what is Neurofeedback (EEG BIO-FEEDBACK)?
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback used as a therapeutic treatment method for mental health problems. Biofeedback is a self-regulatory technique that utilizes audiovisual feedback of physiological parameters, as defined by numeric values through a measuring instrument, to grant greater control over those physiological parameters.
As an example, being able to monitor your own heart rate via a smartwatch may give you greater conscious control over your heart rate, and the ability to increase or decrease it. The idea behind biofeedback – and neurofeedback, by extension – is that you can learn to self-regulate certain things like pain perception, heart rate, and even brainwaves through an audiovisual feedback loop.
Neurofeedback utilizes the concept of biofeedback and applies behavioral conditioning to it. Behavioral conditioning is a form of training that rewards wanted behavior, and potentially punishes unwanted behavior. Neurofeedback does not punish unwanted behavior but does utilize audiovisual feedback to detect and reward wanted neural activity, such as feeling calm.
How Neurofeedback Works
In the case of EEG neurofeedback, an electroencephalography (EEG) device (a brainwave scanner) is used to provide real-time feedback of your brain’s neural activity in the form of certain audiovisual stimuli on a connected computer monitor. The visuals change depending on the kind of brain waves being detected (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma), which means that certain emotional responses – such as anxiety – can be measured and visually conveyed.
The data is gathered through electrodes attached to the scalp. The exact form of neurofeedback that utilizes an EEG machine is also called frequency band training, or amplitude training. An EEG machine partially captures the electrical activity of neurons within certain parts of the brain, which can help monitor things like stress. EEGs are typically used to monitor for epilepsy, indicated by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. They are also used to test for brain death.
However, when used in neurofeedback, EEGs allow practitioners to look for certain brain waves associated with emotional states, such as beta waves.
Neurofeedback utilizes an audiovisual representation of these emotions to reduce feelings of anxiety through a form of visual conditioning – by being able to visualize your emotions while you feel them, you can learn to better manage them and even promote reaching a “calm state”, indicated by certain brain wave activity.
Conditions Treated with Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is limited by the kind of brain activity that can be monitored by a non-invasive scalp EEG. EEGs are able to record feelings of stress/anxiety, and attentiveness. Conditions that can be treated with Neurofeedback include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety and Depression
- PTSD
- Sleep Disorders
Neurofeedback at Resolutions
At Resolutions, we utilize Neurofeedback as part of a holistic approach to mental health issues such as anxiety and adult ADHD.
Neurofeedback can help people learn to regulate their emotions through audiovisual feedback, with the guidance of a mental health professional. Our staff work with clients to guide them through the process, review the progress made with each session, and work towards certain goals within their treatment plan. Learn more about Neurofeedback by getting in touch with us today.
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