Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a treatment that helps patients learn to control their brain waves. It involves recording electroencephalography (EEG) during neurofeedback sessions and then using the various components of the EEG to give feedback to the patient in the form of audio, video, or a combination of both.

What is neurofeedback therapy?

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive method that encourages the brain to develop healthier patterns of activity.

Recent research has shown that the brain is able to change and adapt, a property known as neuroplasticity. Neurofeedback can encourage and speed up this process of neuroplasticity.

What is a brain wave?

Our brain cells communicate through electrical impulses known as brain waves. Each brain wave has two properties:

• Frequency, which is how fast the wave travels.
• Amplitude, which is how tall the wave gets.

In general, faster brain waves are associated with focus, thinking, and awareness, while slower brain waves are associated with relaxation, meditation, and deep sleep.

In mental health disorders, brain wave patterns can become disrupted, leading to unhealthy behaviour. For instance, people with anxiety disorders may have fast brain wave activity. Those with ADHD can have an excess of slower brain wave activity, which may result in symptoms like brain fog, daydreaming, and trouble focusing.

How does neurofeedback work?

A typical neurofeedback session follows these basic steps:

• Setting goals. Goals are based on an individual’s condition and the type of neurofeedback. For example, the goal of anxiety treatment may be to regulate fast brain wave activity so that the client feels calmer and more relaxed after a session.
• Training the brain with positive feedback. When the EEG detects that a client’s brain wave activity has met given goals, the brain is rewarded with positive feedback.
• Repeating the training. The EEG monitors the client’s brain waves and gives positive feedback when the goals are met. This training loop gives the brain thousands of opportunities to self-correct and be rewarded.

Training the brain with positive feedback is based on the principles of learning theory, or operant conditioning.

What can neurofeedback treat? What is it used for?

Neurofeedback can be used for a wide range of brain-based conditions:

• MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
  Includes those with mood & anxiety issues, OCD, panic, or PTSD
• DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS OR BEHAVIOR DISORDERS
  Includes those with ASD, attention deficiency (ADHD), or PANS/PANDAS
• PEAK PERFORMANCE
  Includes athletes, executives, and students who want to excel

Is neurofeedback safe? Are there any side effects?

Because neurofeedback is a non-invasive method, it is generally considered safe without significant side effects.

When side effects occur, they are typically short-lived and usually resolve within 24 – 48 hours. The most common side effects include sleepiness, lack of focus, mild headaches, and anxiety. In one review for patients with ADD / ADHD, this side-effect only occurred in about 1-3% of clients.

If you are interested, please send an email to info@ihypnosis.org.uk