Automated Neurofeedback Brain-training as a Primary ADHD Intervention
Abstract
Neurofeedback brain-training has a significant presence in the literature for its efficacy in alleviating the symptoms and behavioral manifestations of ADHD, with no enduring negative side-effects. It is considered a behavioral intervention in that it teaches the brain to better manage its own brain-wave activity, leading to reduction of 80-85% of symptoms in the first 30-40 training sessions. Brain-training has shown efficacy in treating autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and many more brain-imbalances that prevent children from full academic and social capacity. Barriers to broad-based implementation in both clinical and subclinical settings include cost of equipment, lengthy, in-depth training requirements, and a lack of clear guidance in developing and implementing brain-training protocols specific to each individual’s brain-phenotype. Automated Psychophysiological assessment and EEG Biofeedback training systems demonstrate equal efficacy as clinician-guided EEG Systems. We propose that Automated EEG Biofeedback systems have evolved to differentiate and train a multiplicity of brain-phenotypes related to symptoms of ADHD and other childhood developmental disorders. Further, these systems decrease the cost of brain-training significantly, reduce the training requirements for brain-trainers, and significantly increase the effectiveness of all other behavioral and academic school/district level interventions. We propose that automated brain-training can be implemented at a school/district level, by a licensed school social worker, counselor, nurse or other person qualified by their understanding of behavioral training.