Achievement & Wellness Center uses state-of-the-art diagnostic measures to accurately and effectively assessing the propriety and/or progress of our treatments.

Psychoeducational evaluations are tests to measure ability, achievement and processing skills (e.g., visual motor functioning). These modalities are also used to assess behavioral, emotional and functional skill levels, which serve as our basis in making school or work recommendations.

Neuropsychological evaluations are used to gauge neuropsychological abilities such as spatial and verbal reasoning, executive and visual motor functioning, emotional and psychological skills, language fluency and memory skills.

Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) is a remarkable system used to analyze brain wave activity in predetermined regions of the brain. The data collected in each area of the brain is compared for statistical analysis to that of brain activities of individuals of similar age. The results obtained are useful in creating specifically designed neurofeedback treatment to produce desirable results more efficiently.

Brain maps are the result of an assessment for brain wave amplitudes in various cortical regions. The information is gathered for comparative purposes and to devise individualized treatment plans.

Continuous performance tests are assessment tests conducted on a computer to measure a person’s attention and concentration levels. These exams usually take about 14 to 28 minutes. As a performance evaluation modality, these exams assess the person’s response speed and accuracy. The results are matched to a database for individuals with ADD, ADHD and other neurological conditions.

Neurological screening tests measure neurological functioning through a series of questions that gauge visual and verbal memory, sensory motor functioning, vigilance, verbal fluency, information processing and executive functioning.

Checklists and questionnaires consist of behavioral observation reports and checklists that are used to determine the need for treatment and/or assess the progress.

Serving the residents of Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer, Burlington and Philadelphia counties, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Achievement & Wellness Center is committed to helping you change your life for the better.

To learn more about our diagnostic measures, please contact our friendly office staff at 215.321.9502 with your questions or scheduling needs. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.

Concussion & Stroke

Stroke and concussions are the result of injury to the brain. In stroke, the injury can be a result of excessive bleeding that damages specific cortical tissue and reduces function in the areas of the body it controls. In concussion, the injury is the result of an impact to the brain. Concussion can be characterized by a period of unconsciousness. Individuals suffering from a concussion can often suffer from post-concussive syndrome, which is a group of physical, cognitive and emotional changes occurring in varying degrees. These changes can include mood changes, memory loss, emotional problems, sleep problems, reading or speaking problems, understanding what is being said and attention and concentration problems, to name a few. Emotional or personality symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, depression, low tolerance for frustration and explosive temper.

Individuals with concussions often feel “isolated” and are unable to resume normal functions. Concussions are cumulative and multiple concussions increase impairment levels.

How can neurofeedback help stroke and concussion? A quantitative electoencephalogram (QEEG) helps to identify the affected cortical areas and the specific brain wave difficulties that then serve as a guide for neurofeedback training

Treatment of stroke and concussion requires a thorough evaluation that includes medical history, neuropsychological assessments, mental status examinations and information from relevant medical professionals as well as the QEEG results.

To schedule your appointment, please call us at 215.321.9502. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.

Seizure Disorders

Seizure disorder was the first successful application of neurofeedback. In the beginning of the jet age in the early 1970s pilots were experiencing seizures from inhaling the jet fumes. This was from a substance, haldol, in the fumes. The military searched for a safe effective way to prevent seizures without impairing performance. Brainwave research at UCLA by Dr. Barry Sterman was underway for modifying brain waves in cats. In cooperation with the military, and after successfully preventing seizures in cats with neurofeedback, Dr. Sterman initiated a program with the military to train pilots to do neurofeedback to prevent seizures. This program of neurofeedback was successful and is used today to remediate seizures.

Seizure disorder is diagnosed by a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) where the specific components of the seizure activity is identified. From this diagnostic procedure, a treatment plan is developed. A QEG is essential before any neurofeedback treatment can begin.

There are many types of seizures, and duration of treatment is specific to the type of seizures being controlled. Over time, neurofeedback will help retrain the brain electrical activity and restore normal functional skills thus reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.

As a side note, the pilots in the study serendipitously were reporting they were more alert and focused and in control and enjoying the added bonus of the neurofeedback. This led researchers to begin considering neurofeedback in treatment of ADHD, the second successful, among many other disorders later researched and successfully included for neurofeedback treatment.

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To schedule your appointment, please call us at 215.321.9502. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.

Treating Depression with Neurofeedback

Depression is a disorder that can interfere with a person’s overall feeling of well-being. Foremost, this condition affects how a person thinks or feels. It can also trigger a reduction in brain activity.  

People struggling with depression may experience tearfulness or have difficulty smiling. They also tend to appear gloomy and flat. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are often pervasive and may be accompanied by changes in appetite, irritability and sleeping patterns.

There are three types of depression that generally are seen by professionals:

• Reactive depression: often resulting from an affliction of a disease, injury to oneself or loved ones, death in the family or other trauma
• Endogenous depression: often long-term with no external trigger
• Chronic low-grade depression: commonly regarded as persistent low mood

Once a person experiences depression, it is believed that subsequent occurrences are more probable. Frequently, antidepressants or stimulant medications are used to treat depression. Response to antidepressant medication varies with individual and requires close supervision of a physician.

Can neurofeedback help depression?

Depression is associated with changes in brain wave activity. In general, depression is a state of imbalance in the brain wave activity. Neurofeedback rewards and trains the brain waves to change, which results in changes in the behavior and emotions associated with depression. Depression is a common diagnosis in neurofeedback practice and is readily remediated. Psychotherapy, counseling therapy, stress management and relaxation training are also effective in helping individuals cope more favorably with environmental stressors.

Often during the course of treatment, individuals find antidepressant or stimulant medication are not needed. The patient should be monitored by their prescribing physician for any prescription changes that may be necessary. We recommend that all our patients taking medication consult with their prescribing physician regarding neurofeedback treatment in order to monitor their progress. Neurofeedback is also recommended for those who do not have a favorable response to medication and those counseled to avoid medication, particularly pregnant women.

Experience highly attentive and compassionate care for depression at Achievement & Wellness Center. Patients come to us from Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer, Burlington and Philadelphia counties, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

To learn more about our treatment solutions for depression, please contact our friendly office staff at 215.321.9502 with your questions or scheduling needs. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.