ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a cognitive developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to concentrate. Common symptoms and signs of this condition are consistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ⁽¹⁾ ADHD is most commonly assessed and diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, but it can look different in as-yet-undiagnosed adult clients.

Many clients tend to “self-diagnose” and try individual methods to improve the symptoms of this disorder to no avail. If you often wonder if you have adult ADHD but are unsure of the signs, continue reading to learn more.

Erin Erin Badour and her dedicated staff at NeuroZone practice many types of noninvasive neurological treatment protocols. With a focus on and certification in neurofeedback, Erin Badour is a Licensed Speech Language Pathologist serving clients in Greater Los Angeles.

Schedule a private consultation to discuss adult ADHD by calling our Culver City, Santa Monica, or Redondo Beach office at (310) 821-3640 or (424) 247-8193 respectfully. You may also contact us online by filling out this form.

What Does Adult ADHD Look Like?

In 2022, the estimated number of adults with ADHD was 7% globally, many of whom were not diagnosed in adolescence. Since much of the clinical examination and diagnosis of ADHD happens during childhood, the known symptoms and behavioral tendencies in affected adults are less understood than those of younger clients. ⁽²⁾

Many adult clients who suspect they have this disorder experience problems with:

One large difference between the way adult and adolescent ADHD manifests in clients may be linked to the lack of structured classroom environments. This can lead to many clients not realizing they have symptoms. Where a child may have trouble sitting down and doing math homework, an adult with ADHD might show the same behavioral patterns during an unstimulating conversation with a colleague. This often leads to clients not pursuing treatment, even when it could significantly impact their daily lives.

Undiagnosed ADHD

There are countless recognized behavioral tendencies that may lead to an adult ADHD diagnosis. Many clients feel they cannot sit still for long periods of time or concentrate on a task they are not overtly interested in. Some experience debilitating anxiety about how they are perceived by their peers, or are extremely impulsive in ways that may be detrimental to their physical and mental health. ⁽¹⁾ They could be “masking” their ADHD behaviors, making social interaction exhausting. This can lead to them developing coping mechanisms that, in the long run, are doing more damage than good. ⁽²⁾

ADHD, especially when undiagnosed, can make clients feel different from others or disconnected from the “real world.” This often causes them to feel misunderstood or ignored because of their specific brain functioning. Symptoms of inattention and impulsivity can make clients more vulnerable to dangerous or uncomfortable situations, directly impacting their health. ⁽¹⁾

If you find familiarity in any of these behaviors, you may benefit from ADHD testing and subsequent protocols. You can read more about ADHD in both children and adults in NeuroZone’s blog.

Benefits of Adult ADHD Diagnosis

Adults with ADHD often find a simple diagnosis allows them to release the self-blame that is continuously attributed to their symptomatic behaviors. Examining oneself and long-term behaviors can encourage self-awareness and acceptance. A diagnosis also allows clients to receive helpful and life-changing treatment that enhances their relationships, daily commitments, and overall sense of self.

One of the main criteria for receiving an ADHD diagnosis is experiencing the aforementioned symptoms in more than one social situation or environment. For example, clients could feel fidgety or restless with both their close family members and new acquaintances. They might struggle with finishing tasks both at home and at work. For clients with ADHD, Erin Badour runs multiple tests that revolve around brain activity and habit-forming behavior. She performs a neurofeedback test that records a map of your brainwaves to see if your behavioral symptoms correlate with those of ADHD individuals.

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback training is a treatment protocol that utilizes maps of your brain waves to assess brain activity and certain neurological conditions. It is also called brainwave biofeedback. ⁽³⁾ To observe your brainwave activity, Erin places a cap on your head that measures and relays the electrical activity in your brain to a computer through electrodes. She is able to see your brain activity in real-time with the help of modern technology, giving you the opportunity to observe and change them to “retrain your brain.” It provides an alternative to the usual medication-forward treatment of adult ADHD.

These protocols use positive and negative reinforcement to influence your brainwave functioning and help you unlearn integrated behaviors. Neurofeedback training is a form of therapy that allows you to manage your ADHD symptoms and work toward balancing out or completely changing your daily life.

To receive testing for adult ADHD, or to treat a current diagnosis without the need for stimulants, schedule a consultation with Erin at NeuroZone.

The NeuroZone Difference

The most common way to treat ADHD in children and adults is to prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medications that help the brain regulate functioning. With Erin’s non-invasive methods, those with ADHD have a safe and effective alternative to medications. She typically uses a combination of neurofeedback and other cognitive training programs to achieve optimal results.

ADHD can be a debilitating and heavily impactful disorder for both adults and children. Your only option to regulate brain functioning is not mind-altering prescriptions. If you experience ADHD or symptoms that relate to this disorder, cognitive training may be the right next step to minimize them.

Personal Consultation with Erin Badour

You will meet with Erin privately to discuss your protocol options. During your consultation, she will ask about your medical history, current ADHD symptoms or behaviors, and whether you have been diagnosed with the disorder before. She will then explain your brain training options in detail. Next, she may use neurofeedback to assess your brainwaves in real-time to see if you show signs of ADHD functioning.

Erin Badour’s extensive background in brainwave biofeedback gives her the knowledge and experience necessary to minimize various symptoms of this disorder. She will assist you through the entire process, from your first neurofeedback session to your last.

Types of Neurofeedback and Brain Training for ADHD Clients

Those with ADHD commonly have one of three types of the disorder depending on where their usual tendencies sway. They are either primarily hyperactive/impulsive, primarily inattentive, or have a combination of both. The direction in which you lean typically determines what type of program might work best for you.

Attention Training

ADHD treatment protocol often starts with attention training. There are four main types of attention necessary for proper learning and maintaining a high quality of life.

These types are:

We all use all types of attention often, but clients with ADHD may use them in different ways. To observe this, Erin Badour uses neurofeedback. This type of cognitive training maps your attention center and arousal. When our arousal mechanism is not properly functioning or dysregulated, the results are visible on your biofeedback map. Attention training tracks your cortisol levels, the chemical that controls behavior, to see where your ADHD symptoms stem from. When these brainwaves are visible, you have the opportunity to train your brain in real-time to lessen these behavioral tendencies.

Entrainment

Brainwave entrainment is a treatment protocol that utilizes audio and visual stimulation to regulate arousal levels. For those with ADHD, this type of neurofeedback training can help train the brain how to manage certain feelings and emotions. It increases a client’s focus and reduces stress levels. By encouraging a dissociative state, entrainment allows clients to feel calm and relaxed enough to improve their alertness and regulate their mood. This type of therapy can be extremely beneficial for individuals with ADHD.

Cost of Adult ADHD Treatment in Greater Los Angeles

Neurofeedback and cognitive training vary widely in price depending on the client and their needs. Erin will meet with you privately to discuss your program plan and estimated price during your consultation at NeuroZone. Schedule your appointment today by calling our Culver City or Santa Monica office at (310) 821-3640 or our Redondo Beach location at (424) 247-8193. We look forward to speaking with you!

FAQ

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder in adults: What You Need to Know. www.nimh.nih.gov. Published 2021. Accessed May 16, 2024. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
2. Ginapp CM, Macdonald-Gagnon G, Angarita GA, Bold KW, Potenza MN. The lived experiences of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A rapid review of qualitative evidence. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2022;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949321
3. Marzbani H, Marateb H, Mansourian M. Methodological Note: Neurofeedback: A Comprehensive Review on System Design, Methodology and Clinical Applications. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Journal. 2016;7(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.15412/j.bcn.03070208