BELLTIME
Neurofeedback Training – A new science-based approach to treating ADHD and related disorders
Scientific and public interest in Neurofeedback Training ( NFT ) has grown exponentially over the last decade . NFT is a neuroscience-based method of changing the way the brain works , with the ultimate goal of changing behaviour . In particular , NFT is becoming an increasingly popular intervention for children and adolescents with attentional problems ( e . g . ADHD / ADD ), behavioural problems ( e . g . ODD ) and related issues . The magnitude of effects resulting from NFT was summarised by Frank Duffy , a Professor and Paediatric Neurologist at Harvard Medical School in the US , who wrote of NFT : “ In my opinion , if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy it would be universally accepted and widely used .”
While relatively new to Ireland , NFT has been used in the US and in Europe since the 1960s to treat a variety of psychological and medical disorders . Actualise Clinical , based in Dublin City University , are the first group to bring this revolutionary science to Ireland . The Clinic is under the direction of Dr . Michael Keane , a Neuroscientist , former Lecturer in Psychology at DCU , and Ireland ’ s only certified NFT provider . He has studied brain function for over 15 years , particularly linking brain function to behaviour .
Dean is 13 years old . He received a diagnosis of ADHD four years ago , and has long since struggled in school and at home . His mum describes their home life : “ We always knew there was something a little different about Dean . Getting him out to school was always trouble . We ’ d send him upstairs to put on his shoes , and ten minutes later he would have one sock on and be playing with lego . It always ended up with a shouting match every morning , and it really affected me , him and the rest of the family . Homework time was a disaster , a constant source of stress ”. His teacher describes Dean in school : “ Dean had difficulty in paying attention in class – you could see his mind wandering . When he could focus , he could never wait his turn , he would always blurt out an answer without being asked . He became very difficult to manage , and was isolated from his peers . He couldn ’ t wait his turn with his mates , he was very impulsive with a short fuse , and often found himself in trouble ”.
With the diagnosis of ADHD came a prescription for medication , but Dean ’ s parents were reluctant . NFT was mentioned to them by their Psychologist , and they looked into it as a way to help Dean . “ Initially we were sceptical ” explained his Mum . “ We had never heard of it , and were worried about someone messing with Dean ’ s brain !” They made an appointment with Actualise at DCU , and went for an assessment . “ The staff were very friendly and professional , and you could see that they had plenty of experience in working with kids like Dean . The whole process was explained to us and him very well .”
What kind of cases do Actualise work with ?
NFT works with ADHD and related disorders , as well as with anxiety , panic disorder and depression . More cases at the Actualise Clinic , however , are children and adolescents with ADHD and related disorders , and anxiety . A typical case is Dean , who came to the clinic in 2015 .
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Image 1 - Áine Maher from Actualise measuring brain function at the clinic using an EEG cap . Measuring EEG is entirely painless and non-invasive – it is the passive measurement of the brain ’ s electrical function .