A new Brainwave test for ADHD diagnosis has gained FDA approval

A new Brainwave test for ADHD diagnosis has gained FDA approval

A new Brainwave test for ADHD diagnosis has gained FDA approval

Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 11% of children ages 4-17, and the numbers diagnosed continue to rise. ADHD continues to be one of the most common childhood mental health conditions. Children with ADHD may be inattentive, hyperactive, and can be inappropriately impulsive in their actions. Children with untreated ADHD can experience substantial problems with their personal relationships, school performance, and have been reported to have more substance use problems in adulthood. Over a third of children with autism may also have ADHD according to the lastest research.

Traditionally ADHD has been diagnosed based on a psychological and medical interview, information from school teachers, and a direct observation of a child’s behavior. Until recently the most objective diagnostic tool for ADHD was the use of paper rating scales.

Now a new test may change how a diagnosis of ADHD is made. Earlier this week, the FDA  approved the NEBA system, a brain wave test, as a tool to help diagnose ADHD. NEBA, an acronym for Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, analyzes brain waves using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. EEGs record the electrical impulses produced by brain nerve cells, and help determine the different brain wave types and frequencies. EEGs are already commonly used in hospitals to monitor brainwave patterns during sleep and in seizure disorders.

The NEBA test is both non-invasive, and relatively quick to administer, typically taking between 15-20 minutes. The science behind the test lies in analyzing the proportions of two different types of brain waves, namely beta and theta waves. Research has shown that children with ADHD have a higher ratio of theta waves to beta waves when compared to children without ADHD.