What Is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by symptoms such as difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood, affecting various aspects of life—from academic and professional performance to interpersonal relationships.
ADHD is not about being “undisciplined” or “not trying hard enough.” It involves an imbalance in brain activity, particularly in regions that control attention, emotional regulation, and executive functions.
Brain Mapping: Visualizing Brain Activity Patterns
Brain mapping, or QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram), is a technique that uses advanced EEG tools to quantitatively measure and visualize a person’s brainwave activity.
In individuals with ADHD, common patterns may include:
- Excessive slow-wave (theta) activity in the frontal region – associated with difficulty focusing
- Deficiency in fast-wave (beta) activity – important for attention and self-control
- Brainwave asymmetry – may affect mood stability and emotional regulation
Brain mapping provides objective data to support the diagnosis of ADHD, moving beyond observation and interviews alone.
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is an EEG-based brain training technique that helps the brain learn to become more stable, focused, and balanced through real-time visual and audio feedback.
The procedure is non-invasive and painless. Patients simply sit and watch a screen while the system provides positive reinforcement whenever the brain reaches a healthy wave state.
With regular training, the brain can:
- Reduce impulsivity and anxiety
- Improve focus and attention span
- Restore sleep patterns and emotional balance
What Does the Research Say?
Scientific studies have shown that neurofeedback is effective in treating ADHD, both as a primary therapy and as a complement to medication.
A meta-analysis by Arns et al. (2014) in the European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry journal found that neurofeedback had long-term effectiveness comparable to pharmacological treatments in some cases of ADHD.
Key advantages of neurofeedback:
- No side effects like those of medications
- Suitable for patients who do not respond well to drugs
- Offers long-lasting results by training the brain directly
Why Combine Brain Mapping & Neurofeedback?
Brain mapping is used to:
- Assess baseline brainwave patterns
- Design personalized neurofeedback protocols
- Monitor brain responses over time
Neurofeedback then works to:
- Train the brain to become more adaptive and focused
- Stabilize emotions without medication
- Reduce reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms
Together, they enable individualized, data-driven, and progressive interventions tailored to each person’s brain.
Who Can Benefit from This Therapy?
- Children with persistent ADHD symptoms affecting learning
- Teenagers struggling with emotional regulation, focus, or impulsive behavior
- Adults with a history of ADHD or difficulties with concentration, boredom, or emotional reactivity
- Individuals with sleep disorders, anxiety, or trauma accompanying ADHD
Conclusion: Look at the Brain, Not Just the Behavior
ADHD is not merely a behavioral issue—it reflects different patterns of brain function. With technologies like brain mapping and neurofeedback, we can stop blaming and start understanding.
Because when we see how the brain works, we can help the brain work better.
Written by a professional psychiatrist