Neurofeedback

for ADHD & Sleep

Neurofeedback has been studied for several decades and prominent researcher Dr Martijn Arns and his research team, work with neurocare clinicians worldwide to ensure we deliver best practice.  A quick google search on Neurofeedback may find different results on the efficacy of Neurofeedback.  It is important to note there are different protocols and approaches to Neurofeedback, not all of which are backed by sufficient research.  The quality of Neurofeedback equipment can also vary. 

neurocare's prodocols are derived from evidence based research including the following studies:

Garcia Pimenta et al., 2021
Researchers confirmed the effectiveness of Neurofeedback when personalised with a Quantitative EEG assessment. They also demonstrated that results improve when this method is used in combination with parental interventions, psychotherapy, sleep hygiene maintenance as well as nutritional advice.

Van Doren et al., 2018
In a systematic review and meta-analysis researchers looks at data from more than 500 children with ADHD from 10 randomised controlled trials, comparing the effects of Neurofeedback with ‘active treatments’ (including medication and ‘non-active’ (no treatment) conditions. They found Neurofeedback had long-lasting effects after an average of 6 months, with no ongoing therapy sessions needed after the initial program compared to the group which was still taking medication at follow-up. At the follow up, the effects of neurofeedback were comparable to the effects of medication.

Arns et al., 2012
An earlier paper demonstrated the results of the ‘individualized’ neurofeedback approach – also called QEEG informed neurofeedback – which is employed at neurocare clinics worldwide. The research also found that personalised neurofeedback treatment could potentially double clinical treatment effects.

If Neurofeedback is personalised and delivered following correct protocols, generally clients experience positive effects within the first 10 sessions of Neurofeedback, which may take 2 - 4 weeks.  Neurofeedback is shown to be effective in three in four people.  Our clinicians closely monitor your progress and results to improve the program in any way or to ensure you do not continue with the program if it is not working for you.

It is recommended to come to Neurofeedback sessions at least two times per week. If you are able to come more frequently than this, this will help you get through your treatment program in a shorter time frame.

If sessions are continuously cancelled or forgotten, and you are not coming as frequently as two times per week, ultimately you may find progress is slower and more sessions are needed.

Research has found Neurofeedback therapy to have sustainable effects in the longer term, with positive and large effects observed after 6 months of treatment. 

In addition, results tend to improve over time, with no ongoing sessions needed after the initial program.

Essentially, once the brain has learnt the new brain activity pattern, it can then access this desired behaviour at any stage in the future, as long as the activity has been properly trained and retained. This is why frequent sessions are required with 30-40 sessions recommended in total.

Approximately 75 – 80% of people with ADHD or related symptoms, respond to neurofeedback. These statistics are only relevant to neurofeedback protocols which have been trailed and tested in research (such as those used at neurocare). 

No, these electrodes are just measuring brain activity and sending that signal back into a computer.

You do not need a referral for treatment. Based on your intake interview a trained therapist will decide whether Neurofeedback is the right treatment for you.

A referral may be needed to receive reimbursement from your insurer. Please get in touch you have any questions regarding reimbursement.

In some cases, we can arrange Neurofeedback from home. It depends on the treatment protocol and other factors that will allow you to do the therapy from home.

Brainwaves have different patterns in different people, even within a population of people with ADHD or ADD.  People with sleep disorders also show a certain brain activity.  So we need to do a  QEEG assessment beforehand to see which sort of brain activity you have, adn then we will be able to decide on a Neurofeedback protocol which is more likely to have a positive effect for you. Other neurofeedback providers which do not offer a complete and thorough, evidence-based QEEG assessment, may be relying on a trial-and-error approach and we do not believe this is appropriate.

Always talk to your prescribing doctor about reducing or stopping medication. You are still able to do Neurofeedback sessions while taking or reducing medication.