Neurofeedback therapy is a powerful, science-backed approach to supporting children’s mental health. But what exactly is neurofeedback, and how does it work? More importantly, how can it benefit children struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or anger management?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or brainwave therapy, is a non-invasive way to help improve brain function. It works by placing small sensors on the scalp to monitor brain activity. This information is then shown to the patient in real-time, allowing them to learn how to control their brainwave patterns.
Through this process, many of my patients have enhanced their attention, cognitive functioning and overall emotional and behavioral self-regulation. As a psychologist, my patients have found it to be a valuable tool for addressing issues like anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.
6 Different Types of Neurofeedback Therapy
There are different types of neurofeedback and it is also often referred to as brainwave training. Neurofeedback involves training individuals to regulate their brainwave patterns, such as alpha, beta, theta, or delta waves, to achieve optimal cognitive functioning.
With amplitude training, individuals learn to modulate the magnitude or intensity of their brainwave activity, targeting specific frequencies associated with different cognitive states such as focus and emotional balance.
Traditional EEG neurofeedback focuses on altering brainwave patterns by providing feedback based on the electrical activity of the brain. While many neurofeedback techniques show promise, the clinical efficacy can vary based on individual differences and the specific condition being treated.
Is Biofeedback a Type of Neurofeedback?
Although not neurofeedback, biofeedback is its cousin and incorporates various physiological measures, including heart rate variability, skin conductance, and muscle tension, to promote self-regulation and stress management.
Why We Use QEEG Therapy
QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) is a comprehensive technique creating detailed brain maps to identify areas of dysregulation. This modern type of EEG allows us to conduct personalized and targeted neurofeedback training. In our BrainBehaviorReset® Program, we start our client journey with a brain map that allows us to “check under the hood.”
With neurofeedback therapy, QEEG can be used for typical and complex cases to really give that roadmap for treatment.
Advantages of a QEEG Brain Map
- Precision in Measurement
QEEG provides high-resolution measurements of brainwave activity, offering clinicians detailed insights into the nuances of neural functioning. This precision is crucial when addressing intricate conditions that demand targeted interventions.
One study looked into the efficacy of neurofeedback therapy, particularly in addressing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis of 21 studies, it evaluates the impact of neurofeedback on ADHD symptoms. The findings reveal a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms post-treatment, indicating promising outcomes.
This study highlights the crucial role of QEEG in pinpointing specific neural dysregulation patterns. QEEG's sensitivity and specificity enable personalized and precise neurofeedback interventions that enhance treatment effectiveness (Chabot et al., 1996).
Real-Time Feedback
Patients receive EEG feedback on their brainwave patterns, allowing immediate adjustments and refinements during therapy sessions. This real-time interaction is invaluable, especially in cases requiring swift adaptations to evolving neurological states.
A separate study underscores the significance of real-time feedback in QEEG applications. Real-time feedback plays a pivotal role in QEEG-guided neurofeedback therapy, particularly in addressing conditions like ADHD.
Providing immediate insights into brainwave activity allows for real-time feedback that enables clinicians to adjust neurofeedback interventions in response to dynamic neural patterns detected. This dynamic interaction facilitates personalized and precise treatment strategies, optimizing therapeutic outcomes for individuals undergoing neurofeedback therapy (Chabot et al., 1993).
Customized Treatment Plans
The versatility of QEEG enables clinicians to tailor treatment plans to each individual's unique neurophysiological profile. This personalized approach ensures that therapy aligns closely with complex cases' needs and challenges.
QEEG was integrated with neurofeedback therapy, mainly focusing on its role in treating ADHD. QEEG assessments enable the creation of customized treatment plans tailored to individual neural dysregulation patterns (Hurt et al., 2014).
Identifying specific brainwave irregularities associated with ADHD, QEEG facilitates targeted neurofeedback interventions aimed at addressing these patterns. This personalized approach enhances the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy, optimizing outcomes for individuals with ADHD.
Comprehensive Brain Mapping
QEEG's capability to generate comprehensive brain maps facilitates a deeper understanding of neural dynamics. Clinicians can devise targeted interventions to address underlying issues effectively by pinpointing areas of dysregulation and aberrant activity.
In cerebrovascular disease, QEEG analysis correlates with regional blood flow and metabolism. In degenerative diseases like dementia, QEEG frequency analysis may indicate an organic basis for the disorder.
Additionally, QEEG techniques can help identify anomalies in patients with cerebral trauma or cognitive disorders in children. In epilepsy, QEEG brain mapping aids in detecting spikes, locating epileptic foci, and suggesting the type of epilepsy (Smith, 2005).
Adaptability to Varied Conditions
Whether grappling with comorbidities, treatment-resistant disorders, or intricate neurological presentations, QEEG's adaptability allows it to cater to diverse conditions. Its versatility makes it a go-to modality for clinicians navigating the intricacies of complex cases.
Empirical Evidence
Research shows that neurofeedback, especially when guided by QEEG, can make a real difference in children struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and even-treatment-resistant conditions.
Furthermore, QEEG-based neurofeedback has shown promise in enhancing cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life in individuals with complex presentations.
