Attention Training

Attention training is a form of treatment that uses a type of non-invasive brainwave monitoring technology called neurofeedback to help individuals manage inattention. Losing focus can be a debilitating issue that many individuals face; it can even make people lose confidence in their abilities. The attention system itself is vast and complicated; it is very non-specific to any area of the brain, and it extends throughout most cognitive and achievement-based processes.

Deficits or challenges in the attention system can be either a primary problem or a secondary problem. As a primary problem, the attention system itself is not functioning appropriately within the brain itself. As a secondary problem, attention deficits are a symptom of another such as memory deficit, poor executive functioning, or emotional struggles. Like almost any cognitive process, the brain can learn new patterns of thinking. Attention training can provide children and adults alike with the tools they need to help them achieve success in work, school, and their personal lives.

At NeuroZone, we strive to take into account the unique needs of each patient with innovative approaches that do not require medication. Our locations in Southern California are led by the expertise of Erin Badour, a licensed speech-language pathologist with extensive neurofeedback experience. If you have concerns about your ability to focus and it is affecting your day-to-day life, the team at NeuroZone can help identify the root cause and help you achieve new levels of concentration. We will take into consideration your current diagnoses, if applicable.

To take the first step toward more optimized cognitive functioning, call our location in Santa Monica or Playa Del Rey at (310) 821-3640 or our Redondo Beach office at (424) 247-8193. You can also request your free consultation online, and we will get back to you about our available dates that align with your schedule. 

About Attention Disorders

Everyone, occasionally, has problems with maintaining focus. For those without neurodevelopmental challenges, these problems are persistent. Oftentimes, these disorders are not just characterized by the inability to focus, but they can manifest in other symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity. To fully understand these types of disorders requires an understanding of the delicate balance between both attention and arousal. Attention is a cognitive process whereas arousal is not. Arousal is a specific state of alertness and energy that controls levels of attention. Those who are in a high arousal state may seek to destress and calm down, whereas those in a low arousal state seek out high-energy activities and engagement. Three different types of attention disorders affect arousal levels and exhibit varying degrees of inattention in both children and adults: 

The Four Components of Attention

Attention training is cognitive training that addresses the most common symptoms associated with the different types of ADHD. Many cognitive deficits in learning, executive functioning, and memory are the result of impaired attentional processing. Attention training programs primarily address and improve upon the 4 basic components of attention:

Physiological weaknesses in the arousal system can often be the cause of many attention deficits. There are three major sources of stimulation for the arousal system. The first is from metabolic processes such as feeling hungry or thirsty. The second is the environment, for example, when loud noise makes you startle. The third is in the higher cortical areas of the brain where cognitive planning and processing occur. The arousal system is highly responsive to neurofeedback training which includes various visual and auditory stimuli. These exercises provide a means for individuals to improve working memory, encouraging higher levels of focus.

Candidates for Attention Training

Deficits in attention are found in many conditions. Still, even if you do not have any of these disorders, Erin can help you find the results you are looking for with attention training. These disorders and signs of an issue include:

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with Erin, you will have the opportunity to express your issues with inattention and your overall experience with it throughout your life. She will evaluate any other symptoms you may have- such as hyperactivity or impulsivity- that could be related to your disorder or challenges. Even if you do not have an ADHD diagnosis, neurofeedback-based treatment can still help you find a solution to your problems with focus. Erin will work with you to create a treatment plan that will allow your brain to learn new skills it needs to combat distraction. Before your consultation, you should come prepared with questions so that Erin can provide you with a thorough overview of what to expect and exactly how attention training works. Erin will ensure that you have enough knowledge to make an informed decision for the overall good of your health.

To find out your treatment options at NeuroZone, call our Playa Del Rey or Santa Monica location at (310) 821-3640 or get in touch with us at our Redondo Beach locations at (424) 247-8193. Alternatively, you can go online to reach us, and we will happily respond to your inquiry as soon as we can. 

Attention Training Protocol

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback allows brainwave experts like Erin to identify exactly how your brain is functioning at any given moment. She can study how your brain responds to different audio-visual stimuli, giving insight into your level of brain activity and which areas are most active. To get a baseline understanding of your brainwave processes, Erin will attach the neurofeedback device to your scalp, ensuring that its electrodes can read all areas of the brain. The device will then create a visual qEEG map of all electrical brain activity. It will measure the activity of these brainwaves: 

Studies show that those with ADHD tend to exhibit one of the following: 

Cogmed Program

Cogmed is the main digital program prescribed to help you work on your memory capacity with a range of auditory and visual exercises. It does not teach the concentration skills themselves, but it provides you with a platform to reorganize your thinking patterns and learn new skill sets. You can complete the cognitive tasks at your own pace since the program responds in real-time. This will allow you to feel challenged by your tasks, but not frustrated. Research shows that focusing on working memory skills has a significant effect on the ability to pay selective attention. ⁽²⁾

Cost of Attention Training in Los Angeles

The cost of your attention training program at NeuroZone will depend on how many sessions with qEEG and Cogmed you wish to undertake. Many of our patients partake in many treatment sessions before seeing significant, long-lasting results. We can help answer your questions regarding attention training by scheduling your free consultation with Erin today. You can also call us at one of our three office locations, and Erin will explain the process with more in-depth information. We cannot wait to show you the transformative results of attention training that will positively impact all aspects of your life.

To learn more about our innovative approaches to mental health and functioning, feel free to check out our blog.

FAQ

References

1. Ji Y, Tae Young Choi, Jong Hun Lee, et al. Characteristics of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes in Children Classified Using Quantitative Electroencephalography. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2022;Volume 18:2725-2736. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s386774
2. Oberauer K. Working Memory and Attention – A Conceptual Analysis and Review. Journal of Cognition. 2019;2(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.5334/joc.58