ADHD & Attention
The most robustly researched application of neurofeedback is in the treatment of ADHD. We utilise the Theta/Beta ratio protocol to address cortical slowing.
The Cortical Mechanism
In many individuals diagnosed with ADHD, particularly the inattentive subtype, QEEG analysis reveals an excess of slow-wave activity (Theta, 4-8 Hz) and a deficit of fast-wave activity (Beta, 12-20 Hz) in the frontal and central regions, particularly at the Cz and Fz electrode sites.
This "cortical slowing" presents behaviorally as an inability to sustain attention, easily shifting focus, and executive dysfunction. The brain is essentially under-aroused, and hyperactive behaviors are often an unconscious attempt to self-stimulate the cortex into a higher state of arousal.
Protocol: Theta/Beta Training
The standard protocol involves placing a single active electrode at Cz (vertex). The operant conditioning parameters are set to:
- Inhibit (down-train) Theta amplitude (4-8 Hz)
- Reward (up-train) Beta amplitude (15-18 Hz) or Sensorimotor Rhythm (12-15 Hz)
- Inhibit High-Beta (22-30 Hz) to prevent muscle artifact and anxiety induction