Think video games are bad for your children? Now, a Utah Psychologist is using video games to help kids in amazing ways.

Science Specialist Ed Yeates shows you how hyperactive children who might otherwise be treated with drugs are actually learning to control their brain waves and change their mood--while they play.

Ed Yeates Report on Mind Games Pt. 1

Ed Yeates Report on Mind Games Pt. 2

Additional Information

Using Neurofeedback to Treat ADD/ADHD:

Using neurofeedback to treat ADD/ADHD is somewhat controversial. Some doctors caution that neurofeedback should not be considered a "panacea" for people who suffer from ADD/ADHD. In severe cases especially, they say, medication is the best treatment, or perhaps medication in conjunction with neurofeedback. Those who have tested neurofeedback say 30 - 40 percent of patients were able to discontinue use of medication.

From Steven A. Szykula, Ph.D.: "The study of EEG biofeedback to treat ADD/ADHD actually had its start in the study and treatment of epilepsy. It has long been known that epileptics have differences in their brain waves. As early as 1968, published studies demonstrated that cats and humans could be trained to alter their brain waves. Furthermore, training to reduce slow-waves and increase certain other brain waves actually reduced seizures in both animals and humans."

Three pioneering researchers then turned attention to applying EEG biofeedback to ADD/ADHD. Over a fifteen year period, they reported results including:
-more focused, more thoughtful, better students
-major improvements in measured intelligence
-medication could be reduced or, in most cases, eliminated
-children with learning disabilities demonstrated marked learning improvement
-less opposition, fewer night terrors, less easily frustrated patients

From Joel F. Lubar, Applied Pschophysiology and Biofeedback, Vol. 22, No. 2, 1997: "How long do neurofeedback training effects last? (Mr. Lubar) published a paper in 1995 in which we assessed patients up to ten years after their initial training. The greatest improvements occurred in very important categories including general behavior, overall attitude, getting the homework done, improved grades, relationships with family and friends, and general relationships. In summary, for many of these individuals who are now adults, a much better overall adjustment occurred in the home and school settings and in the work place as well."

Lubar says of medications commonly used to treat attention deficit disorder, " They work while they are in the system, but there is virtually no long term carryover to the non-medicated state. Neurofeedback works not only when it is ‘in the system' so to speak, but the carryover lasts for a very long time and perhaps even a lifetime."

Contacts:

If you are interested in neurofeedback to treat attention deficit disorders and other ailments, contact:

Steven A. Szykula, Ph.D.
Comprehensive Psychological Services
1245 Brickyard Road, Suite 595
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 483-1600

Dr. Cory Hammond
University of Utah Medical Center
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 581-5741

Cascade Center for Family Growth
1145 E. 800 North
Orem, UT
(801) 229-2218

Link to:
EEG Biofeedback Website