Medication or Neurofeedback- Comparing the two most common forms of treatment for ADD/ADHD
June 6, 2008
Medication and Neurofeedback (EEG-biofeedback) are the two most common forms of treatment for ADD/ADHD. Both are successful in treating these disorders in a large majority of cases. There are, however, significant differences in the ways these treatments work, the potential side effects of their use, and the length of treatment necessary.
Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADD/ADHD are derived from some form of stimulant or antidepressant. Most of these medications carry the FDA’S “Black Box Warning” Labels, and should be used with caution. These warnings refer to the possibility of serious cardiovascular side effects, as well as the possible suppression of children’s growth, and heightened risk for psychosis, bi-polar illness, and aggression.
In addition to these problems, this class of medications is also associated with potential side effects as weight loss in children, over-stimulation of the central nervous system, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, tremors, headaches, and tics or Tourettes Syndrome.
Now, let’s take a look at how these different treatments work. The medications contain artificial chemicals which increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This allows the brain to function better, thus treating the condition. As these chemicals are artificial, they may cause unfavorable reactions in the brain, and therefore, bring about the aforementioned negative side effects.
Neurofeedback trains the brain to function faster through a highly specialized type of exercise. As the brain learns to function faster, it naturally increases its production of neurotransmitters and the brain functions better, thus treating the condition. The end result is the same in both forms of treatment… with one very big difference. Neurofeedback does not introduce anything unnatural into the brain, but rather trains the brain to function better through its own natural mechanisms, so it produces no side effects. As vulnerable as children are, the last thing we want to do is expose them to these unnecessary dangers.
Finally, length of treatment is another big difference. Medication is only effective while it’s in the bloodstream. Therefore, no amount of medication will ever produce a lasting effect. The medication must be continually taken to treat the condition, and this is often a lifelong process, with the continuing potential for these side effects.
Once neurofeedback treatment is completed, no further treatment is necessary. With neurofeedback, there are no side effects, and the treatment is a one-time process. Neurofeedback is an effective, drug free, painless procedure in which the child learns to retrain the attention mechanisms of their brain, alleviating the condition.
Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari Alta Neuro-Imaging Neurofeedback 1075 Yorba Place Suite 105 Placentia, CA 92870 714.990.6536 Website: www.ocbiofeedback.comEntry Filed under: ADD Adults, ADD Child, ADD Girls, Attention Deficit Disorder. Tags: ADD, ADD Adults, ADD Dr, ADD in Children, ADD Kids, ADD Treatment, ADD Treatment Orange, ADD Treatment Orange County, ADHD, Adult ADD, Aggression, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder Children, Attention Deficit Disorder in Children, Biofeedback, Children with ADD, Dr Stephen Ferrari, Dr. Stephen A. Ferrari, Drug Free ADD Treatment, drug free treatment, Drug Free Treatment for ADD, Drug Free Treatment for ADHD, Drug Free Treatment of ADD, Girls with ADD, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, Inattention, Information on ADD, Learning Disorders, Neurofeedback, nonmedicated, Self-esteem, Treating ADD, Treating ADHD.
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