Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADD / ADHD?
People with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) usually suffer from an underactivation of the brain. To understand this underactivation, we like to compare the brain to a car that is stuck in first gear. No matter how much the driver steps on the gas pedal the car will never be able to go beyond a certain speed-no matter how capable or powerful its engine. One way that this underactivation can be identified is through EEG analysis. EEG (electroencephalographic) technology enables us to record and understand brainwaves. For example, Theta brainwaves are associated with 'unfocused" or "spacey" behaviors. In contrast, Beta brainwaves are normally produced when a person focuses and concentrates. People with ADD or ADHD often show an excess of Theta brainwaves or insufficient Beta brainwaves, or both. Typically, this results in impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Another crucial effect is an inability to concentrate and process information normally regardless of intelligence level. In fact, the I.Q. of persons with ADD/ADHD is often above average, but an underactivation in the brain blocks this potential. This gap between potential and actual performance throughout the lives of ADD/ADHD sufferers, often leads to low self-esteem, psychological/emotional problems and underachievement at school and work.

Doctors prescribe drugs for ADD/ADHD because they are presumed to stimulate the brain; in essence, they temporarily "rev up" brain fun ctioning. On such stimulants, patients are temporarily able to focus, stay on task and filter out distractions. Unfortunately, once the medicine leaves the person's system, so do the positive effects. Because one does not usually outgrow ADD/ADHD, one must become dependent on medication for improved functioning, indefinitely.

An estimated 10% of the population is afflicted with ADD/ADHD. If undiagnosed and untreated, people with ADD/ADHD are at much higher risk for developing substance abuse disorders, psychiatric dysfunction and antisocial behaviour.

What causes ADD / ADHD?
The most common, possible causes include heredity, fetal distress with lack of oxygen to the fetus during childbirth, premature birth, pre-natal exposure to alcohol and/or drugs, head injuries, high fevers (over 105 degrees) for longer than 24 hours, brain infections and possibly chronic/severe ear infections at early ages.

What does Biofeedback do?
Thirty years of research has shown that patients can learn to activate their brain more fully through EEG neurofeedback. These results have occurred regardless of age (if over 6 years) or the cause of the disorder. By increasing their brain's activation, many patients have become more functional and, ultimately, symptom-free. After the initial course of treatment, further care is rarely needed.

What is EEG Neurofeedback?
EEG neurofeedback is a safe, non-invasive, painless procedure during which sensors called electrodes are placed on the surface of the patient's head. These sensors record and give the patient information about his/her brain activation level. It is important to understand that the instruments used in this process serve only as a source of information. They read and record the activity in the brain, much like a thermometer would tell one's temperature. The information is displayed on a computer screen, together with sounds which change according to the brain's activity levels. Therefore, the patient can read, understand and influence his/her brainwave activity. Once the patient learns to access and activate the brain more effectively, symptoms of the disorder begin to dissipate.

Who is a candidate for EEG Neurofeedback treatment of ADD/ADHD?
Anyone with a primary diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is a candidate for treatment. However, EEG neurofeedback should not be provided if there is co-existing childhood psychosis. If there is severe family dysfunction, family dynamics will need to be improved for the treatment to be effective. We provide family counselling in these cases.

What results can be expected?
EEG neurofeedback is it highly effective treatment, especially in conjunction with supporting care (i.e. parent counselling, educational intervention, etc.). The program brings substantial improvement for many patients who are able to strengthen brain functioning, and therefore, learn more effectively, these patients can then work up to their true potential at school or at the office, higher test scores and better, job performance often follow. In addition, the treatment also curbs impulsive be haviour and reduces hyperactivity. As the patients behaviour becomes more socially appropriate, his/ her social skills and life improve accordingly; with these encouraging changes, self-esteem and confidence significantly increase. Many patients also report relief' from secondary symptoms, such its headaches, bed-wetting, teeth grinding and sleeping difficulties.

How effective is this treatment approach?
We have been able to help the majority of our patient population. When patients selected for treatment meet the above criteria, the majority of those who complete treatment have a reduction or resolution of ADD/ADHD symptoms and no longer require medication.

