Subtopics

This week I spent more time at the ADHD clinic and was able to procure some primary sources from my boss about neurofeedback therapy by relevant professionals chronicling its first breakthrough (“A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback” by Jim Robbins). I have just started reading this book, but it has already brought to my attention the many facets of ADHD treatment throughout its history. In relation to this week’s assignment, it propelled me to attempt to start compartmentalizing my larger topic of ADHD into possible subtopics. Right now, I am just brainstorming and not entirely sure that these subtopics will be what my paper is based on.

My first subtopic is going to have to be investigating ADHD and its diagnoses. The definition of ADHD and what it entails is necessary to look into before any further research is done. In this subtopic, I would include a brief overview of the structure of the brain and the Brodmann areas, to research in what areas of the brain constitute for higher levels of ADHD and what waves/chemicals are associated with the disorder. The next subtopic would have to be ADHD in children specifically, delving into the statistics, symptoms, and possible genetic origins of ADHD in children. This would prove useful to bring more focus to the purpose of my ADHD paper. From reading articles about the controversial debate about child ADHD v. adult ADHD, I think this subtopic is necessary to investigate. Thus, in direct connection, the next subtopic would be ADHD in adults and any studies that have can prove that it does occur in adults, as ADHD has historically been defined as an adolescent mental disorder. This will be needed for the comparison to children with ADHD and the differences of its origins and longevity. Next, I would try to dissect neurofeedback therapy/biofeedback, EEG’s, and brain mapping and the functions and effects. This would be the more technical portion of the paper that would directly explain how this could be a potential successful therapy to treat ADHD and will be my potential solution for treating ADHD for children or adults. I could possibly include a brief historical overview of neurofeedback therapy, but this may prove to be too extensive or unnecessary.  Should I include this? Finally, I would have to research how success is measured for neurofeedback whether that be through logic/reasoning, timed, or reading/language association tests, or/and by the more scientific method of brain scan analysis. These topics will make up the core of my paper, as all are linked and fundamental to understanding ADHD and its relation to neurofeedback therapy.

With these subtopics in mind, I feel more organized and directed with where I am going, but I know a lot of recursive work and reordering lies ahead of me.  I know that as I collect more sources, my subtopics might change in order or importance, or with my classmates’ comments in mind, I might find a subtopic more compelling or dispensable. I am excited to specify what I need to search for, and generally have a less chaotic way to discover more articles.

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