| "The pervasive prescribing of psychiatric drugs to | | | | aggravating symptoms behind for good with just |
| children and adolescents is one of the greatest public | | | | 30-40 sessions in most cases. |
| health crises in the history of modern medicine." states | | | | Many neurofeedback therapy patients also experience |
| Grace E. Jackson, M.D. in her book, Drug Induced | | | | an increase in IQ and a significant reduction in the |
| Dementia: A Perfect Crime. "We will quite likely see an | | | | stress that often resulted from their former condition. |
| epidemic of early-onset dementia in 40 to 60 year olds | | | | While users who have never had neurofeedback |
| as these children and adolescents grow up," Dr. | | | | therapy before may be anxious to begin with, many |
| Jackson adds. "Tragically, many will die prematurely a | | | | are surprised to find the sessions to be quite enjoyable, |
| result of the physical harm caused by these drugs." | | | | and completely comfortable. |
| These statements are cause for great concern and | | | | What happens during a neurofeedback session? |
| frustration for parents and children who cope daily with | | | | Very thin leads that conduct and transmit the electrical |
| ADD/ADHD. | | | | energy from your brain will be placed in various |
| Psychostimulants, tranquilizers, neuroleptics, | | | | locations on your scalp. A special gel is used to |
| antidepressants, and anti-hypertensive medications are | | | | comfortably hold the leads in place. Your brain waves |
| among the drugs commonly prescribed to children, | | | | will be picked up and translated into something you can |
| adolescents, and adults who suffer from ADD/ADHD. | | | | see on a computer screen. No input goes into the |
| But even if these drugs had no ill side effects, they | | | | brain; the computer simply reads the electrical energy |
| would still only be a partial solution, treating the | | | | coming from your brain. In some cases, preliminary |
| symptoms but not the cause of the problem, and | | | | testing is done to determine how your brain is |
| leaving parents and adult ADD sufferers wondering if | | | | functioning. |
| they will ever find permanent relief. | | | | Your therapist will then have you alter what is |
| Many turn to various forms of therapeutic intervention, | | | | happening to a visual on the screen. You might learn to |
| such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, | | | | use your brain to control a DVD player, for example. |
| support groups, and social skills training, which offer | | | | Because your brain is actually changing itself through |
| some help. But you will only see the benefits of these | | | | these exercises, learning to operate more effectively |
| therapies for as long as you continue with treatment. | | | | and efficiently, the results naturally tend to last through |
| How neurofeedback brings lasting results. | | | | time. |
| Neurofeedback actually changes the way your brain | | | | Neurofeedback is generally without negative side |
| functions, and may result in permanent relief from ADD | | | | effects, and most ADD/ADHD sufferers who have |
| ADHD symptoms. Several studies have found that 8 | | | | been through the sessions, when asked, say that no |
| out of 10 (80%) of those with ADD/ADHD who are | | | | amount of money could induce them to return to the |
| treated with neurofeedback are able to leave the | | | | way they were before the therapy. |