Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback)
Neurofeedback is a safe non-invasive method of learning to alter one’s brain waves. Neurofeedback, also known as EEG (Electroencephalograph) biofeedback, or brain wave training, is done with the assistance of computerized technology. In essence, it is a way to both change the brain towards better functioning and an effective method of exercising the brain.
Dr. Frank Duffy, a well known Harvard Neurologist, wrote the following evaluation of Neurofeedback therapy after reviewing the literature in the medical publication Clinical EEG and Neuroscience.
“The literature, which lacks any negative study of substance, suggests that EBT (EEG Biofeedback Therapy) should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas. In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy, it would be universally accepted and widely used.”
Below are a few questions and details about NeurofeedbackHow does Neurofeedback work?
Brain Wave Fundamentals
What are the Causes of Brainwave Dysregulation?
What do clients say about Neurofeedback?
Who can benefit from Neurofeedback training?
How long does Neurofeedback take?
How many sessions are needed for good results?
How long do the positive results of Neurofeedback last?
How long has Neurofeedback been used for treatment?
What about medication and Neurofeedback?
What about Neurofeedback and IQ?
How much does Neurofeedback Training cost?
Attention, Optimal Functioning & Life Success
An individual’s brainwaves are measured with an EEG (Electroencephalograph). To measure brainwaves, a sensor is placed on the scalp. The sensor looks like a tiny saucer and is safe and painless. The sensors picks up the electrical activity produced by the brain and displays it on a computer screen in front of the client. The client is then coached in changing his brainwaves to a pattern of better functioning – increased alertness and concentration. The client improves brainwave activity, and thus mental functioning, by learning to play computerized games which are controlled by brainwave activity. The client receives ‘feedback’ about his or her performance in changing brainwave activity by both visual and auditory information during the game play. Clients also practice work or school related tasks, for example reading and math problems, while receiving brainwave feedback, thus facilitating better performance in specific daily tasks.
Brain waves are the result of the activity of brain cells. Brain cells, or Neurons, communicate with other Neurons by chemical and electrical activity. The constant electrical changes in Neuronal functioning can be seen as waves as represented in the EEG (Electroencephalogram). Brain waves are measured in cycles per second, or Herz (i.e., ‘brain wave frequency’). Higher frequencies are associated with faster brain activity, or arousal. Conventionally, brain wave frequencies have been categorized into four primary types, or band-widths:
- Delata waves – from 0- 4 Hz., occurring predominantly during sleep
- Theta waves - from 4 - 7 Hz., found in states of deep relaxation, hypnosis and visualization
- Alpha waves - from 8 –13 Hz., seen in states of calmness and daydreaming. Alpha is also the ‘parking’ state of the brain, when not engaged in activity
- Beta waves - from 13 – 38 Hz., which is often broken down into a number of narrower bands, each having particular behavioral qualities - occurring during active thought and problem solving, and at the higher frequencies, tension, anxiety, obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior
- SMR waves – a narrow frequency band within the Beta range (12 – 15 Hz.), associated with relaxed, focused attention
- Mid Beta – (16 –25 Hz.) – associated with problem solving, like math problems, puzzles, and at the higher end of this range, anxious feelings
- High Beta – (over 26 Hz.) – often found with high anxiety and excessive obsessive thinking
What are the Causes of Brainwave Dysregulation?
The brain may begin to malfunction for many different reasons, ranging from genetic abnormalities, chronic stress or illness, emotional stress or illness, biochemical damage due to substance abuse, and sometimes from medications.
Pharmaceutical agents (medications) are often prescribed to manage the various symptoms associated with brain dysregulation, ranging from attention deficits, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s Syndrome, to name just a few. However, medications typically do not treat the root cause of the problem and are often associated with negative side effects. Neurofeedback is a safe, non-invasive treatment that directly addresses brain dysregulation and assists the individual to restore balanced brain functioning.What does a Neurofeedback session look like?
During the first session, an initial interview is conducted for the purpose of obtaining a list of symptoms, as well as an individual health and family history. Some testing may be completed, which typically includes an initial measure of usually six points on the scalp. This all may take about two hours.
In subsequent sessions, following a short discussion period about daily concerns, the client is invited to sit in front of a computer screen. Sensors are placed on the scalp followed by a ‘centering’ exercise, usually comprised of guided relaxed breathing. Shortly thereafter, the Neurofeedback session begins. The therapist works directly with each client, and with ‘rewards’ of audio and visual feedback, the clients enters the process of brainwave modification to meet her or his goals. In this process the client learns:
- Better focus
- Improved concentration
- Increased relaxation
- Reduction in impulsivity
- Reduction in extraneous motor activity (less fidgeting)
At the completion of each session, the brainwave recordings and ‘scores’ on the various game tasks are reviewed with the client.
What do clients say about Neurofeedback?
Children and adolescents typically enjoy the video game format of Neurofeedback and maintain interest in the training by seeing improvement in their performance over time. Adults report that what they like about Neurofeedback is that the results of their sessions are measurable, thus allowing them to ‘concretely’ see progress.
