Any experience with Neurofeedback/Biofeedback?

I have recently heard about Neurofeedback (often accompanied with Biofeedback) as a way to treat ADHD. Basically it is a therapy that "rewires" the brain. I'm interested to know if anyone has experience with this and what your thoughts are?

[Mad_Maxy]

Hi, yes I have had some positive experiences with neuro and bio feedback as well as mindfulness. None of it is a magic cure all but it certainly helps.

What services you use will depend on your budget and the time that you have available.

If you want to find out more I'd listen to some podcasts, particularly those given by Dr. Andrew Hill, a neuroscientist who claims to have used neurofeedback to cure his adhd.

You're also welcome to get in touch, I'm not after money or anything just happy to share my experiences and and try to help someone who's in the position that I was. We're all individuals so what works for me mightn't work for you, but you don't know unless you try.

[Puzzl in reply to Mad_Maxy]

Please publish some links on neuro feedback. I have read that it works for a time but must be practiced like mindfulness, or physical exercise. If you don't use it you loose it.

[Mad_Maxy in reply to Puzzl]

It really depends on how agreeable (capable) your brain is to being rewired.

If you're getting the right food, sleep, exercise, supplements and managing stress (it's probably more important to manage these things than do neurofeedback) then you'll be in a better position to get change (can write more on this if you want it) all of these things done correctly will generate BDNF and lactic acid. So ideally do things to stimulate these two products (internet is full of suggestions) as this helps the brain to change.

Number of sessions also depends on the quality of the neurofeedback. The neurofeedback devices themselves have channels (sensors). The more sensors the more targeted the feedback, the less sessions required. So say 18 channel feedback can be more targeted than 2 channel feedback. Also depends on the neurofeedback software being used.

People say that the change can potentially become permanent after 20 sessions. Andrew Hill at peak brain whilst expensive offers a deal where you pay a lump sum and he will give you as many sessions as you need.

In terms of price and options:

I've used the Dave Alert Pro from Mind Alive (a company that has been around for 20 years which is a good sign) - it uses Audio Visual Entertainment which is a form of neurofeedback, it uses light and sound to change the brain. It's $395 US and there is a study on the internet confirming it works. I believe it has helped me, and my son likes to use it as well. If you read the testimonials many others have benefited. I should have paid the extra and got a device with CES functionality as that also helps. From memory the changes become permanent after 60 X 30 minute sessions. It has a special adhd program that you can run. It's not as personalised and tailored as neurofeedback so maybe not as good but it works.

youtube.com/watch?v=Cr5MwdW...(Not working as expected?)

I'm currently signed up to do a Muse / Myndlift course of neurofeedback (note I have already obtained some QEEG scans) so they will know where to target when the do the settings. With Myndlift it's about $1,000 for 3 sessions with a therapist and unlimited sessions on your 1 channel Muse / Headset Myndlift device. It's not as good as 2 channel QEEG but it affordable. Additional session with a therapist I think are $75.

(if you get a muse headset try and get an original Muse. We've had trouble getting the muse 2 to work, check the feedback on amazon.)

myndlift.com/post/2018/02/2...

I also did about 10 session of neurofeedback at a centre and got good results you could see the results in the QEEG scans. The only issue is that it cost me $1,000 US, so it expensive.

Andrew Hill podcast here: (Avoid the advertisements and start at the 5:30 mark.)

thehealthymaven.com/episode...

Best wishes and goodluck.

[Hidden in reply to Mad_Maxy]

Hi, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed reply! I really appreciate it. I'll look into your suggestions.

[TheOlderGuy]

Research has shown that bio-feedback only has a short term effect on ADHD. There were some studies on it a few years ago and then, as I remember it, one big definitive study. From what I have seen it works for about six months. It really isn't worth it because it takes about 25 sessions to get the strongest effect. You will notice that most of the biofeedback people are very overpriced. It has been my experience that mediation is more effective but you need to keep practicing it every day. Results are cumulative and take a couple of weeks to start seeing the difference. And it is free.

[AnetPisc in reply to TheOlderGuy]

Do you mean meditation Neurofeefback & biofeedback are different therapies. I agree about the cost and timing of neurofeedback, but it was a critical part of helping me with anxiety, which then gave my brain & body more energy to better manage ADHD. I couldn’t even begin to meditate because of some trauma, but we’re all different! And one of my kids didn’t continue with neurofeedback. They said it was hard to concentrate, the neuro counselor could read that, and we discontinued. For me it was worth it, and I’m glad we at least tried for my kid.