Individualized Treatment

Every training and treatment method should be customized. The brain is unique, like a fingerprint. Therefore, treatment methods such as Neurofeedback should not be applied generally, but individually. This is the premise of our approach.

 

The Overall Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Approach

Problems, deficiencies, disorders and illnesses can take many different forms. Generally, there are four main groups of factors that influence the human being:

  • Bio-physiological and biochemical factors
  • Psychological factors
  • Social factors
  • Contextual factors

It is, therefore, very important to not only concentrate on one of these areas, but to explore all of them in order to be able to find out which ones may be relevant for our understanding of the issues, especially with regard to the treatment and any modifications thereof. Firstly, if no diagnosis has been established so far, we perform initial diagnostic procedures. After a diagnosis is established, we make sure that all parties involved (such as patients, their parents (in case of minors), teachers, grandparents, social workers etc.) are well informed and educated about it. Furthermore, we determine if the application of psychometric tests, such as intelligence tests, tests for "dys-type" conditions (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysphasia, dyscalculia etc.) or any other cognitive deficits or disorders, is necessary, as such comorbidities frequently occur in concurrence with the main condition, that is, the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and require their own diagnosis and a special treatment.

 

Cognitive Tests

Various cognitive performance and reaction tests may be run for the purpose of data collection and therapy planning. The results provide us with important indications about the intensity and the type of the disorder, and may, in many cases, indicate further comorbidities.

Acti-Somnography (Sleep Exploration)

Recent scientific research suggests that there is a correlation between a lack of sleep and/or poor quality sleep on the one hand and AD(H)D on the other hand. It is, therefore, very important to explore and examine sleep quality and sleep behavior of our patients so that appropriate interventions to modify and correct any abnormalities can be planned and enacted. Sleep patterns are monitored for a period of approximately one week with the most advanced techniques of acti-somnographic measuring. Resulting data have diagnostic as well as prognostic value, providing indicators that enable us to select the best method of intervention as well as the model of therapeutic treatment.

Pre-Treatment QEEG

While the acti-somnographic intervention is still ongoing, we use quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). This is far more than a simple EEG. QEEG measures not only the brain frequencies, but also quantifies the data and transforms them into brain map images, allowing for the creation of specific data sets and images, for example 3-D spectrum, FFT-Analysis, relative power and many more. This means the data we gather is highly individual. We can see where exactly we find excesses and deficiencies in the brain, high or low intensities and in which concentration the ratios occur (for example: the Theta-Beta-Ratio is a very important indicator for ADHD). The QEEG helps us plan and, most importantly, personalize and individualize the therapy. Rather than having a general application model, we conduct individually adjusted treatment to achieve the best possible results.

Having discussed the data with the patient, we can plan the therapy / the training. The QEEG helps us decide whether frequency band training or a SCP (slow cortical potential) training is required. The decision depends on specific factors of each disorder or illness.

Neurofeedback Training / Therapy

We proceed with the personalized plan. Through feedback and discussions about individual therapeutic sessions and trainings, we ensure the quality of the treatment. The whole process remains open to modifications. After every session, we get feedback from our patients, and we also give the patients feedback to inform them about their progress in therapy and possible changes, if necessary.

Post-Treatment QEEG

When the first therapeutic sequence is over, we perform another QEEG to be able to identify changes resulting from the therapy / training as well as to see whether the therapy / training can now be concluded or whether more sessions are needed. In principle, all results and any decision whether to continue or to conclude the training / therapy are discussed and planned with the patient (or with the parents, in case of a minor).

Network and Counselling

Our psychotherapists, psychologists and educators are here at your disposal to help you connect with the corresponding networks of all parties involved, e.g. doctors, teachers, parents etc. This allows us to ensure that those who are interactively involved in treatment share all the important information. The contact with AD(H)D children (their schools and families) can be challenging, and we can facilitate any related communication. Our counselling services are there for you.