Who can benefit from Neurofeedback training?
Neurofeedback facilitates better brain functioning very much like appropriate physical exercise strengthens the body. This means that benefits are available to individuals not suffering from any specific conditions, but who want to experience better functioning in areas ranging from academic performance, job efficiency, athletic ability, and artistic creativity. There is a growing body of literature documenting positive results from Neurofeedback therapy in a wide range of conditions:
- ADD/ADHD
- Learning difficulties
- Anxiety and Depression
- Substance Abuse
- Insomnia and other Sleep Disorders
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Improvement and maintenance of brain function related to the aging process
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Asthma
- Chronic Pain
The range of disorders which can be treated by Neurofeedback is broad, since the brain controls most physiological functions in the body. Thus Neurofeedback therapy’s effects are general and widespread, in that it impacts various physiological systems in the body through its influence on the brain.
How long does Neurofeedback take?
A Neurofeedback session is typically 30 to 50 minutes in duration, depending on the age and condition being addressed. One session per week is the minimum frequency for good results. Two sessions per week is encouraged if possible. As in learning any new skill, consistency of practice is the key to success.
How many sessions are needed for good results?
The number of required sessions depends on the condition being treated. An initial assessment is made to determine individual needs and the best course of treatment. Improvement is often noticed after 10 sessions. On average 20 to 30 sessions are required for significant and lasting results. For severe problems, such as Traumatic Brain Injury, more sessions are often called for.
How long do the positive results of Neurofeedback last?
Clinical studies indicate that the results of Neurofeedback therapy tend to be long lasting, and with the appropriate number of sessions, most likely permanent. There is a cumulative effect of training with the number of sessions completed. This is understandable, since Neurofeedback is a learning procedure, and as learning progresses, the individual gains greater facility with the practiced skill.
How long has Neurofeedback been used for treatment?
Neurofeeback has been used as a form of therapy for over 20 years. In the past several years, computer technology advances as well as improved software have led to great leaps in the effectiveness of Neurofeedback.
What about medication and Neurofeedback?
Frequently, clients who begin Neurofeedback training are taking some kind of medication. As the training progresses, it is often noted that the dosage of medication can be reduced or eliminated all together, in consultation with your doctor.
In the management of attention issues such as ADD or ADHD, medications are effective only when they are in the bloodstream, and have not been shown to have long-term positive effects on academic achievement or social adjustment. Medications can be helpful in the short-term control of attention weakness and disruptive behaviors. Neurofeedback, although taking longer to produce positive behavioral changes, the effects tend to be long lasting. With Neurofeedback, the client develops the ability to act effectively in a focused manner without dependence on drugs.
Medications are often associated with unwanted side effects. For example, psychostimulant use (e.g., Ritalin), often used to treat ADD/ADHD, has often led to side effects such as headaches, tachycardia (increased heart rate), stomach pain, tics, sleep problems, and a ‘flattening’ of the personality, among others. Neurofeedback on the other hand, is not associated with any negative side effects. A comprehensive research study of randomized controlled studies of medication treatment for ADD/ADHD (Schachter, Pham, King, Langford & Moher, 2001) concluded that the studies were poorly done and had a significant publication bias in that negative findings were often not reported. They further concluded that no long-term effects, beyond a four week follow-up period were demonstrated. A 2005 study – the Drug Effectiveness Review Project, concluded that there is a lack of evidence that long-term use of medications typically used to treat ADD/ADHD are safe and that valid evidence that these medications improve academic performance or reduced problematic behaviors on a long-term basis for different ages. A most disturbing study by El-Zein, Rahman, Hay, Lopez, Bondy & Morris (2005) found that after only three months of Ritalin use 100% of the children showed chromosomal anomalies which could increase the risk of cancer, similar to the genetic damage found with adult chronic Methamphetamine (‘speed’) users.What about Neurofeedback and IQ?
A number of researchers have reported significant increased in standard IQ measurements following Neurofeedback training. Tansey (1991) noted an average of 20 points improvement in IQ in 24 children with attention deficits following Neurfeedback treatment. A number of other studies have show IQ increases from 9 to 24 points (Linden, 1996; Lubar, 1995; Othmer, 1999).
How much does Neurofeedback Training cost?
Neurofeedback therapy conducted by a Registered Psychologist is considered to be a psychological intervention and is billed as such. Psychological services are typically covered under Extended Health insurance plans. Flexible payment plans are also available. For detailed information contact me at (250) 514-7222.
Attention, Optimal Functioning & Life Success
A critical ability in just about everything we want to learn and do well in throughout our lives, involves the ability to pay attention. At one end of this spectrum are long time meditators who are able to sustain attention on one object of focus for considerable durations. At the other end of this range are those who show Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), who suffer severe difficulty in keeping their attention steady. Most people fall somewhere in between these two extremes. Wherever one falls on this continuum, improvements in one’s ability to pay attentions can be made through Neurofeedback Training. Whether the issue is a child or adolescent experiencing difficulty staying focused in school, or an adult having work or relationship difficulties, improving attention skills is highly significant to remediation.