Attention Deficit Disorder
10.8% of children aged 5-17 in America are diagnosed with ADHD/ADD
and there is very little data available on adult ADD/ADHD statistics [1]
Many people see ADHD/ADD as just a little bit of fidgeting or a lack of focus, but the lives of those experiencing ADHD or ADD can be incredibly difficult. At Openmind Neuro, we have efficacious solutions and a wide breadth of knowledge on ADHD/ADD, and we want to help those suffering from these disorders live healthy and successful lives.
The ADHD Iceberg
There is a lot more to ADHD/ADD than most people think. Here are some quick facts on the social implications of ADD/ADHD:
In Boulder County ADD/ADHD outnumbers all minorities except Hispanics (13.7%) [2]
It is estimated that ADHD kids hear 20,000 more negative statements than neurotypical children by the time they’re 12 [3]
Single greatest predictor of teenage pregnancy [4]
62% of males will be a father by age 19
34% of females will be pregnant at least once by age 19
Parents of ADHD children are 3 times more likely to get divorced [4]
Adults with ADHD have 15x the divorce rate of the average population [4]
The CDC estimates roughly $31.6B in excess health care costs and work absence related to ADD/ADHD [1]
Research varies on prison populations from 21-45% prevalence of ADHD [4]
"Neurotherapy has been found to be efficacious and specific in the treatment of ADHD"
[A Position Paper on Neurofeedback for the Treatment of ADHD]
Understanding ADHD/ADD behaviorally is great, but at OpenMind Neuro, we get to adjust your brain directly using well-researched neurotherapy techniques.
By focusing on the specific phenotype markers in your brain, we can subconsciously encourage your brain to work the way it was intended. Neurotherapy has been found to be the only ADD/ADHD intervention to diminish certain ADD/ADHD symptoms long-term [7].
Training the brain using this method allows us to directly target the frequencies in specific regions of the brain that need adjustment, which leads to our clients living fuller, healthier, more well-adjusted lives.
Before and after 20 sessions of neurotherapy.
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Before neurotherapy
A common way to spot ADHD in the brain is by looking for “high midline theta”. The theta frequencies are shown in the dark red portions of the charts above
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After Neurotherapy
After 20 sessions there was a significant decrease in the distributed theta across the board.
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The Change
This screenshot shows the difference between the first map and the second. This client expressed a major decrease in absentmindedness and an improved ability to focus after only 20 sessions.
"Neurological understanding of this condition has been well understood for 40+ years and the research has consistently been dismissed by the APA, Educational System, Insurance Companies, Big Pharmaceutical Companies"
-Dr Joel Lubar, 1976
ADHD/ADD at this point in time is a well-researched, well-understood neurodevelopmental disorder. In basic terms: The parts of your brain that govern inhibitory networks, executive control of attention, and circadian rhythm cycles, are generally found to be out of balance. The most influential paper regarding psychological theory on ADHD is regarded to be Barkley's unified theory [read it here]. People with ADHD/ADD are not lazy and not unmotivated, they simply have a brain that has some form(s) of the regulatory disorder.
Another key expression of ADHD is a lack of a certain type of object permanence. Tasks, responsibilities, and punishments that are not visually tangible are out of sight and out of mind. This can explain why people with ADHD/ADD procrastinate despite knowing they have work to do. They struggle to correlate the results of past actions with future outcomes in the present moment.
Exploring ADD/ADHD from a physiological perspective
The most instrumental finding on ADHD/ADD in the last century is the genetic EEG phenotypes that are associated with the disorder. EEG phenotypes are simply patterns that are found in EEGs that signify certain symptoms and are genetically linked to your DNA. The list of the first 11 EEG phenotypes outlined by Jay Gunkeman with a more thorough explanation can be found here.
There are three phenotypes directly associated with ADHD that we will discuss here. For more information on how we get these maps and interpret them, please visit the qEEg services page.
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AKA Frontal Lobe Hypoperfusion
What is Theta?
The theta rhythm of the brain in this context can be imagined as the "mailman" of the brain, delivering information to and from different areas of the brain (and body). It typically is associated with states of deep thought, creativity, and drowsiness, and should range from about 4-8 Hz.
Looking at the Raw EEG
At sites F3, FZ, and F4 (these are the frontal, centrally located electrodes), you may be able to see small slow "humps" appear occasionally.
Looking at the brain Maps
On the brain maps, you can more clearly see that there is an above-average amount of theta frequencies appearing at this central location on the head.
So what does this all mean?
Excessive frontal theta in the brain's midline has been associated with the executive control network of the brain being pushed aside by the limbic system (the system that communicates with the body). This can lead to issues such as impaired working memory, poor impulse control, emotional dysregulation, as well as others. Neurotherapy techniques can help regulate this excessive theta as well as certain drugs that increase dopamine levels, such as Ritalin*.
*Note: Openmind Neuro will NOT provide medication guidance to clients. However, we would be happy to consult with your psychiatrist or doctor about your brain.
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What is Alpha?
The alpha rhythm of the brain in this context can be imagined as the brain's "framerate". It typically is associated with states of alertness as well as states of peacefulness and should range from about 8-12 Hz.
Looking at the Raw EEG
In the EEG you can see uniform alpha waves throughout.
Looking at the brain Maps
In the brain maps, you may notice the "hottest" frequency in the brain looks to be in the theta bucket. Theta frequencies are thought to be between 4-8Hz, yet in this case, the alpha frequency is so low that it is showing up as theta.
So what does this all mean?
This person's brain is not functioning at the speed it requires. This slow alpha is widespread and can lead to symptoms like lack of focus, depression, poor working memory, and others. A person like this may find a stimulant such as Adderal advantageous*, as stimulants typically speed up the brain. Neurotherapy can also be used to widen the range of alpha frequencies in the brain.
*Note: Openmind Neuro will NOT provide medication guidance to clients. However, we would be happy to consult with your psychiatrist or doctor about your brain.
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What is Beta?
The beta rhythm of the brain in this context can be imagined as the actual content of your thoughts within the brain. It typically is associated with states of thought, focus, sustained attention, tension, and excitement. Low-beta should range from about 15-18 Hz and high-beta from 18-32 Hz.
Looking at the Raw EEG
Throughout the recording, there are patches of tightly packed squiggly lines. These quick bursts of activity are known as "beta spindles".
Looking at the brain Maps
On the brain maps, you can more clearly see that there is an above-average amount of beta frequencies appearing throughout the brain
So what does this all mean?
This brain is busy! This person may have trouble focusing on single tasks for a sustained period of time, they may fidget, and they may have mood swings, just to list a few possible symptoms. Despite having similar symptoms to those with slow alpha in their brains, giving this person a stimulant* would only exacerbate their symptoms. This is why we believe you should always look at the brain before being prescribed new medications. Neurotherapy can also be utilized to limit the fast beta activity in the brain.
*Note: Openmind Neuro will NOT provide medication guidance to clients. However, we would be happy to consult with your psychiatrist or doctor about your brain.