Neurofeedback could be an essential and efficient treatment for you if you have cognitive processing or emotional difficulties.

Also called neurotherapy and electroencephalogram (EEG), biofeedback is a drug-free treatment that can help people enhance their brain function. It’s based on the concept that you can consciously change how your brain functions utilizing real-time images of your brain’s electrical activity of brainwaves.

What neurofeedback can help with

Neurofeedback addresses brain dysregulation and various conditions and symptoms related to brain dysregulation, so there are many applications for neurofeedback. Some of the most common conditions that can be treated with neurofeedback include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Learning disabilities
• Migraines
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disorders

Neurofeedback can also prove helpful for achieving a more evident mindset, which can help make healthier and positive decisions, such as choosing to abstain from an addictive substance or behavior.

Benefits of neurofeedback

The benefits you can experience from neurofeedback typically depend on your treatment protocol. Commonly recognized benefits include:

• Improved memory and focus
• Decreased impulsivity and stress
• Better mental clarity
• More restful and peaceful sleep

Neurofeedback can even reduce the desire for addictive substances and provide relief from withdrawal cravings.

However, there are numerous advantages to neurofeedback that set it apart from other treatments, including:

Provides long-lasting effects. A review of studies shows the effects of Neurotherapy last long after the training itself has stopped, specifically among children with ADHD. Because the brain has learned how to perform more efficiently, it will continue to do so.

Produces little to no side effects. While medications have the potential to create harmful side effects, neurofeedback produces no known side effects.

Effectiveness

ADHD: Some studies have shown that neurofeedback can induce a state of relaxed attention and work compared to commonly used ADHD medications.

Addiction: According to another study from 2016, neurofeedback can offer positive results for those struggling with addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and video games. In some cases, it may even decrease food cravings.

Anxiety and depression: One study revealed that after 30 Neurotherapy sessions and heart rate variability training, 57% of people with severe anxiety and 45% of people with severe depression showed regular brain activity.

ASD: A few scientific reports suggest that Neurotherapy can improve ASD-related behaviors such as stimming, emotional outbursts, and ritualistic behaviors.

Migraines: In a 2010 study, 62% of Neurotherapy participants reported significant or total improvement in their migraines.

PTSD: A controlled study showed that 24 Neurotherapy sessions significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. Other studies suggest that neurofeedback improves executive functioning and reduces medication use.

Getting started with neurofeedback

The team at Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic in Palo Alto, California, uses neurofeedback to treat clients who have disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anxiety, depression, ASD (autism spectrum disorder), and brain injuries. Call Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic today to find out more. The clinic is now offering Telehealth to clients in Washington State, California, Texas, and Vermont!

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892319/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eeg/about/pac-20393875