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Lately, the internet is raving about neurofeedback, and much of the focus is directed towards ADHD. Can neurofeedback really help people with ADHD? If it can, what is the best neurofeedback device for ADHD? Can people train their brains by themselves at home if they want to alleviate ADHD symptoms? If these are the questions you've been asking yourself, you're in the right place! This article will definitely help you connect the dots!

Key Takeaways

• Multiple studies have shown that standard neurofeedback protocols may be effective in treating and managing ADHD symptoms. However, further research is required to fully confirm these results.
• If you want to try neurofeedback for ADHD, you should do so under a professional's supervision. They will choose the best protocol and help you find the best neurofeedback device for ADHD if at-home training is possible. Remember that most at-home neurofeedback devices are wellness tools and do not replace clinical treatments for ADHD.
• There are several at-home neurofeedback devices you can use, including Mendi, Muse 2, Narbis, and FocusCalm. Before choosing a device, check if it has been previously used and approved for ADHD.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

175 research studies from all over the world have shown that 7.2% of the global population aged 18 or under have ADHD. This means almost 129 million children. ADHD is more rarely diagnosed in adults, averaging 3.4% worldwide. These statistics point out that, in total, more than 10% of the global population suffers from a chronic disorder that can negatively impact many aspects of their lives, including academic performance, social relationships, and overall daily functioning.

There are three primary forms of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and a combined presentation. To receive a formal diagnosis, symptoms must be persistent and felt within the past six months.

It's no easy task to be tested for ADHD, as there's no definitive test that can fully determine whether one has ADHD or not. A doctor may perform a physical examination that can indicate another root cause for the symptoms. The evaluation may also involve detailed questionnaires to help the physician get a bigger picture.

Now that we've established what ADHD is, let's see what neurofeedback is and whether it can make a difference in treating the symptoms of ADHD.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that measures brain waves (EEG) to improve mood, focus, and performance. Neurofeedback training monitors brain activity and offers real-time feedback that indicates how the patient's brain responds at any given moment.

This process can help people become more aware of their reactions to certain triggers. Over time, and thanks to the real-time feedback they receive, patients can learn how to rewire their brains so as to achieve a balanced lifestyle, both mentally and physically.

Some neurofeedback devices, such as the Mendi headband, use fNIRS technology to measure blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). You're probably wondering what the prefrontal cortex has to do with anything, right?

Well, the PFC is responsible for most of the decisions we make. It is also responsible for how we regulate our emotions, respond to stress, and engage in daily activities at work and at home. Because the PFC needs more oxygenated blood when it's actively engaged, fNIRS detects this increase in oxygenation and informs you that you're performing well. When your focus level drops, you also receive a cue informing you about this.

Can Neurofeedback Really Help With ADHD?

Neurofeedback has been shown to be a highly effective brain training technique that can be used - in clinical settings - to manage the symptoms of various mental health conditions, including ADHD.

We've selected a number of studies focused on assessing the effects of neurofeedback on patients diagnosed with ADHD:

• A 2014 study has concluded that neurofeedback is clinically effective for children with ADHD, but further clinical trials are needed to outline specific protocols that work best.
• A review study published in 2011 analyzed 14 studies conducted between 1994 and 2010. The results showed that neurofeedback used for pediatric ADHD is "probably efficacious."
• A more recent study published in 2019 has shown that neurofeedback can be considered a viable treatment alternative for ADHD if it's based on standard protocols.
• A meta-analysis published in 2022 has assessed the results of 17 trials with 1211 patients. The results have shown that more randomized control trials are needed to confirm that neurofeedback is indeed an efficacious clinical treatment for ADHD.
• A 2020 study concluded that neurofeedback, if performed under standard protocols, can serve as a beneficial treatment for pediatric ADHD, with 32-47% remission rates.

Furthermore, according to The American Journal of Psychiatry and the studies they investigated, neurofeedback may indeed help with ADHD but not due to targeted changes in brain activation. Instead, the benefits may be linked to placebo effects like positive reinforcement for sitting still. On the other hand, the American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that neurofeedback has led to great improvements in ADHD symptoms in some patients. The results were still in place at the 6-month follow-up.

As you can see, not all studies confirm that neurofeedback can help people with ADHD. This is why anyone who wants to try this method should do so only under the supervision of an experienced professional who can follow standard protocols. In some cases, neurofeedback may be an excellent complementary option alongside traditional treatments like behavioral therapy.

In-Clinic Neurofeedback: The Best Option for ADHD

The best and safest option to try neurofeedback for ADHD is at a clinic. An experienced neurofeedback specialist will evaluate your symptoms and goals. They will gather all the information needed to understand if neurofeedback is indeed an option for your needs. After this, they'll develop a treatment plan.

Clinical neurofeedback employs specific training protocols based on the patient's brain wave activity (EEG) or, in some cases, blood flow and oxygenation levels (fNIRS or fMRI). For example, some patients with ADHD have an abundance of delta or theta brain waves and an insufficiency of beta brain waves. As such, neurofeedback allows patients to track brain activity and, over the course of 20-40 sessions, balance those brain waves. The clinician's role is to observe the progress, track any side effects, and adjust the protocol for better results.

