ADHD NF Effectiveness

Research over the last 30 years has confirmed that excessive slow brainwave activity is the most common finding of electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning difficulties . Quantitative EEG (QEEG) studies have confirmed and extended these findings. In the Early 1970s Prof. Barry Sterman at UCLA and later Prof. Joel Lubar at Tenessee University developed Neurotherapy, an EEG operant conditioning technique that specifically targets these EEG anomalies and attempts to retrain them by learning through operant conditioning. This paper provides an overview of Neurotherapy research and its effectiveness in permanently redressing ADHD symptoms in over 80% of subjects. Background Over the last decades, the worldwide increase in the incidence of substance abuse, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) anxiety, depression and mental illness in general has caused great concern to health authorities and the public. Genetic interactions with our "modern" diet may be at the root of this epidemic and effective treatment may require that we treat the root causes by promoting better diet and self regulation rather than treating the symptoms with medication. Faced with the task of improving the behaviours of children with neurodevelopmental disorders we have chosen to adopt a holistic approach. We first attempt to rectify intestinal dysbiosis, leaky gut and malabsorption, this aspect is handled by a GP member of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) at the clinic. Second, we stress the importance of a balanced diet with a paleolithic-like profile. Third, we supplement the diet as required with amino acids, Omega 3 fatty acids and associated micronutrients. Fourth we use Neurotherapy, based on QEEG findings, to redress any abnormalities in slow/fast brainwave ratio in the EEG. Finally, when the biology is normalised, to the extent that it can be, we apply Behavioural and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy supplemented with Metacognitive strategies. This paper focuses on the key aspect of this approach: The effectiveness of Neurotherapy in the treatment of ADHD. Neurophysiological factors and brain dysfunction Chronic behaviours are the result of both biological predisposition and learned environmental interactions encrypted into neuronal firing patterns. Hence while changing a person’s microbiology may improve the potential for normal brain function, altering higher order learned