Anyone try Neurofeedback?

[HeartChaser]

Hi folks!

I have a 12y/o son diagnosed with adhd, anxiety, ocd and subsequently has depression and low self esteem. His impulsive behavior has kept him out of elementary school and his attempt at middle school only lasted 4 mos. His lying, stealing and impulsive behavior has us living in lock down with certain rooms and closets locked to keep him from stealing money or electronics. There is addiction in his family (not in our home) and you can see how if you give him an inch, he takes a mile every time so we keep him away from screens and sugar. He’s very much in survival mode and it’s difficult for him to follow rules that don’t appeal to him. We have tried many alternative therapies as well as counseling, OT. And now medications (though we’re not impressed).

Have anyone tried Neurofeedback? We’d love to hear your experience with it or any other alternative therapies.

Thanks!!!

[barneyjing]

hi

We’ve tried it for our 10 year old boy with similar symptoms as you describe.

I would say it has been helpful in combination with medication (though who knows which has been the most effective as it’s hard to untangle the impact of each)

It wasn’t covered by our insurance however, so if that’s the case with you, see if you can negotiate a lower rate per session

[HeartChaser in reply to barneyjing]

NF can get pricey. Was there anything to look for specifically in a practitioner that might help me choose one over another? We have several in our area. All incredibly expensive

[ExhaustedMother]

yes, we tried it for an entire school year. Definitely improved symptoms during treatment. It was not covered by insurance or we would’ve continued. He’s not as bad as he was but there was a regression as time passed since his last neurofeedback session.

[HeartChaser in reply to ExhaustedMother]

Thanks for mentioning the regression after the NF treatments stopped. I feel like it’s almost like weight lifting. Do they recommend tune ups? The cost is definitely a factor.

[ExhaustedMother in reply to HeartChaser]

yes, each session cost was the same though. we would’ve likely did the “tune up” periodically maybe quarterly had it not been for the fact our provider switched practices (farther away) and my son got a concussion playing a sport so we just ended up stopping

[CatzBCrazy]

My 12 year old son is currently doing weekly Neurofeedback sessions. We started in May. I told my husband I want to give it at least 6 months. As of now I do not see any changes but I want to give it a go. I feel it’s SOMETHING we can do besides the meds he is on. He is ADHD high functioning ASD. This year has been the worst. We are currently on vacation and he has been quite the PIA. He used to be a little more easy going and now he seems to have lost all his tolerance for anything uncomfortable!, Sorry this is supposed to be about Neurofeedback, now I’m just venting. 🥴. He doesn’t complain about going to Neurofeedback so that is a blessing! I’m praying it eventually gives him some relief. And my insurance covers 80%!! We just have to pay therapist then submit bill to get reimbursed. It’s worth a shot I believe!

[HeartChaser in reply to CatzBCrazy]

Bummer to hear about the rough year! And being a PIA on vacation feels like such a sucker punch sometimes! Vent away Mama!! I hope you get some good results with the NF. Fantastic that it’s mostly covered. Unfortunately, our state does not cover it

Good luck to you!

[barneyjing in reply to CatzBCrazy]

Interesting that your insurer covers 80% - if you dont mind me asking, who is the insurer and what CPT code does the therapist use?

[ExhaustedMother in reply to CatzBCrazy]

does your provider give you and your child surveys to complete to see if there’s small changes that may not be noticeable right now? We did one at least monthly and it also is used for the provider to tweak the programming to produce the intended effect.

[CatzBCrazy in reply to ExhaustedMother]

Yes but unfortunately theres always something. I haven’t seen any dramatic improvement .