brain mapping is cool
> Brain mapping leads to optimal function > > Offers holistic way of treating mental woes> > Pat Whitney> Special for The Republic> Jan. 5, 2005 12:00 AM]
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Brain mapping, also called quantitative EEG (QEEG),has been around since at least the 70's. Today, itconsists basically of a computerized analysis andtopographic display of EEG rhythms and evokedpotential data. Computers create really cool-lookingdigital graphics on the screen. Historically usedmostly as a research tool, technology is quicklycreating a market for QEEG that may be ahead of it'sproven usefulness.
The idea for using QEEG in the treatment for ADHD is aQEEG observation of increased presence oflow-frequency theta brain waves in the prefrontalcortex in children when they struggle to concentrate. It's been suggested that comparative abnormalities inboth theta and beta brain wave rhythms are associatedwith attention–or lack of it. But, that is where thereally good science stops at present. Currentguidelines available at www.guidelines.gov do notmention QEEG, or brain mapping, in the diagnosis ortreatment protocols for ADHD.
Practitioners using QEEG in treatment for ADHD useresults as neurobiofeedback to guide whateverintervention is advocated with the intent to reducethe measured amount of (attention-disrupting) betabrain waves. Reports of success of QEEGneurobiofeedback in the treatment of ADHD areanecdotal. Biofeedback, including neurobiofeedbackhas not been scientifically established asparticularly integral in guiding therapy for any kindof condition, and there is not yet good data to createa meaningful QEEG/ADHD connection.
Are ADHD kids likely to improve with QEEGneurobiofeedback therapy? I would say yes; but, I amskeptical that it is better than established orcomparative non-QEEG therapy protocols. Does thescience suggest $3,500/mo QEEG treatment programs areworthwhile? No. But, I think this treatment has somekey ingredients for placebo treatment success: highcost, intensive intervention, and innovative gadgetrythat can suggest exactly what's wrong and even measureprogress.
Is using QEEG to treat ADHD healthfraud? I would saythis has more to do with the credentials, experience(with ADHD) and reputation of the practitioner. Insurers probably won't readily identify QEEG-basedtreatment for ADHD on a claim, I doubt many wouldintentionally cover it.
These are optimistic review articles of QEEG with theabsolutely most current information for thoseinterested:
Chabot RJ, di Michele F, Prichep L. The role ofquantitative electroencephalography in child andadolescent psychiatric disorders. Child AdolescPsychiatr Clin N Am. 2005 Jan;14(1):21-53, v-vi. PMID:15564051Monastra VJ. Electroencephalographic biofeedback(neurotherapy) as a treatment for attention deficithyperactivity disorder: rationale and empiricalfoundation. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2005Jan;14(1):55-82, vi. PMID: 15564052
The most referrenced report in support of QEEGbiofeedback:
Monastra VJ, Monastra DM, George S. The effects ofstimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback, and parentingstyle on the primary symptoms ofattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ApplPsychophysiol Biofeedback. 2002 Dec;27(4):231-49.PMID: 12557451 Recent work:El-Sayed E, Larsson JO, Persson HE, Rydelius PA.Altered cortical activity in children withattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder duringattentional load task. J Am Acad Child AdolescPsychiatry. 2002 Jul;41(7):811-9. PMID: 12108806
http://www.azcentral.com/php-bin/clicktrack/print.php?referer=http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/0105wvbrainmap0105Z1.html>
------------------------------------------------------
Brain mapping, also called quantitative EEG (QEEG),has been around since at least the 70's. Today, itconsists basically of a computerized analysis andtopographic display of EEG rhythms and evokedpotential data. Computers create really cool-lookingdigital graphics on the screen. Historically usedmostly as a research tool, technology is quicklycreating a market for QEEG that may be ahead of it'sproven usefulness.
The idea for using QEEG in the treatment for ADHD is aQEEG observation of increased presence oflow-frequency theta brain waves in the prefrontalcortex in children when they struggle to concentrate. It's been suggested that comparative abnormalities inboth theta and beta brain wave rhythms are associatedwith attention–or lack of it. But, that is where thereally good science stops at present. Currentguidelines available at www.guidelines.gov do notmention QEEG, or brain mapping, in the diagnosis ortreatment protocols for ADHD.
Practitioners using QEEG in treatment for ADHD useresults as neurobiofeedback to guide whateverintervention is advocated with the intent to reducethe measured amount of (attention-disrupting) betabrain waves. Reports of success of QEEGneurobiofeedback in the treatment of ADHD areanecdotal. Biofeedback, including neurobiofeedbackhas not been scientifically established asparticularly integral in guiding therapy for any kindof condition, and there is not yet good data to createa meaningful QEEG/ADHD connection.
Are ADHD kids likely to improve with QEEGneurobiofeedback therapy? I would say yes; but, I amskeptical that it is better than established orcomparative non-QEEG therapy protocols. Does thescience suggest $3,500/mo QEEG treatment programs areworthwhile? No. But, I think this treatment has somekey ingredients for placebo treatment success: highcost, intensive intervention, and innovative gadgetrythat can suggest exactly what's wrong and even measureprogress.
Is using QEEG to treat ADHD healthfraud? I would saythis has more to do with the credentials, experience(with ADHD) and reputation of the practitioner. Insurers probably won't readily identify QEEG-basedtreatment for ADHD on a claim, I doubt many wouldintentionally cover it.
These are optimistic review articles of QEEG with theabsolutely most current information for thoseinterested:
Chabot RJ, di Michele F, Prichep L. The role ofquantitative electroencephalography in child andadolescent psychiatric disorders. Child AdolescPsychiatr Clin N Am. 2005 Jan;14(1):21-53, v-vi. PMID:15564051Monastra VJ. Electroencephalographic biofeedback(neurotherapy) as a treatment for attention deficithyperactivity disorder: rationale and empiricalfoundation. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2005Jan;14(1):55-82, vi. PMID: 15564052
The most referrenced report in support of QEEGbiofeedback:
Monastra VJ, Monastra DM, George S. The effects ofstimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback, and parentingstyle on the primary symptoms ofattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ApplPsychophysiol Biofeedback. 2002 Dec;27(4):231-49.PMID: 12557451 Recent work:El-Sayed E, Larsson JO, Persson HE, Rydelius PA.Altered cortical activity in children withattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder duringattentional load task. J Am Acad Child AdolescPsychiatry. 2002 Jul;41(7):811-9. PMID: 12108806
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