While in-clinic neurofeedback can be highly beneficial, keep in mind that it's crucial to seek treatment from reputable and experienced practitioners.

Ready to Try At-Home Neurofeedback?

In some cases, your doctor may recommend trying an at-home neurofeedback device for your ADHD symptoms. It goes without saying that this is much cheaper and less time-consuming. With so many products on the market, you'll likely find one that works for you. Your doctor will advise you regarding training duration and frequency. You may also be asked to share your progress regularly.

We've found some at-home neurofeedback devices that may be useful for people with ADHD. However, remember that these systems are not medical devices and were not created to manage symptoms of ADHD. They do not substitute medical advice and treatment, and most have not been approved by the FDA as treatments for ADHD. Therefore, they can also be used as a complementary practice that can potentially have positive effects on your overall well-being.

Mendi Headband

The Mendi headband uses fNIRS technology to measure blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This is the part of the brain responsible for our right/wrong decisions, behavior regulation, and thought analysis. Now, what if we told you that the prefrontal cortex plays an enormous role in how patients with ADHD manage their symptoms? According to Alison Kravit, Psy.D., “for people with ADHD, the PFC is unregulated; there are no traffic lights or stop signs controlling which message gets first.”

Therefore, training your prefrontal cortex with Mendi, strengthening its ability to put some order in your thoughts, and improving your mental focus can potentially help manage ADHD symptoms more efficiently.

Muse Headband with Myndlift

Muse has partnered with Myndlift for a comprehensive neurofeedback approach. You can use the Muse EEG device by itself, or you can combine it with the Myndlift app, which offers you the possibility to create a brain map. Then, you can talk to a Neuro Coach, who will use that brain map to outline a personalized neurofeedback plan. In other words, it may be a good alternative to in-clinic neurofeedback sessions.

Narbis Smart Glasses

Narbis Smart Glasses utilize NASA-developed algorithms for precise tracking of attention and relaxation. These glasses integrate neurofeedback training into daily activities, allowing users to learn and improve continuously.

In other words, when someone wears the Narbis glasses, they should engage in some sort of cognitive activity - reading, writing, or watching a movie, for example. When that person is focused, the glasses will stay clear. When the focus is lost, the glasses will tint.

FocusCalm Headband

Like other neurofeedback headbands, FocusCalm uses EEG technology to track brain function and improve cognitive performance. You have to use the FocusCalm app while training your brain. There are numerous games, exercises, and meditations to choose from. This is exactly what makes FocusCalm valuable for people with ADHD - the fact that they can choose the activity they find the most useful.

A study involving the FocusCalm headband has shown that real-time feedback can really help students improve their focus and become more engaged with the material they're viewing or working on. Given that many people with ADHD struggle to stay focused, the FocusCalm headband can potentially help them. However, like other remote neurofeedback devices, FocusCalm does not replace medical advice and treatment.

How to Integrate Neurofeedback into Daily Routine

First things first - learn as much as possible about neurofeedback. Ready any research paper or expert neurofeedback-dedicated site properly to outline the implications. Knowledge is always the key! This will help you understand how exactly neurofeedback works and if it can work for you.

At first, you may find neurofeedback sessions slightly boring, especially if you have ADHD, so it may be difficult to incorporate them into your daily or weekly routine (depending on your needs). Arm yourself with patience and give it some time to see if it works for you!

Start slowly, with just a few minutes. With the Mendi headband, for example, you can start with as few as 3-5 minutes only three times a week. When you notice you can withstand those five minutes with bravery, you can increase the duration as you feel comfortable. This way, you'll train your brain to stay focused on one single task for more than just a few seconds. Have we already mentioned that our average attention span is only 8.25 seconds? Well, neurofeedback can potentially increase it!

It's also recommended to start your neurofeedback sessions when you're relaxed. You can try them in the morning, after waking up, or in the evening, when you've finished all your tasks for the day. If you're practicing meditation or yoga, for example, you can schedule your sessions before or after these practices. This will allow the device you're using to gather accurate data about your brain activity.

Last but not least - track your progress. You may not notice any progress without tracking it. Some neurofeedback apps track your progress for you. If yours doesn't, you can keep a journal. Also, keep track of any side effects. This can help your doctor adjust your therapy accordingly.

A Real-Life Example: Mendi Used for ADHD

While Mendi does not replace medical advice and treatment for ADHD or any other mental health conditions, some Mendi users with ADHD have reported that they’ve noticed some symptom improvement.

For example, Molly Van Roekel stated that the ball [in the Mendi app] strongly correlates with the strength of my positive thinking. I have ADHD and PTSD so negative thoughts are easy to slip into.

As such, the Mendi device can be a useful tool in managing some ADHD symptoms, but it’s important to do so only under a doctor’s supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best neurofeedback for ADHD?

EEG neurofeedback is the most commonly used neurofeedback for ADHD. It can be done under several protocols, which are established at a clinic by a neurofeedback professional.

What is the success rate of neurofeedback for ADHD?

One study suggested that standard neurofeedback protocols used for ADHD can lead to 32-47% remission rates, although further research is needed to confirm these numbers.

How many neurofeedback sessions are needed for ADHD?

Approximately 30-40 sessions are needed for ADHD, but this number depends on multiple factors.