Microcurrent Neurofeedback and ADHD
If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might feel overwhelmed by the available treatment options. Microcurrent neurofeedback is a relatively new brain-based therapy that uses small electrical currents to stimulate the brain, helping it regulate itself more efficiently. While research on its efficacy for ADHD is still in its early stages, many patients and clinicians report promising results. Here’s how it works.
What is Microcurrent Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a noninvasive type of treatment that helps your brain learn how to work better. In traditional neurofeedback, sensors on your head measure your brainwaves as you do an activity. In real-time, you watch how your brain responds, and you can actively control your mood and thoughts. The goal is to learn to stay in a more calm, focused state, and better manage your emotions.
Microcurrent neurofeedback is a form of neurofeedback that uses very low-intensity electrical currents to interact with the brain. Unlike traditional neurofeedback, you don’t engage in an activity. Instead, you either sit or lie down while the electrodes deliver small electrical currents to your brain. These pulses are incredibly small and they work to disrupt any maladaptive patterns. In essence, microcurrent neurofeedback is thought to help the brain “reset," meaning the brain can better learn to regulate itself outside these therapy sessions.
How Does Microcurrent Neurofeedback Work?
The idea behind microcurrent neurofeedback is that the brain is like a computer that sometimes gets “stuck” in maladaptive patterns. When certain brain regions become over- or under-active, mental health conditions like ADHD can result from these “stuck” patterns. The electrical pulses delivered during microcurrent feedback sessions stimulate the brain into “resetting” itself, encouraging it to return to a better, more balanced state.
What Are its Effects on ADHD?
● Improved attention and focus: One of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD is difficulty keeping attention on tasks. Many people who have undergone these sessions report better concentration and the ability to focus on tasks for longer periods afterward.
● Reduced hyperactivity: Children and adults with ADHD often struggle with restlessness and an inability to sit still. By helping patients learn to feel more calm and grounded, microcurrent neurofeedback has shown potential in reducing hyperactivity.
● Better impulse control: Impulsivity is another key symptom of ADHD. As their brain activity becomes more balanced during treatment, microcurrent neurofeedback may help people with ADHD think before they act, leading to better decision-making and fewer impulsive behaviors.
● Fewer side effects: One of the main reasons people seek out neurofeedback treatments is to avoid or reduce the need for prescription medications. Some people react badly to stimulants, and they can have a range of side effects including sleep disturbances, appetite suppression, and mood swings. Microcurrent neurofeedback is a non-invasive alternative with fewer side effects.
What Happens During a Session?
The process of this treatment is straightforward and non-invasive. A session usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, during which the patient relaxes while the machine delivers the microcurrents to their brain. Multiple sessions are usually needed to see lasting results, and many clinicians recommend starting with 10-20 sessions, depending on how severe their ADHD symptoms are. Patients may feel subtle shifts in their mood, behavior, or cognitive functioning after just a few sessions, but lasting changes often occur over time with consistent treatment.
Is This Therapy Right for You?
If you or your child are looking for a complementary treatment to traditional therapy or medications, consider microcurrent neurofeedback. It’s important to note that, as with any therapy, results can vary from person to person. However, the early research results are promising for people with ADHD.
To learn more about the benefits of microcurrent neurofeedback on ADHD, please reach out to us.
