NFB And The Current ADHD and Behavioral Health Crises

"ADHD is on the rise in the United States. The overall rate of ADHD in children aged 2-17 has increased from 6.1% to 10.2% since 1997 (see Figure 1). Youth aged 12-17 have the highest rates of ADHD, coming in at 13.5% in 2016; and boys are diagnosed three times as frequently as girls, possibly caused by clinicians misreading symptoms in girls (CHADD, 2020). In adults, the lifetime prevalence of ADHD is 8.1% (NIMH, 2017a). Some studies have found NFB to be as effective as medication in treating ADHD, and with longer sustained results post treatment (Arns et al., 2020).

Beyond ADHD, mental health more broadly has become a dominant issue in our society. Rates of stress- and adjustment-related symptoms are climbing, and the number of mental health disorders that produce anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related symptoms are not showing any sign of letting up. Approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. have a mental illness (NIMH, 2017b).

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety of all types affects approximately 20% of adults and 25% of teens 13-18-years-old. (ADAA, n.d.). Additionally, 7.5% of U.S. children are diagnosed with behavioral problems and 7% with anxiety (CDC, 2018a). Addressing these disorders and other behavioral health conditions puts U.S. national mental health market spending at approximately $225.1 billion, up 52% from a decade ago (Open Minds, 2020); and yet, many are still not receiving care. For example, only about 37% of total anxiety cases receive treatment (ADAA, n.d.). To complicate matters further, according to the CDC, 64% of children with ADHD have at least one other mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder (see Figure 2). NFB, as a cleared treatment for relaxation, has been shown to be effective in treating and alleviating symptoms of stress- and adjustment-related disorders such as anxiety.

Americans of all ages, and our youth in particular, are under siege from behavioral health challenges. And while we have made concerted efforts in the fields of medicine and pharmacology to address this crisis, in some cases, prescription drugs are showing mixed results while the epidemic continues. Pharmacological remedies have offered great relief to many and are an indispensable component of modern medicine. Yet, the latest developments in neuroscience remind us that relying exclusively or too heavily on drugs, especially when other proven treatments are available, is not always the best or healthiest solution, even if this is the current established norm. While the immediate benefits of pharmacology for ADHD are clear, much is still unknown about the longterm effects of the use of psychotropics on the developing brains of youth. Some researchers have noted that pharmacological medications used in childhood do not necessarily lead to lasting remission, and may contribute to secondary behavioral health issues such as substance abuse in adulthood (Mannuzza & Klein, 2000). Expanding access to proven protocols, including NFB, is not a countermedication effort, but a strategic treatment add-on that would only help combat the behavioral health crisis, and support the health and well-being of our youth." Taken from ISNR.org, Resources, Brian Futures. Questions? Treatment begins with a brian map qEEG. Call Fort Wayne Neurofeedback to set an appointment and ask questions.