Neurofeedback: What It Is And How It Works
Have you ever wanted to gain better control over your thoughts and emotions? Or have you been searching endlessly for the right mental health treatment for a certain condition? Neurofeedback is a revolutionary new therapy that could be the answer to your prayers.
Using advanced Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) technology, neurofeedback can help improve cognitive abilities, reduce stress and anxiety, and even treat long-term symptoms of many conditions, such as ADHD, autism, insomnia, depression, and more. In this article, we will take a deep dive into neurofeedback technology and what it can offer you.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback therapy that is specifically used to help regulate brain activity. It works by measuring the electrical activity within the brain in real time and providing iterative feedback on the patient’s brainwave activity. Neurofeedback sessions are typically done in a clinical setting with a qualified practitioner, where you can learn to control your brain activity and make a real difference in your life.
How Neurofeedback Works
During a neurofeedback session, electrodes are placed on the scalp or head to measure electrical signals within the brain. This information is then fed back to the patient in real time, and it is used by the clinician to guide the rest of the session. The goal is to help the patient learn how to control their brain activity in certain situations to achieve desired results for their mental health.
This goal is accomplished through positive reinforcement for desired brainwave patterns. For instance, when your brainwaves are within “optimal” ranges, you will receive a reward, but when they fall out of those ranges, the reward is taken away. This helps to “train” the brain to optimize electrical activities to alleviate symptoms associated with certain disorders.
Through this training process, individuals can learn to gain better control of their brain activity and improve their cognitive abilities and daily functioning.
Conditions That Can Benefit from Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback has been used successfully to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Age-related memory loss
- And more
Through regular neurofeedback sessions over several weeks or months, individuals suffering from these conditions (or others) may experience significant improvements in their symptoms without any unpleasant side effects associated with prescription medications.
Treatments vary depending on the individual, but the training sessions can be used in combination with other therapies like counseling or medications.
Applications of Neurofeedback Therapy
Through neurofeedback, patients can learn how to recognize and influence various types of brainwaves, such as alpha, beta, and theta waves. This is important because certain brainwaves are associated with certain behaviors and symptoms. For instance, alpha waves are associated with relaxation, beta waves with alertness and focus, and theta waves with creativity and problem-solving.
By learning how to optimize your brainwave patterns, you may be able to increase or decrease certain types of brainwave patterns in a variety of situations. This can lead to great symptom relief and improvements in physical and mental health. Here are a few examples of how neurofeedback can benefit you.
ADD & ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulty with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, and people with ADHD often have trouble staying organized, following instructions, and completing tasks.
Individuals with ADHD can benefit from neurofeedback therapy, as it has been found to be an effective treatment option. This is because neurofeedback can help individuals with ADHD recognize when their focus is slipping and develop effective coping strategies to mitigate that behavior.
Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms include difficulty with communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.
While there is no cure for autism, neurofeedback therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment option for those on the spectrum. This iterative training helps reduce symptoms associated with autism, such as difficulty communicating and socializing, by helping individuals restructure their thought patterns.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are a severe type of anxiety disorder that can cause intense fear and physical symptoms in a variety of situations. These symptoms include rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, and sweating.
Through positive feedback from your neurofeedback clinician, you can learn to regulate your brainwaves and drastically reduce the intensity of panic attacks. Repeated training sessions can help individuals recognize the signs that occur ahead of a panic attack and learn how to mitigate those attacks. For the best result in the fight against panic attacks, it is also recommended to include mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques in addition to all of the above.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which individuals have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. This disorder can lead to poor concentration, fatigue during the day, and even depression. Although there are numerous treatments available for insomnia, such as medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), they do not always provide long-term relief.
Neurofeedback is an alternative treatment option that can be used to treat insomnia with positive results. It can help uncover the root reasons for your sleeping issues and address them through science-backed approaches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neurofeedback Practitioner
When it comes to neurofeedback, finding the right care provider is key. It is important to look for a practitioner who has experience and expertise in this type of therapy.
The neurofeedback practitioner should be board-certified and hold a certificate from the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Your practitioner should also have evidence-based training in neurofeedback techniques. Additionally, you want to make sure they have a good understanding of the conditions that you are trying to treat with neurofeedback. The best practitioners will have a wide array of experience across a multitude of mental health conditions and disorders.
In addition to qualifications and experience, it is also important to prioritize comfort when looking for a neurofeedback provider. Make sure you feel comfortable talking openly with them about your goals and any concerns or questions you may have about the treatment process. And don’t forget to do research on different providers so that you can make an informed decision about who is best suited for your needs.
If you’re looking for a safe, non-invasive way to improve your mental health and overall well-being, consider giving neurofeedback a try. Or if you have already had experience with neurofeedback treatment, please share your experience with our readers in the comments.
Author’s BIO: Nellia Melnyk is a researcher and content creator who has a keen interest in neuroscience and psychology. She has developed an impressive collection of articles and blog posts focused on improving cognitive function, overcoming mental health issues, and enhancing overall brain health. Nellia is committed to helping individuals harness the power of their brains and live their best lives. If you’re interested in exploring neurofeedback near you, check out Nellia’s work for valuable insights.