Interview with Dr Machi Mannu
1. You specialize in treating children with learning difficulties using Audio Visual Entrainment Technology (AVE), can you explain how that works?
Audio-visual entrainment from the name literally means the use of finely tuned sound (audio) and light (visual) for the purpose of training the brain to achieve desired results. This effect of light and sound on the brain to produce a measureable brainwave activity has been known since the 1950s. By measuring brainwaves with electroencephalography (EEG) machines, it is known that our brainwaves can be grouped into four distinct patterns. These patterns are called alpha, beta, theta and delta. These Greek letters represents a range value denoting the number of times the human brain ‘fires’ per second. For example the beta range is 13-25 Hertz or cycles per second. This is the range your brain is firing while you read this interview. When we are taking a walk along the beach for example, our brain will be predominately firing at between 8 and 12 cycles per second, otherwise known as alpha brainwave activity. Research and scientific studies have shown that by stimulating the eyes and the ears with certain frequency range we can in turn stimulate the brain. This brain stimulation is perfectly safe because there is no energy transfer to the brain. The nerves from the eyes and ears do not directly connect to the brain, but to an organ in the brain known as the thalamus. This organ is outside the main brain known as the cortex, but is innervated with it. When the thalamus receives signals from the eyes or ears, it amplifies it before transferring it to the brain. This is why finely tuned light and sound is very effective in stimulating the brain. So since we know that while we sleep, our brainwave frequency is within 0.5 and 4 cycles per second, or delta brainwave state, it then means that if we stimulate the eyes and ears with this frequency range, we will be able to induce sleep.
The problem in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is that of poor attention and concentration. Studies have confirmed that in order to concentrate, an area of our cortex suppresses alpha and theta brainwaves making way for the beta brainwaves of concentration and focus. In a sufferer of ADHD, this suppression does not occur, and the individual experiences a mental fog when they try to concentrate. In other for the normal suppression to occur in ADHD sufferers, there has to be a very high sensory stimulation, possibly explaining why they seem to do well with video games. With AVE technology, we can train the brain using beta brainwave frequency to achieve increased attention and concentration.
2. Many of the children you see suffer from Attention Deficit disorder, what do you think is the root cause of ADHD (genetic, environmental, social) and how can it be treated?
So many factors have been implicated as root causes of ADHD (genetic, environmental and social) as you point out. I was involved in a research project with Imperial College London, on users and providers perceptions of the concept of ADHD in some towns in England. The project involved interviewing parents, especially mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD, and so many of the mums made a link between increased hyperactivity and sugary drinks. It is very possible that poor nutrition has a huge role to play as a cause of ADHD.
3. There are different types of Attention Deficit disorder; can you explain what they are?
Yes. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical manual for mental disorders (DSM – IV). Not everyone agrees with this classification, but it is generally used in the diagnosis of ADHD. It identifies 3 subtypes of ADHD, ADHD combined type, with both inattention and hyperactivity. The second type is the ADHD with predominating inattention, and no hyperactivity, and the third type is ADHD with predominating hyperactivity, but no inattention.
4. Is it common to find ADHD accompanying other disorders in children?
Yes. ADHD rarely occurs alone, and often occurs with anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, oppositional deviant disorders (ODD) and other psychiatric and neurological problems.
5. What percentage of children suffer from ADHD and can it be prevented?
The percentages vary from place to place. In the United States, it is about 5% of school age children, while here in Spain it is said to be between 5% and 10% of school age children that suffer from ADHD. If the causes of ADHD are finally pinned down to Environmental, nutritional and perhaps social factors, then yes it can be prevented.
6. ADHD tends to be more common in boys than girls, why is that?
Yes, certain studies have shown ADHD to be up to 3 times more common in boys than in girls. Yet other studies point to an equal distribution in both sexes. It could be possible that due to the very nature of ADHD involving inattention and impulsivity, and boys being some what inclined that way, they are diagnosed far more often than girls.
7. How common is ADHD in adults and are the symptoms different to those found in children?
It is very difficult to say exactly how common ADHD is among adults. A study in the USA suggests about 4.4% of the adult population suffer from ADHD. Yes the symptoms are different in adults, in the sense that life experiences of adults differ very much from those of children. An adult will have to gain employment or find a partner, and so in adults you have such behaviors or problems as employment problems, low self esteem, substance abuse or addition, mood swings, depression and relationship problems.
8. If left untreated, do all children with ADHD go on to have it in adulthood?
No, researchers suggest that about 60% of children with ADHD continue with the disorder into adulthood. This is inline with the research from The United States suggesting that 4.4% of the adult population suffer from ADHD
9. When you are treating children suffering from behavioral problems, do you always encourage parents to assist your sessions?
No I don’t encourage parents to assist me in my sessions, but I do encourage them to manage their children on their own. This is very possible because AVE devices are very easy to use, very safe, and comes with pre-programmed sessions. Parents can keep in touch with me over the phone, or online over the duration of the treatment program, normally between 4 and 6 weeks.
10. How can parents help with the treatment of behavioral problems?
Parents can help by monitoring the changes in behavior of their children. These changes in behavior for the better are usually very subtle, but become very apparent about the third week into therapy. This helps me define the duration of therapy a child has to undergo.
11. You also offer online sessions, how do these work?
Because AVE devices are very easy to use, I can instruct the parents of already diagnosed ADHD children on how to use the device via skype or even over the telephone, and I am also able to follow up the children that way.
12. If people would like to get in touch, how should they contact you?
People can contact me by visiting my website www. Mindspa.es, and leaving me a message, or by sending an email to neurorep@gmail.com I can also be reached on my mobile phone by calling 628899274
June 2011
