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What is Neurofeedback?
EEG-Based Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a technique that trains the brain to regulate its activity more effectively. It is a non-invasive process that uses real-time monitoring of brainwave activity to help individuals gain better control over their neurological functions. Neurofeedback is often used to improve cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and symptoms of various neurological and psychological conditions.
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How Does It Work?
EEG-Based Neurofeedback Explained
Neurofeedback works by using EEG technology to monitor brainwave activity in real time and provide feedback to help the brain self-regulate. During a session, small sensors are placed on the scalp to detect electrical activity, which is then analyzed by specialized software. This analysis identifies patterns that may be overactive or underactive, contributing to issues such as inattention, anxiety, or mood imbalances.
The individual interacts with a visual or auditory stimulus, such as a video game, movie, or sound, which responds to their brain activity. When the brain produces the desired brainwave patterns, the stimulus rewards the individual by continuing to play smoothly. If the brain deviates from the target state, the stimulus slows down or stops, signaling the brain to adjust.
Through repeated sessions, the brain learns to maintain healthier patterns naturally, a process driven by neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Over time, this training can lead to improved focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive function without conscious effort.
Why Is It So Effective?
Why Neurofeedback Works
Neurofeedback is effective because it harnesses the brain’s natural ability to adapt and rewire itself through a process called neuroplasticity. The brain constantly changes in response to experience, and neurofeedback leverages this adaptability by providing real-time feedback that encourages healthier brainwave activity.
At its core, neurofeedback is based on operant conditioning, a form of learning where desired behaviors are reinforced through positive feedback. The brain, like any other part of the body, functions optimally within a certain balance of electrical activity. When this balance is disrupted—such as in ADHD, anxiety, depression, or PTSD—the brain struggles to regulate emotions, focus, or relaxation. By detecting these imbalances and rewarding the brain when it corrects them, neurofeedback helps train the brain to sustain improved functioning on its own.
Because the training is non-invasive and subconscious, the individual does not need to actively think about controlling their brainwaves. Instead, the brain learns naturally through trial and error, responding to feedback just as it does when learning any new skill. Over multiple sessions, the reinforced neural pathways become stronger, leading to long-lasting improvements in attention, emotional regulation, sleep, and cognitive performance.
Additionally, neurofeedback works because it is personalized to each individual. EEG recordings allow practitioners to identify specific areas of dysregulation and tailor the training to meet the person’s unique neurological needs. Unlike medication, which often produces temporary symptom relief, neurofeedback targets the root cause of dysregulated brain activity, promoting sustainable change without side effects.
What Can Neurofeedback Training Help?
Neurofeedback has been studied and used as an intervention for various neurological and psychological disorders. Here is a list of diagnoses and disorders where neurofeedback has shown to be useful:
1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Research:
- Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 180-189.
- Lofthouse, N., Arnold, L. E., & Hurt, E. (2012). Current status of neurofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(5), 536-542.
2. Anxiety
Research:
- Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback treatment of anxiety and affective disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 14(1), 105-123.
- Escolano, C., Navarro-Gil, M., Garcia-Campayo, J., Congedo, M., & Minguez, J. (2014). The effects of individual upper alpha neurofeedback in ADHD and in a cognitive task. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 39(3-4), 193-202.
3. Depression
Research:
- Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14(1), 105-123.
- Baehr, E., Rosenfeld, J. P., Baehr, R., & Earnest, C. (1999). Clinical use of an alpha asymmetry neurofeedback protocol in the treatment of mood disorders: follow-up study one to five years post therapy. Journal of Neurotherapy, 3(2), 23-44.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Research:
- van der Kolk, B. A., Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., Musicaro, R., Suvak, M., Hamlin, E., ... & Spinazzola, J. (2016). A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic PTSD. PLoS One, 11(12), e0166752.
- Peniston, E. G., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1991). Alpha-theta brainwave training and beta-endorphin levels in alcoholics. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 15(3), 662-669.
5. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Research:
- Coben, R., & Padolsky, I. (2007). Assessment-guided neurofeedback for autistic spectrum disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy, 11(1), 5-23.
- Kouijzer, M. E., de Moor, J. M., Gerrits, B. J., Congedo, M., & van Schie, H. T. (2009). Neurofeedback improves executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3(1), 145-162.
6. Epilepsy
Research:
- Sterman, M. B., & Egner, T. (2006). Foundation and practice of neurofeedback for the treatment of epilepsy. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 31(1), 21-35.
- Tan, G., Thornby, J., Hammond, D. C., Strehl, U., Canady, B., Arnemann, K., & Kaiser, D. A. (2009). Meta-analysis of EEG biofeedback in treating epilepsy. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 173-179.
7. Substance Use Disorders
Research:
- Peniston, E. G., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1989). Alpha-theta brainwave training and beta-endorphin levels in alcoholics. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 13(2), 271-279.
- Sokhadze, E. M., Cannon, R. L., & Trudeau, D. L. (2008). EEG biofeedback as a treatment for substance use disorders: review, rating of efficacy, and recommendations for further research. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 33(1), 1-28.
8. Sleep Disorders
Research:
- Cortoos, A., De Valck, E., Arns, M., Breteler, M. H., & Cluydts, R. (2010). An exploratory study on the effects of tele-neurofeedback and tele-biofeedback on objective and subjective sleep in patients with primary insomnia. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 35(2), 125-134.
- Hammer, B. U., Colbert, A. P., Brown, K. A., & Ilioi, E. C. (2011). Neurofeedback for insomnia: A pilot study of Z-score SMR and individualized protocols. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 36(4), 251-264.
9. Migraine and Tension-Type Headaches
Research:
- Stokes, D. A., & Lappin, M. S. (2010). Neurofeedback and biofeedback with 37 migraineurs: a clinical outcome study. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 6(1), 9.
- Kropp, P., Siniatchkin, M., & Gerber, W. D. (2002). On the pathophysiology of migraine-links for "empirically based treatment" with neurofeedback. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(3), 203-213.
There are many other conditions, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), where neurofeedback training shows promise.
Neurofeedback continues to be an evolving field with ongoing research exploring its efficacy and mechanisms.
