GRANDVILLE, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An escalating burden of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on families and the health care system were detailed in a recent update by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This new study notes ADHD is affecting 6.4 million U.S. children, with severe cases of ADHD commonly being diagnosed in children before they’re five years old. Additionally, over 17 percent of these children are not receiving proper treatment, which experts address can be resolved through improved diagnostic efforts and interventions such as medication and behavior therapy.
Brain-based diagnostics and treatment such as electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback are among the scientifically supported behavior therapies gaining notice among national health care experts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration affirmed brain wave diagnostics for ADHD earlier this year and in the fall of 2012, PracticeWise, research consultants for the American Academy of Pediatrics, elevated biofeedback to a level one intervention for ADHD.
There are hundreds of biofeedback clinics across the country, including Michigan-based Neurocore clinics. For nearly ten years, Neurocore has been facilitating education and access to EEG biofeedback as a diagnostic and treatment choice for improving ADHD, anxiety, sleep and focus.
“Where we are as a company is very rooted in behavior therapy and it’s why we do what we do,” said Dr. Timothy Royer, founder of Neurocore. “Through non-invasive, painless technology, we can shape the behavior at its origin, rewarding the brain for repeated, improved focus.”
EEG technology as a diagnostic identifies brain wave activity to illustrate whether it’s in a healthy range. Neurocore begins each client’s assessment process with an EEG and combines that with additional testing and questionnaires such as the child behavior checklist (CBCL), intelligence quotient (IQ), and integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test. Based on client needs and goals, a custom training plan of 30 EEG biofeedback sessions is created. Through repetition and a rewards method of learning, a client’s brain subconsciously learns to self-regulate brain wave activity toward a healthy range, all while watching a DVD of their choice. This approach works well for both children and adults, even those struggling to focus.
“As long as we keep diagnosing ADHD based on behaviors, the number of children affected will continue to rise,” asserted Royer. “This is an alarming trend that impacts future generations.”
Neurocore has another education session lined up for Tuesday, January 21, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Burton Manor Banquet and Conference Center in Livonia, Mich. Topics to be covered include improving ADHD and sleep through EEG biofeedback and other supporting health behaviors. Additional details are available online at theneurocore.com or by phone at 800.600.4096.
