The problem is EEG dysregulation: brainwaves that are too slow or too fast.
Our brains are continually discharging electrical activity at different speeds and power at different brain locations. Slower brainwaves are made when sleeping or daydreaming. When we are concentrating our brainwaves are faster. Individuals with ADD/ADHD often make more slow brainwaves in comparison to non-ADD individuals. Overanxious individuals may have brainwaves that are excessively fast. Individuals with acquired brain injury, autistic spectrum disorder, and brain-based depression often have predictable EEG patterns. Neurofeedback helps individuals modify their brainwave patterns.
We train the brain to make more of some brainwaves while decreasing other types of brainwaves. This helps the brain become more efficient.
After neurofeedback training, individuals show clear and lasting gains in their symptoms. For example, ADHD individuals typically focus better, are less distractible and less impulsive. Many also show gains in other areas (e.g. sleep, emotional regulation and social functioning. They are often able to maintain these gains without medication or with less medication(s). Researchers attribute these gains to the brain functioning in a more efficient and stable manner, with some researchers attributing that to improvements in cerebral blood flow.
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