How Biofeedback Can Help Treat ADHD

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a treatment that helps patients learn to control bodily processes such as muscle tension, blood pressure, or heart rate. It has been used to treat problems like high blood pressure, muscle tension and anxiety.

The way a Biofeedback session works is the therapist attaches electrodes to the patient’s skin, and these send information to a monitoring box. The therapist views the measurements on the monitor, and, through trial and error, identifies a range of mental activities and relaxation techniques that can help regulate the patient’s bodily processes.

How can it be used to treat ADHD?

When used for ADHD, a device reads a child’s brain wave activity and sends feedback via a game-like challenge. Some claim this process can train the brain to behave differently and reduce ADHD symptoms.  Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that is mainly used to help treat children who have ADHD.

Biofeedback is also an excellent tool for helping individuals manage their stress and anxiety.  The challenges that often accompany ADHD can often bring increased stress to both the individual with ADHD and their family.  With biofeedback the individual can actually ‘see’ their level of stress or arousal and using the expert guidance of the therapist learn the most effective strategy to lower this stress/arousal in the body.

Here at Pathways we specialize in helping diagnose, treat, and create a comprehensive plan to help deal with ADHD and other related issues. Join our mailing list and you will receive free mp3’s with relaxation strategies so you can start practicing your stress management and incorporate relaxation training into your life now!