Will my child or I get better?
Most patients treated with EEG neurofeedback experience mild to profound change. Because we are a medical facility and provide more services than most clinicians or researchers, we treat a greater range of patients. We handle some very difficult cases. While some of the most resistant cases we accept might have a reduced chance for improvement, we feel the effort is cl early warranted.

Some of the drugs which doctors prescribe for ADD/ADHD have not been adequately studied and the safety and long-term effects of some of these drugs are unknown. Some physicians prescribe these medications liberally, giving high doses to severe ADD/ADHD patients. With this in mind, it is necessary to take a stand for those tough cases-despite that doing so may lower our success rates. These patients have little other choice for safe and effective treatment. Our commitment is to medical care-not statistics.

This commitment makes our work more difficult, and also more rewarding. After we have completed the initial evaluation, we will discuss your probability for success with you. If at some point during treatment we feel that prognosis has changed, one of the directors will meet with you to discuss your case and decide how to proceed. This, however, has not happened often in our experience with thousands of ADD/ADHD patients. We do not want to provide hope where there is none. We also do not want to deny hope where we feel it might be called for especially since our treatment has worked for so many who have failed to find hope elsewhere. As a medical facility, with the option of choosing drug therapy, our years of scientific and clinical knowledge lead us to choose this treatment over the other choices.

What research is available on this treatment?
Scientists have been researching EEG neurofeedback for the last thirty years. Treatment applications now include epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, sleep disorders, minor closed-head injuries, alcohol and/or chemical dependency and endogenous depression.

What is the Drake Institute’s goal?
Our goal is to provide a significant strengthening of the attentional system so that ADD/ADHD sufferers can function successfully without medication. We then address self monitoring skills and self-esteem and social success issues for long lasting change.

Is there any pain?
No. There is no physical pain involved. It is non-invasive. Tiny electrodes are placed on the surface of the head and ear lobes with a gel.

How do I get started?
The first step is to call the Drake Institute. You will be able to speak with a member of our clinical staff to determine if you are likely to benefit from our care. Once we have determined that we can help you, we will provide you with all the pre-intake information to assure ourselves that you understand your role and the elements required for successful care. A brief pre-intake screening is set to review some personal details with one of our health care professionals and you are then ready to make your initial appointment.

How long does the evaluation take?
The evaluation process consists of an intensive assessment that lasts approximately 21/2-3 hours. Recommendations will be made by the clinical evaluator. Your program will then commence.

How long will I come for treatment?
Our treatment plans require 30 to 50 one hour sessions on average. The specific number of sessions will be discussed at the time of the evaluation. The frequency of sessions begins with four times a week and decreases as treatment progresses. Once your treatment is complete, most patients will not have to come back for further sessions. Your brain will have learned to work efficiently by itself and will continue to be stimulated by every day interactions. We will maintain contact and observe aftercare for 5 years.

Are there any side effects to your treatment?
No. Your brain uses its own inner resources as opposed to an external drug. Actually, patients often report a sense of calmness after their session.

Do you treat adults?
Yes. We treat anyone over the age of 5. In fact, many of our patients did not know that they suffered from ADD/ADHD until adulthood and have found great relief in finally understanding and healing a weakened attentional system that made work or home life more difficult than it needed to be.

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Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders for Children and Adults

Learn more about the Drake Institute's treatment for ADD / ADHD

Why Choose Drake	Self Worth	Frequently Asked Questions
Diagnosis - Value of Knowing	How Treatment Works	Patient Testimonials
For The Child Patient	Treatment Synergy	Orientation Seminar
Evaluation	Neurophysical Treatment
Beginning Appointment	Full Care Program
Program Schedule	Treatment Plan
Shared Commitment	Brain Mapping

Neurofeedback, Drugs, Treatments & Related Information

Treating ADD Naturally a WebMD Transcript	Stimulant Abuse by Children	DEA Press Release on Methlyphenidate
ADD / ADHD Research Articles	Neurofeedback	Can Neurofeedback Treat ADD / ADHD?
Neurofeedback Research Articles	ADD Drug Forum	Drug Abuse
Language	Autism	Stress