What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy is a painless procedure that helps in monitoring brain activity. Bands and electrodes send audio and video feedback showing how a brain reacts to prompts. The aim is to understand the root cause of their feelings, thoughts, and emotions. This improves a patient's self-awareness, improves emotional well-being, and helps them know the cause of their natural reactions.
Types of Neurofeedback Therapy
1. Power Neurofeedback
Also called frequency or surface neurofeedback, this therapy uses 2-4 electrodes to detect brain frequencies. It is mainly used to treat ADHD, insomnia, and anxiety by regulating brain activity.
2. Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback (SCP-NF)
This technique addresses ADHD, epilepsy, and migraines by tracking brain activity. This therapy supports better neurological function through gradual brainwave adjustments.
3. Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS)
LENS uses low magnetic frequencies to change brain waves without conscious effort. This therapy has proven to be effective in treating insomnia, restless legs syndrome, depression, and many more by targeting areas of low activity.
4. Hemoencephalographic (HEG) Neurofeedback
This therapy monitors blood flow in the brain to treat headaches like migraines. The aim is to regulate blood flow in targeted regions to reduce the frequency of aches and pains.
5. Live Z-Score Neurofeedback
Highly recommended by mental health experts to treat insomnia, this therapy treats insomnia symptoms by aligning brain activity. Short 15 sessions of 20 minutes each have proven to be effective in improving sleep.
6. Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORE-TA)
LORETA is a technique that uses 19 electrodes to monitor brain activity. It is primarily used to treat problems like obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction of various kinds, depression, and so on.
7. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
fMRI is an evidence-based technique under neurofeedback that maps brain activity. The therapy aims to explore and regulate the inner workings of the brain.
How does neurofeedback therapy work?
Patients are made to sit in a chair with electrodes fixed to their scalp. This step is painless and resembles a doctor using a stethoscope to hear a patient's heartbeat. The EEG reads electrical impulses in the brain while the patient performs simple exercises under a therapist's supervision.
Depending on the approach of the therapy, a patient may be asked to play a game, listen to music, or watch a video. Each session lasts for 30-60 minutes, and patients mostly require 30-50 sessions depending on the severity of the problem. However, patients generally do not need more than 40 sessions.
Before attending a session, here are must-follow practices:
- Patients must wash their hair, as clean hair enables better brainwave readings.
- Patients must consume a balanced diet that includes vegetables and protein. Caffeine and sugar must be avoided.
- Alcohol and drugs must be avoided for as long as the sessions continue. Screen time must also be limited.
- Maintain the innate circadian rhythm and stay hydrated. A disciplined routine is essential to maintain a positive attitude while the treatment is going on.
What is neurofeedback therapy used for?
- Neurofeedback therapy helps treat ADD and ADHD. The therapy improves brainwave regulation, improves concentration, and helps patients manage tasks like studying better.
- By ensuring self-regulation, patients with autism felt better after each session. They can adapt better to new situations and reduce the frequency of disturbing behaviours.
- Neurofeedback therapy addresses dysregulation in brain activities and improves thought patterns. Patients suffering from panic attacks and insomnia can break the cycle of negative thoughts and improve their emotional resilience.
- Patients become independent enough to recognise triggers that cause anxiety. Neurofeedback therapy enables patients to relearn simple concepts like relaxing and maintaining a calm state of mind.
- Children suffering from delayed developmental issues and adults suffering from traumatic injuries have felt better in the past.
Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy
1. Reduces Anxiety
Neurofeedback therapy enables a patient to regulate brain activity independently. By opting for this therapy, patients hone their coping mechanisms and enable them to behave normally in stressful situations.
2. Lowers Chances of Depression
Neurofeedback therapy is helpful for patients who are suffering from depression. This is particularly helpful for those who are not responding well to conventional therapy. The therapy ensures mood stability, restores focus, and motivates patients to think positively.
3. Improves Attention
Neurofeedback therapy is particularly helpful in optimising brain activity. Patients suffering from ADHD gain better control over cognition without medication and improve concentration. This is highly helpful for students who have ADHD and other similar disorders.
4. Offers Emotional Stability
Neurofeedback therapy is essentially helpful in reducing overreactions and rumination. The treatment ensures mood regulation and navigates challenging situations smartly. The aim is to disrupt negative thought patterns and promote well-being.
5. Treats PTSD Symptoms
Neurofeedback therapy treats a patient’s hypervigilance and controls emotional triggers. The therapy improves the quality of sleep, keeps the mood stable, and manages stress efficiently. Patients experience a reduction in feared responses and faster emotional recovery.
Neurofeedback therapy helps patients actively regulate brain function. They can generate proper brainwaves to reduce symptoms and keep their behaviour in check. Certain learnt techniques support long-term improvement, which makes recovery sustainable.
What Neurofeedback Therapy Can Help With?
Neurofeedback therapy can help patients with multiple psychological disorders. The therapy mainly helps patients when conventional therapeutic methods and medication fail to treat the problem. The therapy is helpful for individuals with traumatic injuries to recover faster.