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What is neurofeedback therapy?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that encourages the brain to develop healthier patterns of activity. The goal of treatment is not only to change how you think and feel, but also to change your brain on a biological level for better functioning.
Recent research has shown that when given the proper support, the brain has the ability to change and adapt, a property known as neuroplasticity. Neurofeedback can encourage and speed up this process of neuroplasticity.
Words alone are often not enough. Simply telling someone to calm down or focus doesn’t solve the underlying issues of conditions like anxiety or ADHD. On the other hand, neurofeedback allows us to speak to the brain with its own language: brain waves.
How does neurofeedback work?
A typical neurofeedback session follows these basic steps:
1. Set goals for treatment. Goals are based on a patient’s condition and the type of neurofeedback system. For example, the goal of anxiety treatment may be to regulate fast brain wave activity so that a patient feels calmer and more relaxed after a session.
2. Measure brain wave activity. A clinician starts by placing electrodes on a patient’s scalp to obtain a real-time measurement of their brain waves (i.e. electroencephalography, or EEG). After set-up, the patient may watch a movie, play a video game, or listen to music as neurofeedback training begins.
3. Train the brain with positive feedback. When the EEG detects that a patient’s brain wave activity has met the goals of treatment, the brain is rewarded with positive feedback. For a patient with anxiety, they may be rewarded with a larger movie screen, higher score on the video game, or pleasant audio feedback when their brain makes more of the slower alpha waves and less of the faster beta waves.
4. Repeat training. The EEG continues to monitor the patient’s brain waves and give positive feedback when goals of treatment are met. This training loop gives the brain thousands of opportunities to self-correct and be rewarded in one session.
Training the brain with positive feedback is based on the principles of learning theory, or operant conditioning, and is similar to how we train a dog to sit by rewarding it with a treat. Our brains, like animals, are constantly seeking rewards.
Notably, neurofeedback does not involve any electrical current or stimulation of the brain like some other brain-based therapies (ex. TMS, LENS, or tDCS).
In a nutshell: Our brains use brain waves to communicate and function properly. These brain waves may become dysregulated, which can lead to psychiatric or neurological symptoms. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that addresses imbalances in brain wave activity to help patients achieve deeper healing and better functioning.
What can neurofeedback treat? What is it used for?
Because brain waves are involved in all brain activity and functions, this treatment can be used for a wide range of brain-based conditions:
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES & PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Includes those with mood & anxiety issues, OCD, panic, or PTSD
Neurofeedback can help patients feel calmer, happier, and safer. For example, treatment for anxiety disorders may involve reducing excess fast beta waves (associated with anxiety) and increasing alpha waves (associated with calmness).
DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS & BEHAVIOR DISORDERS
Includes those with ASD, attention deficiency (ADHD), or PANS/PANDAS
For many developmental disorders, the brain does not develop the proper networks for communication. In children with autism, neurofeedback can significantly change the brain networks as detected on fMRI imaging and improve behavior.
NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES & BRAIN INJURIES
Includes those who have had TBI, stroke, tinnitus, or Parkinson’s
For these conditions, neurofeedback offers hope for new ways of healing, especially when combined with an integrative approach to medicine.
PEAK PERFORMANCE
Includes athletes, executives, and students who want to excel
Neurofeedback is like exercise for the brain and can help even those who don’t have psychiatric or neurological disorders achieve optimal functioning.
Is neurofeedback safe? Are there any side-effects?
Because neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment as well as a form of exercise for the brain, it is generally considered safe without significant side effects.
When side-effects do occur, they are typically short-lived and usually resolve within 24 – 48 hours. The most common side-effects include sleepiness, lack of focus, mild headaches, and anxiety. In one review for patients with ADD / ADHD, this side-effect only occurred in about 1-3% of patients.
It’s important that patients report side-effects to their clinician so they can modify the treatment. As long as the proper adjustments are made and you are working with a qualified and licensed mental health practitioner, there shouldn’t be any long-term symptoms or consequences.