ADD Treatment for
Adults and Children
Clinical insight from Connie Hurst, M.A., LMFT #41463. Connie has specialized in neurofeedback training for ADD since 2002, working with both children and adults. Read more about her background →
If focus feels impossible, tasks pile up unfinished, and you are exhausted from trying harder, neurofeedback may be the missing piece. It works directly with how your brain regulates attention, without medication.
How is ADD diagnosed?
ADD is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation that looks at attention, impulsivity, and how these symptoms show up at home, school, or work. I often use standardized rating scales such as the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale or Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), completed by the client and sometimes by a parent, teacher, or spouse, along with computerized tests of attention. Together these tools help build a full picture of how ADD is affecting daily functioning and guide a treatment plan suited to your needs.
What are effective options for treating ADD?
Neurofeedback training for ADD is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment designed to address the underlying causes of ADD symptoms and support more optimal brain functioning.
During neurofeedback training the brain is not stimulated. Instead, neurofeedback works like a thermometer in that it only records brain activity and reflects it back to you.
The brainwave activity is then relayed back to the client in a visual form their brain can easily respond to, and only requires clients to wear a sensor on their head.
Neurofeedback training for ADD helps clients learn how to self-regulate their brain activity for better concentration and focus, by allowing them to see their brainwave patterns in real time.
Because neurofeedback produces self-generated responses, the results are typically long-lasting, with many clients reporting life-changing improvement of their ADD-related symptoms. For over 20 years I have worked successfully with ADD clients. In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics ranked neurofeedback as a Level 1 "Best Support" intervention for ADHD, its highest evidence rating. Read more →
How does Neurofeedback for ADD work?
The goal of our neurofeedback training is to help clients to improve their brain regulation which enhances focus, concentration, and self-regulation of their behavior. With the help of neurofeedback equipment, patients can learn to strengthen and improve their brain activity required for focus, organization, follow-through, and basic learning functions.
FAQ's
What is ADD?
ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is a behavior disorder usually diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity (symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other). The symptoms of hyperactivity, when present, are almost always apparent by the age of 7. Inattention or attention-deficit may not be evident until a child faces school expectations.
ADD stands for attention deficit disorder, and it is characterized by an inability to focus, pay attention, sit still, control impulses, or self-regulate.ADD can be caused by multiple factors, including heredity, head injuries, maternal prenatal substance abuse, and premature childbirth.
Side effects of ADD Drugs
Stimulant medications are often used to manage symptoms of ADD. While they can provide short-term relief, they don’t address the root issue of how the brain regulates focus and attention. Because of this, symptoms often return when the medication is stopped.
These meds can also come with side effects, such as:
• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite, weight
• Headaches or upset stomach
• Feeling nervous, overly emotional
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure
Over time, some people may need higher doses to get the same effect, which can raise the risk of side effects.
The good news is that there are alternative approaches. Neurofeedback helps train the brain to regulate itself more effectively—offering many clients lasting improvement without the need for medication.
Cutting Edge Treatment
Neurofeedback is a personalized, non-invasive approach that helps retrain the brain to function with greater focus, impulse control, and organization.
Instead of only addressing surface symptoms as medications do, neurofeedback targets the underlying brain dysregulation that contributes to ADD challenges. By using real-time feedback, the brain learns to shift and clients notice improvements in focus, task completion, impulse control and emotional regulation.
I believe the most effective way to support someone with ADD is to address both the brain’s functioning. Neurofeedback offers a safe and supportive path toward lasting change. Interested in learning more about how neurofeedback can help with ADD? I’d be happy to talk with you.