Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity is a disorder commonly seen inchildren. It is estimated that ADD affects 5-15 percent of school age children (Linden, Habib, & Radojevic, 1993). It was previously thought that children outgrow the disorder, but it is now believed that 70 percent of children do not outgrow the problems associated with ADD (Linden, Habib, & Radojevic, 1993).

The causes of ADD and ADHD have a neurological basis. There is evidence that, in some ADD/ADHD children, there might be decreased levels of metabolism of catecholamine, brain chemicals related to adrenalin (epinephrine) and noradrenalin (norepinephrine) (Lubar, hand-out). Because of this, stimulant medications are often effective treatments for these children, especially in reducing hyperactivity. Children on the medication often show improved attentiveness and decreased impulsivity. However, a significant problem with the pharmacological treatment of ADD children is the statedependent and shortlived effects. For example, the frequently prescribed medication Ritalin (Methylphenidate) lasts only for 3 or 4 hours in the nervous system. As soon as the medication wears off, full blown symptoms of ADD and ADHD appear (Lubar, hand-out). Furthermore, Ritalin has numerous undesirable side-effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite, inhibited growth, and depression.

An ideal treatment is one with long-term results and minimal side effects. EEG biofeedback is a non-pharmacological treatment with such characteristics. The mechanism of how EEG biofeedback could help children with ADD/ADHD is based on the separation of certain brainwave patterns. The EEG frequency range has been divided into six (6) categories: delta: 0.5-4 Hz; theta: 4-8 Hz; alpha: 8-13 Hz; sensorimotor (SMR): 12-15 Hz; beta: 1535 Hz; gamma: 35-50 Hz. Delta and theta are known as slow wave activity and are associated with states such as daydreaming and drowsiness. Alpha is associated with a relaxed state of unfocused attention. Beta is referred to as fast wave activity and is characterized by a state of high alertness, concentration, and focused attention (Linden, Habib, & Radojevic, 1993). Children with ADD and ADHD produce excess theta activity and lower amounts of beta activity (Lubar, 1991). Thus, these children are neurologically inclined to daydream, and less inclined to focus and concentrate. EEG biofeedback training functions to reverse this brain wave abnormality in ADD/ADHD children by inhibiting the amount of theta activities and simultaneously increasing beta activities.

Several studies (Linden, Habib, & Radojevic, 1993; Lubar & Shouse, 1976a, 1976b; Mann, Lubar, Zimmerman, Miller, & Muenchen, 1992; Tansey & Brunner, 1983) provided evidence that EEG biofeedback is abeneficial method for treating the ADD condition. This paper is a report of a series of cases on the effects of EEG biofeedback on children with ADD/ADHD.