Although neurofeedback has its roots in the 1960s, it remains very controversial and still isn't universally accepted by the medical community. Critics argue there's much less scientific evidence backing neurofeedback than stimulant medication, and that it should be viewed as an experimental or alternative therapy because it offers few lasting benefits and is very expensive and time-consuming.

Proponents claim that while there are no perfectly designed studies, there is sufficient convincing research to prove that neurofeed-back benefits ADHD adults, including studies that show it's even more effective than medication. Learning a little more about neurofeedback can, at the very least, assist you in making an educated decision as to whether you should incorporate it into your treatment program.

Research has already proven that a number of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, can be characterized by distinctive EEG patterns, and that neurofeedback may help clients change those patterns.

According to neurofeedback proponents, when ADHD adults undergo the procedure they are better able to pay attention, focus, and concentrate.

Inside a Neurofeedback Session

The relaxing, noninvasive process lasts anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes and is typically performed one to three times a week for between six and eight months. Regardless of whether you're getting neurofeedback for anxiety, depression, or adult ADHD, the procedure is relatively consistent.

Your therapist will probably begin your treatment by administering a battery of psychological and neuropsychological tests similar or identical to those you took when you were first diagnosed with adult ADHD. After your therapist analyzes test results and inputs relevant data into a computer program, you will be hooked up to an EEG machine via nineteen electrodes attached painlessly to your scalp.

The electrodes will deliver a baseline evaluation of your brain activity to the computer, which will then compare it against a data base of “normal” brain activity for people your age. Based on the data, your therapist will choose “brain exercises” designed to help you improve brain activity in areas of your brain that function in a different way from “normal” brains.

Your “brain workout” may consist of computer games you play as a computer program gauges changes made to your brain wave patterns. You may play a game where your brain waves “fly” an airplane. As you change your brain waves, you can observe the plane changing speed, altitude, and direction.

As well as helping you correct negative thought patterns, learning how to control your brain activity through neurofeedback can be very empowering, and it can help boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Once you know you have the tools to put the brakes on runaway negative behavior and thought patterns caused by adult ADHD, you can nip destructive behavior in the bud before it has a chance to sabotage you.

A Tour of Your Brain Waves

The brain has five major types of brain wave patterns. Although there are many different patterns in your brain at any given time, these waves can reflect your existing mood or mental state.

• Beta waves are the fastest waves in your brain, and the brain waves you experience when you're awake. Brain wave frequencies are generally above 12 hertz, which are cycles of activity per second. When you're feeling alert, attentive, excited, energized, focused, or revved up, your brain is in beta wave mode. You're also in beta wave mode when you're focusing on a project at work, reading a mystery novel, doing a crossword puzzle, or watching an adventure movie.

• SMR waves, a subgroup of beta waves, occur when you're concentrating on how to prepare for a physical challenge, such as climbing a flight of steps, taking a bike ride, working out, or taking a hike or walk.

• Alpha waves are slower than beta waves and are associated with relaxing and winding down. You'd be in alpha wave mode if you were getting a massage or listening to relaxing music. Alpha waves have frequencies ranging from 8–12 Hz. Some ADHD adults have too many alpha waves, which get in the way of normal communication between different parts of the brain.

• Theta waves are even slower than alpha waves. This is the brain pattern you're in when you're daydreaming, visualizing, meditating, or about to fall asleep. Theta wave frequencies range from 4–8 Hz. Many ADHD adults have too many theta waves. During neurofeedback, you do brain exercises to increase your level of beta waves in brain areas bogged down by theta waves.

• Delta waves are the slowest brain waves of all and the mode you're in when you're asleep. Delta brain wave frequencies range from 0–4 Hz.