What can be trained?
There is mounting evidence that neurofeedback can be used to effectively moderate a range of conditions. The American Academy of Paediatrics listed neurofeedback as evidence-based treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurofeedback therapy is being used to assist in the treatment conditions like autism, learning difficulties and other developmental problems. It has been effectively used to modify anxiety, depression and addictions, and has been found to help stabilise some people with epilepsy. There is evidence that neurofeedback therapy can speed recovery after concussion, and may help damaged, reactive areas of brain. Interestingly, neurofeedback therapy has also been used to help athletes and business executives achieve peak performance.
Neurofeedback for ADHD
Neurofeedback has continued to gain support as an alternative treatment for ADHD in recent years (1). In patients with ADHD symptoms, constant observation of altered brain activation is observed during an EEG (and other types of neurological imaging). Neurofeedback, as a type of biofeedback, makes use of the brains neuroplasticity to encourage it to self-regulate towards a normal brain activation pattern.
Neurofeedback has been documented to lead to significant reductions in ADHD core symptoms and has been gaining increased support in the treatment of ADHD (1). Within academia, neurofeedback is becoming an accepted mode of treatment (2). Excitingly, research is supporting neurofeedback as being more than just effective – it appears to be long lasting, especially when compared to non-active control methods (3).
1. Holtmann M, Sonuga-Barke E, Cortese S, Brandeis D. Neurofeedback for ADHD: A Review of Current Evidence. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2014 [cited 18 December 2021];23(4):789-806. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2014.05.006 2. Gevensleben H, Kleemeyer M, Rothenberger L, Studer P, Flaig-Röhr A, Moll G et al. Neurofeedback in ADHD: Further Pieces of the Puzzle. Brain Topography. 2013 [cited 18 December 2021];27(1):20-32. Available from: https://rdcu.be/cDrAj 3. Van Doren J, Arns M, Heinrich H, Vollebregt M, Strehl U, K. Loo S. Sustained effects of neurofeedback in ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry [Internet]. 2018 [cited 18 December 2021];28(3):293-305. Available from: https://rdcu.be/cDr18
Neurofeedback has been documented to lead to significant reductions in ADHD core symptoms and has been gaining increased support in the treatment of ADHD (1). Within academia, neurofeedback is becoming an accepted mode of treatment (2). Excitingly, research is supporting neurofeedback as being more than just effective – it appears to be long lasting, especially when compared to non-active control methods (3).
1. Holtmann M, Sonuga-Barke E, Cortese S, Brandeis D. Neurofeedback for ADHD: A Review of Current Evidence. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2014 [cited 18 December 2021];23(4):789-806. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2014.05.006 2. Gevensleben H, Kleemeyer M, Rothenberger L, Studer P, Flaig-Röhr A, Moll G et al. Neurofeedback in ADHD: Further Pieces of the Puzzle. Brain Topography. 2013 [cited 18 December 2021];27(1):20-32. Available from: https://rdcu.be/cDrAj 3. Van Doren J, Arns M, Heinrich H, Vollebregt M, Strehl U, K. Loo S. Sustained effects of neurofeedback in ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry [Internet]. 2018 [cited 18 December 2021];28(3):293-305. Available from: https://rdcu.be/cDr18
Neurofeedback for Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are the most common psychiatric conditions. Anxiety affects between 10% to 15% of Australians, while depression affects approximately 10% (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017-18 financial year). As such prevalent conditions, the need for less invasive and more efficient treatments are high.
Neurofeedback has been associated with clinical improvement in generalized anxiety, phobic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD (1). In many cases, neurofeedback showed statistically significant improvements in neurological functioning. More importantly, follow up studies suggest that these improvements are maintained over the long term (2). One study examining anxiety and fear in cancer patients found that after neurofeedback sessions important improvements in psychometric traits were measured (3). Overall, researchers seem to agree that neurofeedback can cause significant decrease in anxiety symptoms (4).
Neurofeedback as a treatment for depression has been less thoroughly researched, however, preliminary studies are encouraging (2). Many pilot study for neurofeedback as a treatment for major depressive disorders suggested that neurofeedback may be effective as a treatment for depression (5).
1. Moore N. A Review of EEG Biofeedback Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. Clinical Electroencephalography [Internet]. 2000 [cited 18 December 2021];31(1):1-6. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940003100105 2. Hammond D. Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Adult Development [Internet]. 2005 [cited 18 December 2021];12(2-3):131-137. Available from: https://rdcu.be/cDr2M 3. Benioudakis E, Kountzaki S, Batzou K, Markogiannaki K, Seliniotaki T, Darakis E et al. Can Neurofeedback Decrease Anxiety and Fear in Cancer Patients? A Case Study. Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 December 2021];25(1):59-65. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pin.2015.12.001 4. Tolin D, Davies C, Moskow D, Hofmann S. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback for Anxiety Disorders: A Quantitative and Qualitative Systematic Review. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology [Internet]. 2020 [cited 18 December 2021];1191:265-289. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_16 5. Peeters F, Oehlen M, Ronner J, van Os J, Lousberg R. Neurofeedback As a Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder – A Pilot Study. PLoS ONE [Internet]. 2014 [cited 18 December 2021];9(3):e91837. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0091837
Neurofeedback has been associated with clinical improvement in generalized anxiety, phobic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD (1). In many cases, neurofeedback showed statistically significant improvements in neurological functioning. More importantly, follow up studies suggest that these improvements are maintained over the long term (2). One study examining anxiety and fear in cancer patients found that after neurofeedback sessions important improvements in psychometric traits were measured (3). Overall, researchers seem to agree that neurofeedback can cause significant decrease in anxiety symptoms (4).
