Posted by Dwight on June 18, 2000, at 17:11:30
In reply to Re: ADHD and too much Theta, posted by Johnturner77 on June 18, 2000, at 15:47:20
Thanks for responding John. At least someone read this post.
> > Having played around with Biofeedback I feel qualified to comment on this topic! 8>)
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> While a biofeedback approach to ADD seem to be very workable, there are some aspects to the problem that are a cause for concern.
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> Some research seems to suggest that the most functional states of mind(brain?) are accompanied with a broad range of frequencies present(see Maxwell Cade's work). Training a child to produce Beta too soon may limit his development if it causes premature adult patterns. Certain mental abilities, unless developed and encouraged, disappear with age(eidetic imagery for example). If a child is taught to suppress theta he may limit his ability to recall and manipulate imagery. If ADDer's typically have low levels of arousal, increasiing beta may not address this. The improved focus may improve their school work, yet limit their development. I remember from my work with remedial reading, that older children responded much better that younger ones. It was almost a waste of time to try to teach a child to read before the nervous system was ready. While using Biofeedback may have excelerated this process, so many other physical systems would not be effected. Average brain wave frequencies naturally increase with age. Is this arrested with Adult ADDers?
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> I never played around much with beta, having only recently become aware of its possible benefits in ADD. In my own case, reading is about the only time I produce significant Theta in the waking state. Experientially, it is accompanied by a loss of attention with dream like imagery that is on the edge(or below) of awareness. It is uncontrolled and "off topic" therefore not particularly useful to what I happen to be studying at the time. Suppressing it, IMHO, may make my already poor recall of imagery and dreams worse, though reading and short term memory might improve. As measured by EGR, my level of arousal is relatively low if higher that average skin resistance is any indicator.
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> I would be cautious of advocating this type of Biofeedback as a cure for ADD. It may be a help, but may be just another way to mask symptoms and address only part of the problem..
poster:Dwight
thread:37497
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000610/msgs/37712.html