What is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback is a drugless therapy approach that “teaches” the brain how to balance and regulate irregular brain waves associated with common brain-based disorders, resulting in reduced symptoms and long-lasting results.
How does Neurofeedback work?
Neurofeedback is performed in the office similar to an EEG. This is done by placing sensors on specific training sites as well as on each ear lobe. With computer technology, brainwaves are monitored while simultaneously giving feedback about the brain's performance. When a positive brainwave is produced, the patient will receive a reward such as a clip from a movie or segment of a song. If a negative brainwave is produced, no movie or song will play. This positive reinforcement and repetition teaches the brain to produce more desired brainwaves and increases its ability to function the way it was designed to work. Through repeated training, the brain starts to produce desired waves with greater ease. Over time, the brain rewires itself through neuroplasticity.
What conditions is neurofeedback used to treat?
Neurofeedback is often used to treat most common brain-based disorders such as:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Anxiety
Depression
What does research say?
Over 125 published research studies have shown the effectiveness of Neurofeedback therapy in reducing symptoms and improving the overall performance of the brain.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Research encourages the use of neurofeedback therapy and continues to promote the long-lasting effects when treating ADHD. Along with research studies, the US government also agrees with NFT as they recently approved the use of brainwave measurements as indicators to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
In 10 studies, results showed a significant benefit of neurofeedback for attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Several studies have shown increased frontal lobe activity after neurofeedback, documenting that neurofeedback is addressing the core problem in ADHD, not just temporarily reducing symptoms.
Neurofeedback is often especially helpful with the difficulties with frustration, irritability, anger, anxiety, and mood that very often accompany ADHD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Early studies have provided research support for neurofeedback as a treatment of the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These studies showed significant improvements in social, emotional, and behavioral functioning with neurofeedback. Follow-up studies at 12 and 18 months after the neurofeedback training ended have shown that the gains from neurofeedback last after training ends.
Anxiety
Several studies have been done showing that neurofeedback for anxiety is effective. In each of these studies, neurofeedback training resulted in reduced anxiety.
If you are seeking additional treatment or an alternative approach to medication for any of these brain-based disorders, neurofeedback training at Worrywell may be appropriate. Worrywell offers neurofeedback training for children and adults interested in a holistic approach to treatment.
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