What is Neurofeedback?
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Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity, commonly EEG readings, to teach patients to self-regulate their brain function. It works by translating brain waves into visual or auditory feedback to help improve certain brain functions like attention, memory, or relaxation. Research shows neurofeedback can help treat conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more, as it allows patients to learn to consciously control their brain activity through repetitive neurofeedback training sessions over time.
What is Neurofeedback?
- 1. What is Neurofeedback? Focusing on the EEG one.
- 2. The ‘Wiki’ Definition Neurofeedback (NFB), also called neurotherapy or neurobiofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity—most commonly electroencephalography (EEG), to teach self-regulation of brain function. “ ”
- 3. What Does It Mean? Translate brainwaves to visual/auditory feedback to improve a certain brain function. Feedback + -
- 4. Let’s Break It into Components Brain EEG Feedback
- 5. Brain EEG Feedback PS. Get info like what we’re going to share here by liking our Facebook page and registering for our mailing list. *click the links.
- 6. Brain. Sometimes, it does not function well as it is able to. It’s called a ‘dys-regulated’ brain.
- 7. Dysregulated Brain Supposed to be calm Supposed to be alert Tends to be over-simulated Tends to be under- stimulated
- 8. Sometimes the brain corrects itself. When it dysregulation becomes the “new normal”.
- 9. Good news! It can be re-trained!
- 10. EEG EEG is the method in which brain electrical activity is monitored.
- 11. EEG readings can be used to confirm or rule out various conditions such as: Seizure disorders Head injury Memory problems Sleep disorders Stroke
- 12. Mental states can also be detected using EEG: Alertness Attention Anxiety Stress More..
- 13. Risks? There are none! It just monitors the electrical activity in the brain. Doesn’t send anything.
- 14. How can EEG be used as part of a therapy/training ?
- 15. This is where the feedback comes in.
- 16. Brainwaves are Translated to Feedback in Real Time Users get feedback based on their current mental state and try to improve upon it instantly. Evaluate Current Mental State Software Reward/ no reward Try to improve Brainwaves EEG
- 17. Example: Training for Attention Software Great. Keep it this way. EEG data If in concentrated state No Reward If NOT in concentrated state Try to improve. Reward EEG EEG helps in detecting alertness and attention in real time- each time the trainee is in a concentrated mental state, they get a reward. That’s how the brain self-regulates.
- 18. Rewards are the Feedback in Neurofeedback Which means it can be in the form of a game.
- 19. For example, if we’d like to improve concentration ability then: When concentrated, the player’s alien moves faster. Otherwise, it moves slower. The goal is to win the race against an opponent. This means the player will have to put in the effort of teaching the mind to concentrate through feedback.
- 20. This learning process eventually helps the brain improve a certain function.
- 21. Neurofeedback can be used as therapy/training for: Memory Consolidation Depression ADHDAnxiety Autism Spectrum Disorders
- 22. In a few words It’s non-conscious learning, based on the feedback, that, with repetition, can be long-lasting. -Deborah Stokes, an Alexandria psychologist Source: Washington Post Repetition Makes a Habit! Like Riding a Bike! “ ”
- 23. How Can It Be Done? 30-60 Minutes $50-$130 Neurofeedback can be done in specialized clinics. Typical Session Time Typical Session Cost
- 24. Self-Regulation Slowly, the brain learns to engage in a new way as feedback teaches it to self-regulate and correct a specific activity.
- 25. Research Some researchers have criticised neurofeedback claiming it lacks strong scientific evidence, often asking for a double-blind randomized clinical trial to be conducted, however many ignore the fact that since early 2000’s, many studies have been published showing varying results. Impact of neurofeedback on ADHD has been studied the most among other NFB therapies.
- 26. 2009 102 children aged 8-12 with an ADHD diagnosis were randomly assigned in two groups- one group did 36 neurofeedback sessions, the other did 36 sessions of computerized attention skills training game. Findings Improvements in the neurofeedback group were superior to the control group.The ratings indicated that “neurofeedback effects are substantial and of practical importance. Our results confirm findings of previous neurofeedback studies even under strict control conditions.” The researchers concluded the result “indicates clinical efficacy of neurofeedback in children with ADHD”. Gevensleben, H., Holl, B., Albrecht, B.,Vogel, C., Schlamp, D., et al. (2009). Is neurofeedback an efficacious treatment for ADHD?: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50, 780–789
- 27. 2012 130 children diagnosed with ADHD aged 6-18 were randomly assigned into 3 groups – one received neurofeedback, one received medication (methylphenidate), one received both neurofeedback and medication. Findings The researchers concluded “NF produced a significant improvement in the core symptoms of ADHD, which was equivalent to the effects produced by MPH(methylphenidate), based on parental reports. This supports the use of NF as an alternative therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD.” Duric NS, Assmus J, Gundersen DI, ElegenIB. (2012). Neurofeedback for the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD: A randomized and controlled clinical trial using parental reports. BMC Psychiatry, 12:107
- 28. 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics rated neurofeedback as a Level 1 “Best Support” Intervention for ADHD. The highest possible rating and at the same level as medication treatment and behavior therapy
- 29. 2014 104 children were randomly assigned to receive NFB(neurofeedback), cognitive training or a control condition. They were also evaluated 6 months post-intervention. Findings“Neurofeedback participants made more prompt and greater improvements in ADHD symptoms, which were sustained at the 6-month follow-up, than did CT participants or those in the control group. This finding suggests that neurofeedback is a promising attention training treatment for children with ADHD.” Naomi J. Steiner, Elizabeth C. Frenette, Kirsten M. Rene, Robert T. Brennan and Ellen C. Perrin In-School Neurofeedback Training for ADHD: Sustained Improvements From Randomized Controlled Trial; Pediatrics
- 30. NOW There’s a five-year study funded with more than $3m by NIH to explore the impact of neurofeedback on ADHD. 140 children between the ages of 7 and 10 who have ADHD to participate in a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
- 31. Bottom Line Like in any field, skepticism must be present. Fortunately, neurofeedback has been helping the lives of many around the globe as it continues to grow thanks to a strong community and promising ongoing research.
- 32. One More Slide Left! We hope you have a better understanding of neurofeedback now!
- 33. Myndlift is a company that develops a mobile neurofeedback solution for ADHD. Please do not hesitate to get in touch- whether you’re a neurofeedback clinician, a parent, or just interested in hearing more! www.myndlift.com hello@myndlift.com