What is Neurofeedback Training?
Neurofeedback training is a form of treatment that works to improve the function of your brain. This is accomplished by listening to your brain waves, showing you areas to change and assisting you in altering your brain’s activity so that it operates better.
Every day, your brain completes a staggering number of tasks. Some of these are conscious actions such as taking a bite out of a sandwich during your lunch break or going for a morning jog.
Many other tasks overseen by the brain and carried out by the nervous system happen without your notice such as breathing and your heart beating. There are moments you may notice your breathing or your heart working but, by and large, that’s not your daily experience.
Neurofeedback is a specific form of the broader term of biofeedback. It helps by measuring your brain function and giving the patient an opportunity to regulate brain functions that would otherwise take place without the conscious ability to regulate them.
Comparing your brain wave activity against a control group of people with similar demographics but without the undesirable symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, etc.) can be used to make sure our work together is heading in the right direction.
Treatment of Depression, Anxiety and ADHD with Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback can be used to treat a variety of physical and mental health ailments. Common mental health conditions it can improve include depression, anxiety and ADHD.
The brain is incredibly complex—a true marvel. The results are positive and it is considered a very viable and evidence-based treatment method for individuals suffering from mental health difficulties. In fact, studies have shown that Neurofeedback is as effective at treating impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity as medicine!
EEG Info provides a more detailed account of the research and neurofeedback process. It also has the following to say about the mental health benefits of this treatment:
“Over the years, certain neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) training protocols have been developed that are helpful with certain classes of problems such as attention, anxiety and depression, seizures and migraines, as well as cognitive function.”
One of the stand-out benefits of neurofeedback training for the treatment of ADHD, anxiety and depression is the absence of adverse side effects commonly found when medication-related treatments are applied. With neurofeedback methods, there isn’t the concern that the solution could be worse than the initial problem.
Neurofeedback training doesn’t make the claim that it can cure your mental health difficulties. In many cases, it will lessen your symptoms making life more manageable than it was previously.
The process may even cause your symptoms to seemingly vanish. We’re just careful not to use the word “cure” even though Neurofeedback has an effective track record.
Could You Benefit from Neurofeedback Training?
We’re all unique. Different people respond better to different forms of treatment. Neurofeedback training may well be an effective form of treatment for you.
If you’re interested in how we can help, feel free to schedule an appointment with the Center for Neurocognitive Excellence today.