Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) brainwave measurements. “Clinical neurofeedback” is a term that can be used to describe neurofeedback that occurs in the context of a professional clinical practice, such as when it is used alongside psychotherapy.
During neurofeedback training, clients play brain games by watching a visual display and/or listening to sounds that reflect their brainwave activity. As the brain “sees” itself in the “mirror” of neurofeedback, it is able to make adjustments in neural activity in the moment that can lead to lasting changes over time. Overactive areas of the brain can learn to calm down; underactive areas can become more engaged; and disordered brain activity can become more stable and organized.
There is no electricity going into a person’s brain during neurofeedback; brain training occurs because the brain is learning to self-regulate with the help of visual and auditory feedback. A person sometimes sees and feels results after a single session; however, people typically obtain therapeutic results after between 10-20 sessions. Some continue to come back periodically for “booster” sessions.
Not everyone responds to neurofeedback training. Side effects – if there are any – are temporary, generally less severe than with medication, and correctible; however, unlike medication, neurofeedback’s therapeutic effects can last well beyond the completion of training sessions.
Neurofeedback started appearing in clinical settings in the 1970’s; however, the treatment earned a somewhat negative reputation in those early days due to unregulated practices, technological limitations and inconsistent results. Today’s practitioners have access to more sophisticated equipment and software, extensive training, and neurofeedback certification programs that set a high standard for professional practice, such as those offered by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). The FDA has already approved neurofeedback for use in stress reduction and relaxation training, and the empirical research base continues to grow as neurofeedback is used to successfully treat individuals with an ever-widening range of symptoms.
Most of the research on neurofeedback to date has focused on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many studies have demonstrated neurofeedback’s effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of inattention in children with ADHD (Michaud-Franchy, et al., 2014; Sudnawa, et al., 2018). Additionally, there is some research support for the use of EEG neurofeedback in treating other problems, including anxiety, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. As the treatment grows in popularity, clinical results continue to add support for neurofeedback’s effectiveness. More robust research is currently underway and will bear watching.
References
Micoulaud-Franchi JA, Geoffry PA, Fond G, Lopez R, Bioulac S, & Philip P (2014): EEG neurofeedback treatments in children with ADHD: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 126-132.
Sudnawa KK; Chirdkiatgumchai V, Ruangdaraganon N, Khongkhatithum C, Udomsubpayakul U, Jirayucharoensak S, & Israsena P (2018): Effectiveness of neurofeedback versus medication for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics International, 60(9), 828-834
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