ADHD Medication & Treatment

BrainPaint

http://brainpaint.com

What is BrainPaint?

BrainPaint is a neurofeedback software program administered by professionals. It is designed to improve how the brain functions by training patients to recognize the difference between a focused state and a day-dreaming state, without requiring a brain map.

How does BrainPaint work?

A patient first completes a 90-question symptom assessment administered by a BrainPaint professional, who then evaluates the results to identify parts of the brain that may be under-aroused.

During a typical session, the BrainPaint professional applies electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors on the patient’s scalp that pick up electrical signals of different frequencies and wavelengths. The sensors may be adjusted 1-3 times during a 25-30 minute session.

During this time, the patient listens to audio tracks, and watches fractal visuals on a computer screen. BrainPaint aims to identify the types of patterns and music that induce a relaxed state, and then to reproduce (or “paint”) them by practicing becoming calm. Patients ideally learn how to activate certain centers of the brain that may be under-stimulated. Protocols are updated as the patient makes progress over time.

Who is BrainPaint for?

Neurotherapy like BrainPaint is designed to help people with ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, brain injuries, mood disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, and sleep problems.

It is sometimes used by adults and children who don’t experience symptom relief with medication or who experience unbearable side effects while taking medication.

How much does BrainPaint cost?

Most practitioners charge the same for a BrainPaint session as they would for a therapy session. Rates may vary widely based on location and practitioner credentials. Many physicians will provide a discount for a series of sessions. Contact your neurotherapist to ask for individual rates.

BrainPaint says that users typically see improvements in 5-8 sessions, but 20-30 sessions are recommended for longer lasting results.

BrainPaint is also available for home users who live more than fifty miles from a BrainPaint provider. It costs $675 per month with a two-month minimum, and a $100 per month fee for each additional user.

What studies have been done on BrainPaint?

One study found that BrainPaint improved impulsivity and inattentiveness for people with attention deficits who were attending a residential substance-use-recovery program.

Another small study of 31 children, published in The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, found that BrainPaint improved ADHD symptoms and behavior after 12 sessions, as measured by the Conners’ Rating Scale.

However, neurofeedback remains a controversial treatment for ADHD because the (often expensive) therapy has not been tested in a large, double-blind study. Some experts believe that patient improvements may be due to time spent with a therapist, or that neurofeedback only improves attention, but no other symptoms.