Neurofeedback for ADHD: How it Works Effectiveness & How to Try It

What Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a specific form of biofeedback which targets brainwaves and the nervous system to produce a desired effect and a generally more “relaxed” state of body and mind. The idea is that, with neurofeedback, over time the brain will rewire its response to stressful stimuli to ultimately produce decreased levels of stress in the body.

How Can Neurofeedback Help With ADHD?

Since ADHD is a neurological disorder, it makes sense that a treatment which targets the brain and nervous system would help reduce the impact of symptoms associated with ADHD, though many mental health disorders can be treated using this method; such as depression and anxiety. Some symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) result in difficulties with self-regulation, and neurofeedback has been found to be especially helpful for this symptom profile.²

Potential benefits of neurofeedback for ADHD include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Decreased impulsivity
• Decreased hyperactivity
• Decreased agitation
• Improved emotion regulation
• Increased ability to listen
• Decreased distractibility

Can Neurofeedback Effectively Treat ADHD?

While there is no “magic wand” solution for any mental health condition, neurofeedback has been empirically supported to help reduce symptom severity in ADHD if used effectively over time. Some studies have found that neurofeedback is helpful for children living with ADHD struggling to regulate their emotions or their behaviors. Furthermore, research has found that prolonged neurofeedback can decrease symptoms associated with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.³

Limitations of current research on neurofeedback for ADHD appear to be a focus on children, rather than on people throughout the lifespan living with ADHD, as well as being unable to account for other variables impacting symptom reduction such as personality, environment and level of structure the individual might experience in their environment.

How Fast Does Neurofeedback Work for ADHD?

Most of the research regarding neurofeedback appears to focus on prolonged exposure to treatment in order to produce more effective results. It seems that most studies implement neurofeedback treatments anywhere from 2-6 months respectively before assessing results. This information is useful for anyone seeking neurofeedback as a treatment modality for ADHD in terms of managing expectations around the time it takes to produce results. Most research will measure brainwaves, however, subjective ratings of symptom severity may be the most accessible method for assessing the effectiveness of neurofeedback for those in the general population.

Is Neurofeedback a First or Last Resort for ADHD Treatment?

There is no “right time” to implement neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD. Since neurofeedback can have benefits that extend beyond symptom management for ADHD, such as improved emotion regulation and an increased sense of calm, it can be beneficial to start at any point in time. Some people have reported experiencing fatigue after engaging in neurofeedback so being mindful of capacity for treatment and potential recovery time would likely be useful to think about and plan before engaging in neurofeedback treatment.

Neurofeedback Vs TMS for ADHD

There are differences between neurofeedback and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS primarily uses magnets primarily used to treat depression, while neurofeedback employs different methodologies to alter brain function. Neurofeedback provides an individual with instant information about their brain activity which helps them then behaviorally shape their neurological patterns of responding. According to a recent study which examined research on the use of TMS, more information is needed in order to assess the effectiveness of TMS as a treatment for ADHD.⁴

How Long Do the Benefits of Neurofeedback for ADHD Last?

According to research, the benefits of neurofeedback tend to last for at least 6 months.⁵ This study also investigated research which examined effects immediately after treatment as well as up to 12 months post treatment. The benefits of treatment for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity were found to be effective for six months, and in some cases, even up to a year according to this study.

Neurofeedback for Adults Vs Children With ADHD

It is important to consider the similarities and differences between adults with ADHD and children with ADHD in terms of the treatment efficacy of neurofeedback. As previously stated, research on neurofeedback as a treatment for adults is an area that is in need of further research to draw conclusions as the majority of research has previously been conducted on children and adolescents.⁶

There are developmental concerns to take into consideration with any treatment method for ADHD. For example, children may have different thresholds for tolerating the duration and number of sessions of neurofeedback compared to adults.

