Frequently asked questions

A quantitative EEG (qEEG) measures the electrical activity of your brain using small sensors placed on your scalp via a lightweight cap. We analyse the patterns in your brain waves — specifically the ratio between theta and beta frequencies — which is an FDA-referenced biomarker for ADHD. Your results are compared against published normative data from over 300 research subjects.

No. This is an objective brain screening that provides quantitative data to support or inform a clinical evaluation. ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a qualified psychiatrist or specialist including clinical interview, behavioural rating scales, and developmental history. Our report is designed as powerful additional evidence to present to your clinician — not a replacement for their assessment.

Theta waves (4-8 Hz) are associated with daydreaming and inattention. Beta waves (13-30 Hz) are associated with focused, alert concentration. In many people with ADHD, theta activity is elevated while beta activity is reduced — producing a higher theta/beta ratio. In 2013, the FDA cleared the NEBA System for using this ratio as a diagnostic aid. It remains the most-studied EEG biomarker for ADHD. Read the full science.

The American Academy of Neurology reports 89-94% accuracy when the theta/beta ratio is combined with clinical evaluation. As a standalone EEG measure, sensitivity is approximately 58% and specificity 74%. This is precisely why we position it as supporting data — it's most powerful when used alongside a clinician's assessment, not instead of it.

A private ADHD assessment (typically £700-£1,500) involves a conversation with a psychiatrist using questionnaires and clinical interview — but crucially, no brain measurement. We provide something they don't: actual objective brain data. Many clients use our screening to support their private assessment, to provide evidence to their GP for an NHS referral or Right to Choose application, or to get clarity before committing to the cost of a full private assessment.

Completely painless and completely safe. The electrodes sit on the scalp and passively listen to tiny electrical signals your brain naturally produces. No electricity goes into the body. No needles. No radiation. No side effects whatsoever. It's the same technology used safely in hospitals and sleep clinics worldwide.

The actual EEG recording is 7 minutes total: 2 minutes eyes-open, 2 minutes eyes-closed, and 3 minutes for the attention task. With cap setup and removal, allow 30 minutes for a standard screening or 50 minutes for the comprehensive package (which includes a 20-minute results consultation). See the full process.

For the first two phases, simply sit still — once with eyes open looking at a cross on screen, and once with eyes closed. For the attention task, you press a button when you see a green circle and do nothing when you see a red square. That's it. The hardest part is sitting still for a couple of minutes.

We use a medical-grade 4-channel EEG device with dry, gold-plated spring-loaded electrodes mounted in a textile cap. No gel or paste is needed — the electrodes contact your scalp through your hair via spring pressure. Four electrode positions are used: Cz, Fz, F3, and F4 on the international 10-20 system, with ear clip references.

Yes — during the recording, the live EEG waveforms, power spectrum, and theta/beta ratio are displayed on screen in real time. Most clients find it fascinating to watch their own brain waves scrolling across the monitor. If you've booked the comprehensive package, we'll walk you through what you're seeing during the consultation.

We screen children aged 6 and above, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Our normative database includes age-matched reference data for 10 different age groups from 6-7 years through to 60+. Each person is compared against their own age group — a 7-year-old's results are compared against 6-7 year norms, not adult norms.

The cap is lightweight and the electrodes are dry (no cold gel). Most children with sensory sensitivities tolerate it well after a brief adjustment period. We let children handle the cap before putting it on, and parents stay in the room throughout. If your child finds it too uncomfortable, we can stop at any time — we never force a recording.

Absolutely. Adult ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed, particularly in women. Our normative database includes adult age groups (18-25, 26-40, 41-60, 60+). Many of our adult clients have suspected ADHD for years and want objective data before pursuing formal diagnosis. The screening is identical for adults and children — only the normative comparison changes.

Yes, in two ways. First, a baseline scan gives you objective data on your brain activity pre-treatment. Second, our medication comparison scan (£345) lets you compare your brain patterns before and after medication — providing objective evidence that treatment is working, or data to support a dosage review with your clinician.

