Neurofeedback Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps the brain develop healthier patterns of activity. Recent studies show that it can actually change brain function and structure for the better, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. This can help with a variety of disorders and conditions including ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and anxiety
During a session, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain wave activity (also called EEG or electroencephalography). These signals are displayed on a computer screen in real time. The patient watches a movie or plays a video game while the therapist adjusts the settings on the computer to reflect changes in the patient’s brain wave patterns. The screen gets brighter when a person’s brain produces desirable brain waves and dimmer when they produce undesirable brain waves. This allows patients to learn how to produce the desired brain waves and thereby change their symptoms.
A therapist may use a variety of techniques to train the brain, depending on the specific condition being treated. Some of the more common methods are unipolar and bipolar montage. In both types, one electrode is used as a recording site while the other is considered the reference site. The signal recorded by the active electrode is compared to the activity of the reference electrode, and the differences are displayed on the screen.
Many studies have shown that this type of treatment can be helpful for a variety of mental health conditions, from anxiety and PTSD to attention deficit disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Several studies also have incorporated brain imaging to show that neurofeedback training changes the actual structure of the brain. However, other experts have cautioned that the current evidence on this form of therapy is limited and based largely on small clinical trials.
Neurofeedback is a safe and effective treatment option for most people, although it does not work for everyone. People with certain medical conditions such as epilepsy or traumatic brain injury are at risk of increased seizures or other side effects, and it is important to communicate with a therapist before beginning neurofeedback treatment.
The most recent research on neurofeedback has been conducted with children and adolescents with ADHD, and the results have been promising. These children were able to make substantial improvements in their symptoms with regular neurofeedback sessions, and these changes were reflected in behavioral ratings as well as in fMRI scans of the brain.
It is important to remember that these changes take time, and it will take regular sessions to see long-term results. It may be up to 20 sessions before a patient can tell whether the treatment is working for them. Most systems also require that the patient come to the clinic on a regular basis, usually 2-3 times a week. A patient should be able to find a qualified practitioner by searching for “neurofeedback” on the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research website. The website allows users to search for a doctor or therapist based on location, specialty, and keywords.
