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WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?
Neurofeedback, also referred to
as EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, is a state-of-the-art,
therapeutic training tool that has been used successfully in
improving a variety of health conditions, addictions or
increase personal potential.
An electroencephalogram
(EEG) is used to monitor brain wave activity and “feedback”
information to the brain about its activity. A Neurofeedback
professional provides the necessary instruction and
interpretation to encourage the brain to function within a
more appropriate pattern level. This involves increasing or
decreasing certain brain wave frequency activities at
certain locations. This results in the brain learning to
function with greater control and stability through
self-regulation.
EEG Neurofeedback has
received a lot of media attention in recent years.
Newspapers and magazine articles, as well as television
reports, have cited cases where EEG Neurofeedback has helped
people with serious and debilitating neurological, addictive
and behavioral problems when no other therapies seem to
work.
What are the clinical
applications?
Conditions that may benefit
from EEG Neurofeedback training include: Addiction, anxiety,
depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), autoimmune
dysfunctions, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), attachment
disorder, behavior disorders, seizure disorders, autism,
chronic pain, headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, stress
and sleep disorders, learning disorders, anger disorders and
many others.
EEG Neurofeedback can be
equally effective when used to improve personal performance,
such as developing memory skills, focusing abilities
increasing concentration, and much more.
Neurofeedback and
Addiction
Neurofeedback Therapy
results in very low relapse rates when combined with
conventional treatments. This is, in part, due to the fact
that it seems to function as a "mental antabuse." There have
been several studies showing that Neurofeedback training
appears to have potential for decreasing alcohol/drug
craving and aids in relapse prevention.
Many practitioners in the
chemical dependency field have demonstrated that intensive
Neurofeedback-based treatment has exerted a positive
influence on a number of factors which contribute to
chemical dependency including stress levels, depressive
personality traits, post traumatic stress disorder and
chronic relapses.
Additionally, studies have
shown that Neurofeedback training can increase the retention
of clients in alcohol/drug treatment programs while
decreasing the relapse rate whereas traditional
interventions for chemical dependency often result in high
attrition and release rates.
In his book, “Getting
Started with Neurofeedback” John Demos reports a study done
in a California treatment substance abuse facility with
Neurofeedback where after 1 year, 60% remained abstinent
indicating that Neurotherapy is an effective treatment for
substance abuse in conjunction with traditional therapies.
How does it work?
Sensors are applied to
specific areas on the scalp and ears using a special
conductive gel. These sensors transmit brain wave activity
to an EEG that measures and records the frequencies being
used to perform a particular task. These frequencies are
divided into bands that are displayed on a computer screen,
which appear to the trainee in the form of a video display.
During Neurofeedback, the trainee effects the video display
using his/her brain to reach the mental state in which the
desired brain wave is achieved. When the desired brain wave
is reached, the brain is “rewarded” and learns to direct
itself toward a more desirable performance level. The brain
wave frequencies targeted are specific to each individual.
There are no medications. The procedure is completely
painless and non-invasive.
Is treatment
successful/permanent?
When the brain wave
frequencies move into the desired frequency pattern,
symptoms may be greatly decreased or entirely eliminated.
Treatment is then considered complete, and the results are
permanent. It may not be possible to predict how successful
training may be for every individual, but a reasonable
expectation of results can usually be assessed.
Some health conditions are
severe, and in many cases, working in conjunction with a
physician, Neurofeedback training can offer hope for
improvement and be an effective alternative to medications
or drugs, often reducing or eliminating the need for them.
Reports have documented
significant improvements for people with addictions,
learning disorders, seizure disorders, closed head injuries
and many others. The outcomes achieved using EEG
Neurofeedback as reported in these articles are remarkable.
The overall success rate of
EEG Neurofeedback training is reported to be more than 85%
for some disorders.
What will happen at the
first session?
The first session will
include an interview to gather information about your
symptoms and current health status. A full brain map, QEEG
(Quantitative EEG) or other assessment tools will be used
for comparison purposes. Assessment testing will determine
where the brain is doing its job well and where it needs
help. Some Neurofeedback practitioners may require more
extensive testing both before and during the actual
“training” sessions.
How many sessions are
required?
The number of training
sessions required will vary depending on the specific
condition being addressed. Treatment periods have been known
to range between 20 and 80 sessions (20 to 40 minutes per
session) 2 to 3 times per week. Your Neurofeedback
professional will determine the actual number of sessions
required, and assist in establishing the schedule that best
fits your goals.
Is Neurofeedback safe?
EEG Neurofeedback training
only presents information to the brain about how it is
performing; it does not directly induce a change in brain
wave activity. The decision to increase or decrease a
performance frequency is made solely by the brain. EEG
Neurofeedback training is increasing in popularity because
it is safe, drug free, and the results are remarkable.
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