Neurofeedback, also known as electroencephalogram biofeedback, is a powerful method for training the brain to concentrate and regulate impulses that affect other mental processes.
About 16% of the population needs medical attention for a neurological disorder. While many people can say that their brains generally work normally, how normal is normal? Common brain imbalances and persistent emotions impact a large portion of the population. Thankfully, this treatment effectively lessens the severity of the majority of psychiatric and neurological side effects.
As such, it works well in the fight against ADHD and other neurological disorders. Read on to find out more about the use of neurofeedback as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback is a kind of electronic brain stimulation that employs electroencephalography (EEG) to track neural activity in the brain and instantly responds with auditory and visual cues. The therapy aims to enhance neurological control by focusing on the central nervous system. It has shown significant benefits for various mental health conditions, including PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. It also aids in improving mood, focus, and sleep habits by tracking brain activity. Specialised Neurofeedback clinics like Neuroperforma provide tailored therapy plans to help patients optimise brain function and treat these conditions without relying on medication.
Types of Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback refers to a wide range of EEG biofeedback systems. Various factors, including the therapy’s goals, the number of brain areas trained, and the specific waves being targeted, determine how these systems vary.
The common forms of neurofeedback include:
Amplitude Training: This method predates all others and is often considered the best in its area. It is centred on adjusting the magnitude of certain brain waves.
Z-Score Training: The idea behind this method is to get the patient’s brain wave activity closer to what healthy individuals typically experience.
Slow Cortical Training (ILF, ISF, and SCP): It trains the brain’s slowest waves to improve emotional control and cognitive stability.
Understanding How Neurofeedback Works
Neurofeedback treatment involves four key components: the patient, the software that analyses brain activity, and the electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment. At its core, the brain functions as a network of interconnected cells that communicate through electrical signals. Sensors placed on the scalp detect these impulses, enabling the system to monitor and interpret brain activity.
When you go about your daily routine, your brain generates four distinct kinds of electrical signals: alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves. When you record your brainwaves, you can see which regions are actively processing information and which signals are necessary for completing a certain activity.
A QEEG map is created using specialised software that reveals all the problematic areas. As a patient progresses through their Neurotherapy treatment, the therapist identifies any problematic areas.
The next step is to train your brain to relax or feel more comfortable. It typically takes several sessions for the brain to adjust. In fact, after a series of treatments, some individuals find they no longer need ADHD medication. The more sessions a patient undergoes, the better the chances of the brain reaching a calm state. Recent research shows that as few as 30 sessions can be more effective than commonly prescribed stimulants.
Conclusion
For those who have not responded to traditional treatments for mental health issues, such as medicine or psychotherapy, neurofeedback represents a new paradigm in the field. With few side effects, it gets at the root of the problem by teaching specific brain areas to communicate differently, rather than just treating the symptoms. Those who have lost faith in their ability to feel “themselves” again can find renewed optimism with the use of neurofeedback.