ABC15 Article on Dr. Silverman's Treatment Programs

March 22, 2010

Using video games to treat ADHD and depression

Reported by: Denise Naughton
ABC15

In today’s world of layoffs and plummeting home prices, stress is a big part of our lives.

Whether you’re suffering from extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or you have a child with ADHD, video games may be an alternative to medication.

Doctor Sanford J. Silverman a licensed psychologist board certified in Neurofeedback uses video games to treat his patients at the Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders in north Scottsdale.

His patients play video games on a Sony Playstation while electrodes monitor their brain wave activity.

Dr. Silverman says ‘When the patient is in a calm and focused state of mind, the game works properly. When the patient gets anxious or loses focus, their brain signals impede their performance on the game.’

According to Dr. Silverman, the neurofeedback trains the person to re-train their brain, allowing them to focus, concentrate and control their emotions and impluses.

He says the neurofeedback can treat a wide range of conditions including autism and leaning disabilities.

He adds it can also improve academic performance and has been known to raise IQ levels.