​NEUROFEEDBACK

Biofeedback for ADHD

Every tenth nine-year-old child in Germany is diagnosed with ADHD, 60 per cent of them boys and 40 per cent girls. They suffer from speech and concentration disorders. Until now, they have mainly been treated with psychotropic drugs, which cause side effects such as nausea or delusions. That is why the University Hospital in Aachen is now trying gentle alternatives.

For the past six months, 12-year-old Lukas has been taking part in neurofeedback training at Aachen University Hospital. Lukas has suffered from ADHD, an attention deficit disorder, since the age of 7.

In neurofeedback, the patient’s brain waves are first converted into a signal on the computer monitor. This signal is displayed in the form of an aeroplane, for example. Lukas is now given the task of using his brain activity to steer the aeroplane up or down. What looks like magic is actually the result of targeted concentration and relaxation.

The concentration techniques learnt in this way now help Lukas, especially in everyday school life. Neurofeedback training can be an alternative or at least a supplement to medication for ADHD patients like Lukas.

As a rule, health insurance companies do not yet pay for this form of therapy. So far, Lukas’ parents have had to pay for the treatment themselves, at around 50 euros per session. Several clinics across Germany are currently conducting studies to prove the effectiveness of neurofeedback training for ADHD patients.