Neurofeedback

Feedback is perhaps the most important learning tool we have. We rely on it to make adjustments day to day. For example, we may think "I'm feeling jittery and my hands are shaking - that third cup of coffee was probably too much."

Neurofeedback is a specialized form of biofeedback that works to change brain wave patterns and cerebral blood flow [1]. Neurofeedback, aka "brain training," is a highly individualized and non-invasive approach to treating many psychological conditions that uses the behavioral learning principal of operant conditioning. In operant conditioning, we learn to change our behavior based on the consequences we receive. If we receive something pleasant or have something negative removed (e.g., a chore) then we are "rewarded" and are more likely to repeat that behavior next time. If we receive something undesirable or have something negative added, we are "punished" and we are less likely to do that same behavior next time. We have learned to work because when we do, we are rewarded with a paycheck. If your boss were to suddenly stop paying you, you would learn that working isn't rewarding and eventually you would stop going in.

How does Neurofeedback work?

Sensors are placed on your scalp that detect brainwave patterns and send this info to the computer’s neurofeedback system. Our practice uses Neurobit Optima +.

The neurofeedback protocol selected based on your brain map or symptom presentation sets goals for you. You sit back and play a computer game, listen to music, or watch a movie. When you meet your goals, the computer rewards you with advancement in the game, getting to hear the music, or by providing a more clear movie picture. With time, the brain learns to stay within a healthy range of activity. 

Ok, but is it effective?

Yes! Many psychological conditions and chronic illness are associated with specific patterns of brain activity. For example, individuals with ADHD tend to have excessive theta (sleepy brainwaves) activity and comparatively low beta (alert and active brainwaves). This is why psychostimulant medication is used to treat ADHD.

Owing to its personalized nature, neurofeedback is more difficult to research in the same standardized ways as traditional evidence based practices. Despite this, research published in peer-reviewed academic journals suggest that neurofeedback can help with the following:

  • decreasing impulsivity and improving attention in individuals with ADHD [2]

  • reducing anxiety [3]

  • improving pain management in individuals with chronic pain conditions [4]

  • reducing depression [5]

Curious about whether neurofeedback can help you? Call 443-446-4718 or email admin@inbloommentalhealth.com to schedule a consultation.

*Neurofeedback only offered in Maryland location.*

 

1. Demos, J. (2005). Getting Started with Neurofeedback. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company. 

2. Enriquez-Geppert, S., Smit, D., Pimenta, M.G. et al. Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 46 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1021-4

3. Chen, C., Xiao, X., Belkacem, A. N., Lu, L., Wang, X., Yi, W., ... & Ming, D. (2021). Efficacy Evaluation of Neurofeedback-Based Anxiety Relief. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15.

4. Roy, R., de la Vega, R., Jensen, M. P., & Miró, J. (2020). Neurofeedback for pain management: A systematic review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 671.

5. Trambaiolli, L. R., Kohl, S. H., Linden, D. E., & Mehler, D. M. (2021). Neurofeedback training in major depressive disorder: a systematic review of clinical efficacy, study quality and reporting practices. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 125, 33-56.