Attention Deficit Disorder is a brain disorder masquerading as a set of behavioral problems, including inattentiveness, impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity. It begins in childhood and can last a lifetime. People with ADD/ADHD can struggle their whole lives to meet the demands of work and family without realizing that they have a physical problem and not a character defect. Very often they are told to “act your age” or “buckle down and pay attention.” Their loved ones and co-workers assume that they could do better if only they tried harder, and they often feel the same way, but this is impossible as there is an underlying problem that can’t be wished away. In the case of adults who have been able to establish careers and families residual and undiagnosed symptoms can be major stumbling blocks to the enjoyment of their lives and the achievement of their goals.

While stimulant medications remain the medically approved and recommended treatment for attention deficit disorder, medications have side effects and limitations that people find unacceptable or intolerable. Neurofeedback can be an alternative or addition to medication. This is a technique in which a person can “see” the electrical activity of their brain on a computer screen and learn to change this activity. Many clinicians have reported that this has made a huge difference in the lives of people with ADD/ADHD.