What to Expect at a Neurofeedback Therapy Session for ADHD

During a neurofeedback therapy session, an individual will generally be placed in a comfortable chair with electrodes attached to their scalp to measure brain activity. They will then engage in neurofeedback exercises (on a screen of some sort) and respond to these triggers in a way that is meant to help change their brain waves. The participant will usually also have to wear headphones to pick up auditory stimuli from the exercises they are being asked to perform. The sessions usually last about 30 minutes. One of the drawbacks of these exercises is that they can cause people to feel tired afterward.

Risks & Precautions of Neurofeedback for ADHD

Risks associated with neurofeedback could be exhaustion and fatigue related to the exercises individuals are asked to perform. For the most part, research emphasizes that there are no adverse side effects to neurofeedback, which makes this form of treatment a desirable option compared to medication, which tends to have side effects of some sort for most people. If someone is sensitive to bright light from a screen or sounds, neurofeedback could be challenging for them, though they may consider discussing these sensitivities with a provider before engaging in treatment to see if it would be appropriate for them.

Potential side effects of neurofeedback for ADHD could include:

• Sensory overload
• Fatigue
• Exhaustion
• Irritability

Who May Not Be A Good Fit for Neurofeedback Therapy?

Neurofeedback could be a helpful treatment method for most people living with ADHD. The risk of potential harm is relatively low as well as the risk of adverse side effects. In essence, there are very few consequences to trying neurofeedback and seeing if it would be a good fit. As with most treatments, having time to complete sessions and continuing to participate for a duration of up to 2 months in order to see results could be the largest barrier in terms of convenience associated with this treatment method.

Individuals who should not use neurofeedback therapy for ADHD include:

• People with specific sensory sensitivities
• People with chronic pain or other chronic conditions (associated with sitting, hearing or vision)
• People who are too stressed or overwhelmed to participate meaningfully
• People who have chronic issues with fatigue

How to Know If Neurofeedback for ADHD Is Right for You

Anyone can engage in self-assessment and consultation with healthcare providers to determine if neurofeedback is an appropriate treatment option for them. Factors to consider, such as treatment history, symptom severity, and treatment goals may inform whether or not neurofeedback is the right course of treatment or if it is the right time to engage in this method of treatment. With most methods of treatment for adults with ADHD or treatment for children with ADHD, it is always helpful to consult with a mental health professional to discuss obstacles or potential barriers to treatment.

How to Find a Neurofeedback Therapist for ADHD

If you are looking to find a therapist who specializes in neurofeedback therapy for ADHD, an online therapist directory can be a helpful resource to find a neurodiverse-affirming therapist. You can search for providers in your area as well as look for people who seem like they would be a good fit for you. It is always helpful to reach out to a few different providers to start and see if you can find someone who has availability and feels like a good fit.

Cost of Neurofeedback Therapy for ADHD

It is always important to consider the cost of healthcare, when living in the United States where, unfortunately, cost can be a significant barrier to receiving quality healthcare. Neurofeedback sessions can cost around $150 per hour, per session, out of pocket. You may consider contacting your insurance company to see if they would cover the cost of this treatment prior to scheduling your first appointment.

Alternative ADHD Treatment Options

There are several alternative ADHD treatment options. A comprehensive treatment plan often combines multiple treatment methods. For most mental health disorders, comprehensive treatment methods are best practice.

Here are some alternative treatment options for ADHD to look into:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD is a behaviorally based therapy that targets patterns of thinking and behaviors that may contribute to mental health problems.
• Medications: Several medications for  ADHD may be helpful to consider. Contact a prescribing provider to get more information about if medication is the right path for you.
• Music therapy: Consider music therapy for ADHD. Music therapy has been shown to have many mental health benefits for several mental health disorders, including ADHD.
• Compassion-Focused Therapy: Compassion-Focused Therapy, or CFT, can help an individual increase self-compassion and overall self concept which is helpful for reducing symptom severity in several mental health disorders, including ADHD.
• Exercise: Research has shown that regular exercise, as well as time spent outside, can be helpful in decreasing symptom severity in ADHD as well as several other mental health disorders.
• Sleep Hygiene: Getting regular sleep greatly increases brain function in most people and sleep can reduce symptom severity in several mental health disorders, including ADHD.