Neurofeedback Therapy is a drug-free alternative treatment for anxiety, sleep disorders, concussion, memory loss, addiction, ADHD symptoms and a number of other conditions. It’s a promising new approach to mental health that focuses on improving brain wave patterns, which affect your thoughts, emotions and behavior.
Using a computerized program, neurofeedback teaches your brain how to shift its activity patterns from dissonant to balanced. This process is based on the scientific concept of neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change and rewire itself in response to experiences and environments.
To begin, a trained professional (usually a psychologist) uses electrodes to map out the brain’s electrical activity. They then use a computer to provide feedback to the patient through audio or visual prompts.
After a few sessions, patients can learn to control their own brain waves in a way that helps them feel better and improve their quality of life. They may also notice a decrease in some of their symptoms, such as insomnia or a lack of focus.
This type of training is typically used to treat mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injury and migraines. It can also be used to train people to become more relaxed, which can help them manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
During the session, the patient wears a headband that has sensors attached to it. These devices send information back to a computer to monitor brain wave activity, which can then be analyzed and manipulated with a program called Neurofeedback Therapy.
The program teaches the brain how to shift its activity patterns from dissonant and unhealthy to balanced and healthy. For example, a person with anxiety may be rewarded with a brighter movie screen or a higher score on a video game when they make more of the slower alpha waves and less of the faster beta waves.
It also helps patients overcome the underlying causes of mental health problems by teaching them how to retrain their brain. It can be particularly effective at reducing and preventing panic attacks, which are a common symptom of anxiety disorders.
As with all forms of therapy, it is important to keep up with the sessions, usually at least 2 to 3 times a week. The patient can expect to see improvements after about 10 – 20 sessions and to consolidate long-term changes, 30 – 40 sessions are generally recommended.
In a recent study, children with ADHD who were treated with neurofeedback showed significant improvement in both parent ratings and fMRI scans. This is the best evidence that neurofeedback can be an effective alternative for treating children with ADHD and other behavioral issues.
Because of its non-invasive nature, neurofeedback is a good option for many who have tried conventional treatments without success. It can be especially useful for those who suffer from certain anxiety-related symptoms, including a racing heart, shortness of breath and dizziness, as well as those suffering from sleep disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. In addition, it can be helpful for people with learning disabilities or dyslexia.