For many years, biofeedback has been used for relaxation and stress management. But more recently, EEG Biofeedback (also known as Neurofeedback) has emerged as a treatment for problems ranging from ADD to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders.  EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) is a learning process that helps individuals change their brainwave activity. With the use of computerized equipment, the brain learns to adapt new information about itself and regulates itself to function more positively.

 

HOW EFFECTIVE IS NEUROFEEDBACK? 

Neurofeedback is effective in the vast majority of cases, and provides measurable results. While it's not a panacea, almost everyone responds to training, and the results are long lasting. Our clients report significant improvement towards their goals 95% of the time; an exceptionally high rate of achievement.

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WHAT DOES NEUROFEEDBACK DO TO THE BRAIN?

The brain needs healthy fast- and slow-moving brainwave activity to function at its best. Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback, works to change the electrical activity of your brain. It's a non-invasive treatment that works toward improving the source of your unwanted symptoms.

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HOW IS EEG BIOFEEDBACK (NEUROFEEDBACK) PERFORMED?

EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) is both a non-invasive and painless process.  This process involves placing sensors on the scalp and ears. The individual receives “feedback” in a format similar to a computer video game. Clients are taught to use their brainwaves to operate a video game and get appropriate feedback as their brainwaves produce the desired result. The trainee plays a game, comparable to Pac-man, which is run by the sensors that are reading electrical impulses coming from the brain. The purpose of EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) is to enhance the positive feedback and eliminate the negative.  Once the brain responds to the audio and visual cues, the brain learns these new patterns. In time, the client will learn to increase or decrease brainwave patterns at will.

 

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS BRAINWAVES?

There are four distinct brainwave frequencies: 1) Delta waves (0-4 HZ), occurring primarily during sleep, 2) Theta waves (4-8 HZ), associated with a dreamlike state, between sleep and wakefulness, 3) Alpha waves (8-12 HZ), thought to be an idling rhythm, and associated with relaxation or meditation and, 4) Beta (13-40HZ), associated with focus and attending to a task. Some higher ranges of beta are linked to tension and anxiety.

 

HOW DO BRAINWAVES AFFECT BEHAVIOR?

Individuals diagnosed with ADD/ADHD often show brainwave patterns higher in theta and lower in beta activity. By training the brain to decrease the amount of theta and increase beta, the ADD individual should show improvement with focus, memory, attention and concentration. Conversely, a client who is highly anxious will exhibit an increase in beta waves; these waves can be trained down to decrease anxiety.

 

WHAT RESULTS ARE EXPECTED FROM EEG BIOFEEDBACK (NEUROFEEDBACK)?

Karolyn Kremer of Naples Florida, reports “My son was having significant behavioral problems at school and after completing 15 sessions of EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback), we have seen dramatic improvement in his symptoms. With continued training, we look forward to success in addressing the challenges my child faces with his diagnosis of ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome.”  Others have reported improvement in school or work performance, increased self-esteem, an ability to focus, pay attention and stay on task. The effects of training vary from person to person.

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