Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by poor concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Children and adults with the disorder can't concentrate for long periods of time and are restless or tend to daydream. The disorder typically is treated with stimulant drugs. About 8 percent of U.S. kids have it, boys more than girls.
 
Neurofeedback, a drug-free biofeedback based approach to therapy, uses a computerized biofeedback system that allows patients to see depictions of their brainwaves on a screen. With coaching, they attempt to change the activity of certain types of waves and hence change their own behavior.

The technique has value in treating disorders such as autism, epilepsy, ADHD, learning disabilities, head injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions and depression.

Neurofeedback therapy usually isn't given in the presence of ADHD drugs because of drug side effects, which can include depression, weight loss and insomnia. Treatment can be combined with a prescribed drug when necessary. Non-prescription vitamins, minerals and herbal treatments that are known to affect brain function are commonly employed. A treatment called chelation is used to remove heavy metals from the body. Lead, for example, causes learning disabilities.

The neurofeedback treatment usually consists of 10 to 15 one-hour sessions, preferably at least three times a week. The one-on-one coaching is similar to guided imagery therapy.

Although the medical profession tends to ignore the therapy and broad research is rare, neurofeedback has enough anecdotal mileage to deserve closer study. Dr. John Dye, a professor at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a physician at the Scottsdale clinic, is offering the therapy with Leslie Sherlin, a certified neurofeedback practitioner.

The therapy is preceded by a physical examination and medical history. Nutritional, psychosocial and environmental factors that affect brain function are treated through dietary changes or psychological interventions.

Individuals who get biofeedback are outfitted with a hydra-head of 19 sensors adhered to specific points on the scalp. They pick up the brain's electrical activity, assessing which waves are active in different parts of the brain.

The waves include the sharp-thinking beta type, the zoned-out alpha waves, the meditation/twilight-sleep theta waves and the delta waves of deep, dreamless sleep. The results are plotted on a brain map, which is compared to a "normal" brain map, based on information from five databases around the world.

Specialists like Dye and Sherlin can identify a spacey individual from a fidgety one based on a brain map. "The client gets to look at the brain activity on the computer and see when the brain is doing the right thing and getting on track," Dye said.

One-on-one coaching is the subtle therapy that provides the tools to change brain wave levels. "The harder you try, the more it doesn't work," Dye said, commenting on the approach.

The ADHD problem in general is that the brain waves are too slow, concentrated in the alpha or theta ranges, resulting in poor mental focus. Individuals with ADHD tend to crave excitement, theoretically because it makes up for the slow brain waves and makes them feel normal. Some experts theorize that anxiety is an expression of this compensation.

This interesting and evidently quite encouraging combination of clinical practice and research is a very positive sign. You will find this at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, an accredited school of naturopathic medicine. See www.scnm.edu for more information about their ND program.