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Brian Neville, Ph.D., LLC |
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The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity
Dorothy Parker
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What is it? Neurofeedback is a noninvasive method of training the brain to work more efficiently, which can result in improved concentration and self-regulation. The body constantly provides feedback about how it is working, but some reactions are hard to detect and control. Biofeedback uses computers to amplify signals from the body so that they can be detected more easily by displaying them on a computer screen. Biofeedback for muscle tension or breathing has been used effectively for many years for problems associated with stress. Neurofeedback is biofeedback using electrical information from the brain. The electrical signals (EEG) are fed into a computer which then displays them. Those signals are then used to train the brain to increase calm, focused attention, and the ability to self-regulate.
How is it done? Neurofeedback is done in the office while sitting in a comfortable chair. One or two electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity in the brain. That information is fed into a computer and the EEG pattern is shown on the screen. The EEG displays the electrical activity of the brain as a collection of wave patterns. All brain activity is useful, but not in all situations. For instance, the slower waves (theta) predominate when our minds are drifting, but are not as helpful when we need to concentrate.
In neurofeedback, a computer displays the person’s wave patterns, making it possible to learn to increase the strength of some waves and decrease the strength of others. Training the brain in this manner feels like playing a simple video game. In general, it takes at least 6 sessions to begin to see changes and 20-40 sessions for the effects to last.
For more information
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Neurofeedback |
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Who does it help? Neurofeedback has been found to be helpful for a number of disorders. The strongest research evidence is for people with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Not only have some studies found it to be as effective as medication in reducing symptoms of AD/HD, but also that the effects were maintained after treatment ended.
There are clinical reports which suggest that neurofeedback may help people with a variety of other problems, including mood and anxiety disorders, sleep problems, autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse, pain, and epilepsy. In addition, many people have used it to enhance their abilities in work, sports, and the arts.
Neurofeedback offers an exciting new way to help people improve their lives. |