Neurofeedback as a treatment for depression has been less thoroughly researched, however, preliminary studies are encouraging (2). Many pilot study for neurofeedback as a treatment for major depressive disorders suggested that neurofeedback may be effective as a treatment for depression (5).
1. Moore N. A Review of EEG Biofeedback Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. Clinical Electroencephalography [Internet]. 2000 [cited 18 December 2021];31(1):1-6. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940003100105 2. Hammond D. Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Adult Development [Internet]. 2005 [cited 18 December 2021];12(2-3):131-137. Available from: https://rdcu.be/cDr2M 3. Benioudakis E, Kountzaki S, Batzou K, Markogiannaki K, Seliniotaki T, Darakis E et al. Can Neurofeedback Decrease Anxiety and Fear in Cancer Patients? A Case Study. Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 December 2021];25(1):59-65. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pin.2015.12.001 4. Tolin D, Davies C, Moskow D, Hofmann S. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback for Anxiety Disorders: A Quantitative and Qualitative Systematic Review. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology [Internet]. 2020 [cited 18 December 2021];1191:265-289. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_16 5. Peeters F, Oehlen M, Ronner J, van Os J, Lousberg R. Neurofeedback As a Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder – A Pilot Study. PLoS ONE [Internet]. 2014 [cited 18 December 2021];9(3):e91837. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0091837
Neurofeedback for Autism
Autism (autism spectrum disorder – ASD) is estimated to effect around 1% of the general population (1). While the severity and duration of the of the symptoms can vary, they tend to be lifelong, chronic and often lead to poor outcomes in adulthood (1). What complicates matters in autism is that despite numerous types of intervention, few have actually been scientifically investigated and most of those either lack evidence or have been proven to be ineffective (2).
Neurofeedback, while in the early stages of research for ASD, has shown some initial scientific benefit toward helping treat ASD symptoms. In one study, neurofeedback accounted for a 26% average reduction in total autism symptoms (compared to 3% for the control group) (3). In another study, a young boy diagnosed as mildly autistic showed positive changes in all diagnostic dimensions (as defined in the DSM-III-R).4 While there is still more research to be done, there is promising evidence to suggest that neurofeedback can help improve autism symptoms.
1. Simonoff E, Pickles A, Charman T, Chandler S, Loucas T, Baird G. Psychiatric Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Associated Factors in a Population-Derived Sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry [Internet]. 2008 [cited 18 December 2021];47(8):921-929. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/CHI.0b013e318179964f 2. Rossignol D. Novel and emerging treatments for autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Ann Clin Psychiatry [Internet]. 2009 [cited 18 December 2021];21(4):213-36. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19917212/ 3. Jarusiewicz B. Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Children in the Autistic Spectrum: A Pilot Study. Journal of Neurotherapy [Internet]. 2002 [cited 18 December 2021];6(4):39-49. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1300/J184v06n04_05 4. Sichel A, Fehmi L, Goldstein D. Positive Outcome with Neurofeedback Treatment in a Case of Mild Autism. Journal of Neurotherapy [Internet]. 1995 [cited 18 December 2021];1(1):60-64. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1300/J184v01n01_08
Neurofeedback, while in the early stages of research for ASD, has shown some initial scientific benefit toward helping treat ASD symptoms. In one study, neurofeedback accounted for a 26% average reduction in total autism symptoms (compared to 3% for the control group) (3). In another study, a young boy diagnosed as mildly autistic showed positive changes in all diagnostic dimensions (as defined in the DSM-III-R).4 While there is still more research to be done, there is promising evidence to suggest that neurofeedback can help improve autism symptoms.
1. Simonoff E, Pickles A, Charman T, Chandler S, Loucas T, Baird G. Psychiatric Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Associated Factors in a Population-Derived Sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry [Internet]. 2008 [cited 18 December 2021];47(8):921-929. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/CHI.0b013e318179964f 2. Rossignol D. Novel and emerging treatments for autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Ann Clin Psychiatry [Internet]. 2009 [cited 18 December 2021];21(4):213-36. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19917212/ 3. Jarusiewicz B. Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Children in the Autistic Spectrum: A Pilot Study. Journal of Neurotherapy [Internet]. 2002 [cited 18 December 2021];6(4):39-49. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1300/J184v06n04_05 4. Sichel A, Fehmi L, Goldstein D. Positive Outcome with Neurofeedback Treatment in a Case of Mild Autism. Journal of Neurotherapy [Internet]. 1995 [cited 18 December 2021];1(1):60-64. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1300/J184v01n01_08
An important note
It is important to note that neurofeedback is not ‘all in one’ treatment solution. While preliminary research has been shown to be effective at helping a range of conditions, more research is required to understand its full potential. In addition, the emergence of neurofeedback as an effective treatment does not detract from the efficacy of other therapies or treatments. Prior to commencing your neurofeedback journey, you will have an introduction consult with one of our practitioners. They may recommend other treatments to peruse in conjunction to neurofeedback.