What is Neurofeedback Therapy Used to Treat?

Neurofeedback therapy is a biofeedback procedure in which brain waves are measured via EEG , and a signal is “fed back” to the brain to regulate brainwaves. It has potential applications for treating a number of disorders that are rooted in the dysregulation of brain processes. Neurofeedback works on brainwave patterns to facilitate self-regulation of this mental activity, which can help alleviate symptoms of certain neurological conditions.

Neurofeedback has been used to treat individuals with disorders including:

·         ADHD and ADD

·         Anxiety and other affective disorders

·         Autism

·         Epilepsy

·         Headaches

·         Insomnia

·         Brain damage from injury, stroke, or other causes

What is Neurofeedback for ADHD?

The most comprehensively researched and tested application of neurofeedback therapy is for the treatment of ADHD symptoms.

The electroencephalographic (EEG) models of ADHD brains have found significant differences in brainwave activity when comparing ADHD individuals to “normal” individuals. This model indicates that people with ADHD many have too much slow “theta” brainwave activity, which is associated with states of relaxation, and not enough “beta” brainwave activity, which is associated with mental focus and concentration. The goal of neurofeedback for ADHD is to increase beta activity. This is achieved by showing the individual their own brainwave activity, and then training them to alter it through some sort of active process – often taking the form of a simple “video game.”

What is Neurofeedback for Anxiety Disorders and Other Affective Disorders?

Unlike ADHD, anxiety and related disorders are distinguished by both an excess of beta activity, and asymmetries in the activity between the left and right frontal lobes. Neurofeedback therapy for anxiety disorders is geared toward increasing relaxed alpha wave and theta wave activity. In studies that have been performed, neurofeedback therapy has successfully treated anxiety symptoms, and has even lead to permanent changes in brainwave activity, thereby reducing the likelihood that future instances of this condition will occur.

Additionally, neurofeedback therapy has also been used for symptoms of other affective disorders such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More research is needed to effectively demonstrate the benefits of neurofeedback therapy in these contexts, but so far the results have been very positive.

What Else can Neurofeedback Be Used For?

Although there has been less research into other applications of neurofeedback therapy, there are a number of case studies in which it has proven effective in reducing the symptoms of autism. Other case studies have also showed it to be effective in helping to treat migraines, which are highly variable in their response to medications.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY IN NEW YORK