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Evaluation and Remediation of Attentional Deficits

Susan F. Othmer and Siegfried Othmer, Ph.D.
December, 1992

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DISCUSSION
The most noteworthy finding in our clinical evaluation of EEG training with the T.O.V.A. is the consistency with which improvement is noted in the data. For example, there are 36 retest data points shown in Figures 2-10, and of these, 28 show changes in a favorable direction, or 78%. If we take 0.5 standard deviation as the criterion of significance, then 21 out of 36 (58%) pre/post comparisons show significant favorable change. Only three data points show significant adverse change (8%). The consistency with which improvement was obtained is striking. Essentially every child who qualified for the training and who continued training for 20 sessions improved with respect to the variables measured by the T.O.V.A. Moreover, behavioral changes which support the T.O.V.A. results were observed in all cases.

A second finding is the rapidity of the training. EEG training has been characterized as requiring a large number of sessions to achieve its objectives. We have demonstrated that significant symptomatic improvement can be achieved in a very modest number of training sessions even with very challenging cases.

A third finding is that the training can be as effective as Ritalin in dealing with some aspects of attention deficits. This has been demonstrated for only one case (EP) in the present instance. However, this documented case simply confirms our general finding over the past few years that most children no longer require stimulant medication after undergoing EEG training, unless more complicated conditions prevail (e.g., Tourette Syndrome).

A fourth finding is that SMR and beta training have differential effects with respect to the variables of attention. Again, we have demonstrated this for only one case (AK) in the present study. However, that case quantifies what we have observed over the past several years with many clients.

We generally distinguish two classes of ADD children: those who are dominated by impulsivity, and those who exhibit predominantly depressive profiles. The former generally are revealed by a high impulsivity score of the T.O.V.A.; the latter are revealed by elevated response time scores and perhaps high variability in the absence of a high impulsivity score. These profiles are highly predictive of whether beta training or SMR training is efficacious in these individuals.

REFERENCES

Lawrence M. Greenberg, M.D.,
Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Box 393 UMHC,
420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-5806.

Lubar, J.O. (1989).
Electroencephalographic biofeedback and neurologic applications. In J.V. Basmajian (Ed.)
Biofeedback, Principles and Practice for Clinicians. pp. 67-90.
Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.