Neurofeedback Vs. Ritalin

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently treated with Ritalin. It is not as well known, but another promising treatment is neurofeedback. Ritalin and neurofeedback both result in improved symptoms but the way they work is quite different. Not all children will respond to each treatment, so the key is to find the one, or the combination of treatments, that will help them overcome ADHD.

Neurofeedback

• The concept behind neurofeedback is that brain waves can be trained to operate in a specific range. This is accomplished by using interactive computer software that responds to electrodes placed on the head. The electrodes read brain waves, they are sent to the computer where the software interprets them and then they cause a response in the computer game. The games are structured with a goal that keeps the brain waves operating in a healthy range. For example, you might have to keep an item floating within a specific space and that can only be accomplished by maintaining brain waves in a specific range. This offers immediate visual feedback as you can see the item "crash" if your brain waves change. Over time this process can train brain waves just like exercise strengthens muscles.

Neurofeedback and ADHD

• According to Dr. Anthony Kane, the brain waves of typical children are different from children with ADHD when engaged in the same activity. When a typical child reads their brain emits fast beta waves that indicate they are paying attention. But when children with ADHD read they exhibit theta brain waves, which are slower and more typical of falling asleep or daydreaming. During neurofeedback, children with ADHD can be taught to stop the theta waves and increase the beta waves. As this happens, they also improve their ability to pay attention and their ADHD symptoms improve.

Ritalin

• Ritalin is a stimulant medication commonly prescribed for children with ADHD. Information on the National Institutes of Mental Health web site says, "Although it may seem unusual to treat ADHD with a medication considered a stimulant, it actually has a calming effect on children with ADHD." Ritalin does alleviate the symptoms of ADHD but it also has side effects. The side effects to watch for include difficulty falling asleep, irritability, and decreased appetite. Anyone who has a heart condition may increase their chance of developing a stroke, heart attack or sudden death if they take Ritalin.

Ritalin versus Neurofeedback

• Ritalin and neurofeedback both help improve the behaviors and symptoms associated with ADHD. They also affect the brain. Ritalin's effect is chemical and as soon as the medication wears off or is stopped, the benefits also stop and symptoms return. Neurofeedback does not temporarily alter the brain with chemicals. It actually changes the brain wave patterns to operate in a more normal range all the time. According to Dr. Kane, consistent successful training with neurofeedback results in permanent improvement. As with all treatments, some individuals will be helped by Ritalin or neurofeedback and others won't. Neither treatment is guaranteed to be effective for everyone.

Factors

• The significant factors to be considered for Ritalin are the potential side effects as mentioned. Ritalin is considered to be safe but potential long-term side effects are undetermined. Neurofeedback takes a long time because retraining the brain will not be achieved with just a few sessions. It will probably take at least 40 sessions and they can be expensive. Another factor related to neurofeedback is that the child has to be the right age--old enough to follow the computer game and comprehend the goal--and be motivated to work through the treatment.