Neurofeedback is based on the theory that once individuals understand their brain activity and learn to manipulate their own brain waves, they will be able to continue to do so, long after the therapy has ended. Some studies have followed patients for as long as 10 years after being treated with EEG neurofeedback and have shown no significant loss of treatment gains.
Methods
We apply electrodes to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. We process the signal by computer, and we extract information about certain key brainwave frequencies. (All brainwave frequencies are equal, but some are more equal than others.)
We show the live flow of this activity back to the person, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote. Others we wish to diminish. We present this information to the person in the form of a video game.
The person is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain.
Eventually the brainwave activity is “shaped” toward more desirable, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address, and specific to the individual.
How many sessions are needed?
We ask all those considering Neurofeedback to commit themselves to a minimum of 20 sessions. More severe difficulties may require a longer period of training. Home training is often required after the in-clinic program.
How long is a session?
Training sessions typically take about 45 minutes, with actual feedback time varying based on what is best tolerated and most effective. Some individuals do best with short sessions – Others seem to progress faster with longer sessions. This is always individualized to optimize benefit.
Any negative side effects with neurofeedback?
We are not aware of any lasting adverse effects. The reason is simple: Neurofeedback is a form of training. It takes lots of repetition to result brain pattern changes. Many studies on Neurofeedback have been completed with no reports in them of lasting adverse effects. So neurofeedback is safe.
Why don’t more people know about neurofeedback?
In North America, our health culture is centered on drugs. Alternative approaches, even though they are effective, are often overlooked in favor of those offered by pharmaceutical companies with huge promotional budget.
Neurofeedback has now been shown in a meta-analysis of controlled research studies carried out in a number of countries world-wide, to have the highest level of efficacy for the treatment of ADHD.
Also other studies (example, ARNS) show that Neurofeedback in contrast to medication, does have long term effects (in contrast to the effects of other approaches such as education and medication)