Our protocol is specifically designed for ADHD screening using the theta/beta ratio biomarker. However, the full frequency band analysis can reveal patterns associated with other conditions — for example, elevated alpha may be associated with anxiety (see our diagnosis guide on differential conditions), and specific theta patterns can relate to learning difficulties. We note any unusual patterns in the report, but we do not claim to screen for conditions beyond ADHD.

Wash your hair on the day (avoid heavy styling products, wax, or oils). Get a normal night's sleep. Eat a light meal beforehand. Avoid excessive caffeine on the morning of the scan. Arrive 5 minutes early. Complete the online intake form in advance. Bring a list of any current medications.

It depends on what you're trying to measure. For an initial baseline scan, many clinicians prefer an unmedicated recording — discuss this with your prescribing doctor. For a medication comparison scan, take your medication as normal so we can measure its effect on your brain activity. We can accommodate either approach.

We understand — difficulty sitting still is often the very reason you're here. The recording phases are only 2-3 minutes each, and we can take short breaks between phases. We're experienced with children who find it challenging. If a recording phase is too noisy due to movement, we'll redo that phase at no extra charge. Most children manage it well with gentle encouragement.

Your professional PDF report is generated immediately after the screening and emailed to you the same day. If you've booked the comprehensive package, we discuss the results with you during the 20-minute consultation straight after the scan, so you leave with a full understanding of what the data shows.

Our reports are professionally formatted with peer-reviewed citations (Arns 2013, Monastra 1999, Clarke 2001), z-scores against published normative data, and clear clinical context. Many GPs in the region have received our reports and used them to support CAMHS referrals or Right to Choose applications. The report provides objective data that supplements their clinical judgement.

Yes. Several SENCOs use our reports as supporting evidence for EHCP applications and SEN assessments. The comprehensive package includes a formal clinical interpretation letter which is particularly useful for educational contexts. Our reports provide the kind of objective, citable evidence that assessment panels take seriously.

Yes. The clinical interpretation letter (included in the comprehensive package) contains the objective data and professional language that Access to Work assessors require. Several adult clients have successfully used our reports in ATW applications to secure workplace adjustments, coaching, or equipment. We can tailor the letter's focus to workplace impact on request.

A normal theta/beta ratio doesn't rule out ADHD — it means this particular biomarker isn't elevated. ADHD is a complex condition with multiple presentations, and not all subtypes show elevated TBR. A normal result is still useful data: it tells your clinician that cortical hypoarousal is likely not a factor, which helps narrow down the diagnostic picture. We never diagnose or rule out — we provide data.

ADHD Brain Screening: £595. Comprehensive Assessment (with consultation and clinical letter): £845. Family Package (2 children): £1,095. Medication Comparison Scan: £345. All prices include the full protocol, report, and same-day delivery. No hidden fees or ongoing subscriptions.

If you want objective data to present to a clinician and you're comfortable interpreting the report yourself, the standard screening (£595) is perfect. If you want someone to explain everything and need a formal clinical letter for your GP, school, or employer, choose comprehensive (£845). If you're screening multiple children, the family package (£1,095) saves £95 and includes a comparative overview.

Payment is taken in full at the time of booking via Stripe. We don't currently offer instalment plans, but we're exploring this for future. If cost is a barrier, contact us — we may be able to accommodate specific circumstances.

We are based in Macclesfield, Cheshire — easily accessible from Manchester (30 minutes), Stockport (20 minutes), Wilmslow (10 minutes), Knutsford (15 minutes), and the wider North West. Free parking is available on site. We also offer clinic sessions at selected locations across the region by arrangement.

We offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 48 hours before the appointment. Cancellations within 48 hours can be rescheduled to another date at no charge. No-shows without prior notice are non-refundable. We understand that life happens — if you have exceptional circumstances, contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.