There are also advanced applications of QEEG beyond diagnosing behavioral disorders that focus on predicting therapeutic outcomes. It reviews how QEEG guides interventions, including medication, neurofeedback, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Clinically, QEEG involves visual analysis of multichannel waveform displays by neurologists to detect and characterize seizure disorders and encephalopathies. QEEG's advantages include non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and high temporal resolution (sub millisecond), allowing detailed study of neurophysiological changes over time, surpassing functional neuroimaging methods like fMRI, SPECT, and PET in temporal resolution capability (Coben & Evans, 2011).
The Power of the Human Touch
While QEEG provides powerful and detailed insights, its true impact comes from the skilled clinicians who guide the entire neurofeedback process. It takes years of training and experience to be able to interpret and apply the results of QEEG brain maps, and genuine compassion to be able to help families and children effectively navigate their neurofeedback journey. Each child receives personalized treatment plans and care designed to help them emotionally regulate, focus and develop a healthy well-being in the long term.
The Efficacy of Neurofeedback Therapy
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy across various mental health conditions. Research suggests significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and more, with enduring benefits. Moreover, neurofeedback therapy offers a safe and drug-free alternative for children and adolescents, fostering resilience and adaptive coping skills.
For parents seeking solutions for their children's mental health challenges, neurofeedback therapy offers a promising avenue. Its non-invasive nature, coupled with personalized techniques, makes it a compelling choice for families navigating the complexities of mental health disorders. With the guidance of a skilled neurofeedback therapist, children can embark on a transformative journey toward improved emotional well-being and cognitive function.
Neurofeedback therapy encompasses diverse techniques tailored to address specific brain function and mental health aspects. As a parent, exploring the range of neurofeedback options available could be the first step toward unlocking your child's full potential and fostering a brighter future. Remember, with perseverance and support, the path to mental well-being is within reach, offering hope, resilience, and empowerment.
To get started on neurofeedback for your child, check out the BrainBehaviorResetTM Program
Parent Action Steps
What is Neurofeedback Therapy and How Does it Work?
Neurofeedback therapy, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a non-invasive technique where individuals learn to regulate their brainwave patterns. It can train brains to achieve desired cognitive and emotional states by receiving real-time feedback from EEG sensors placed on the scalp.
What are the Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy offers a range of benefits, including improved attention, reduced anxiety, enhanced mood regulation, and better cognitive functioning. It can also help individuals with conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD achieve greater self-regulation and overall well-being.
How Does Neurofeedback Work for Anxiety?
Neurofeedback therapy for anxiety involves training individuals to regulate their brainwave patterns associated with anxiety responses. By providing real-time feedback on brain activity, neurofeedback helps individuals learn to control their anxiety symptoms, leading to increased relaxation and improved coping strategies.
Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help with Depression?
Yes, neurofeedback therapy has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression by targeting specific brainwave patterns associated with mood regulation. Through neurofeedback sessions, individuals can learn to modulate their brain activity, leading to improved mood and overall emotional well-being.
What is QEEG and How is it Used in Neurofeedback?
QEEG, or quantitative electroencephalography, is a technique that analyzes brainwave patterns to provide insights into neurological functioning. In neurofeedback therapy, QEEG is used to identify specific neural dysregulation patterns, allowing for personalized and targeted interventions to address various mental health conditions.
Is Neurofeedback Safe?
Neurofeedback therapy is considered safe when conducted by trained professionals in a clinical setting. It is non-invasive and does not involve any medication, making it a low-risk treatment option for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional therapies.
What is Brain Mapping Therapy?
Brain mapping therapy uses techniques like QEEG to create detailed brain activity maps. These maps help clinicians identify areas of dysregulation or dysfunction in the brain, allowing for targeted interventions such as neurofeedback to address specific cognitive or emotional issues.
What Conditions Can Neurofeedback Therapy Treat?
Neurofeedback therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, and chronic pain. It can also help improve cognitive function, enhance sports performance, and promote overall well-being.
Citations:
Chabot, R. J., & Serfontein, G. (1996). Quantitative electroencephalographic profiles of children with attention deficit disorder. Biological psychiatry, 40(10), 951–963. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(95)00576-5.
Coben, R., and Evans, J. (Ed.). (2011). Neurofeedback and neuromodulation techniques and applications. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-64101-5.
Hurt, E., Arnold, L. E., & Lofthouse, N. (2014). Quantitative EEG neurofeedback for the treatment of pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, and epilepsy. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 23(3), 465-486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2014.02.001.
Smith, S. J. M. (2005). EEG in the diagnosis, classification, and management of patients with epilepsy. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 76(suppl_2), ii2-ii7. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2005.069245.
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Neurofeedback who frequently is in the media:
- Living with Lyme (Podcast) Neurofeedback and biofeedback for PANS/PANDA
- The Holistic Counseling Podcast Therapist's Integrative Tools: Neurofeedback and Biofeedback
- Helping Children Thrive Podcast Benefits of Neurofeedback for children with ADHD
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She coined the terms, “Re-entry panic syndrome” and “eco-anxiety” and is a frequent contributor to media on mental health.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has three decades of experience in working with children, teens and their families with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, concussion, dyslexia and learning disability, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression and mood disorder, Lyme Disease, and PANS/PANDAS using science-backed natural mental health solutions such as supplements, magnesium, nutrition, QEEG Brain maps, neurofeedback, PEMF, psychotherapy and other non-medication approaches.
She is the author of three bestselling books, It’s Gonna Be OK!: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Health, The Teletherapy Toolkit, and Brain Under Attack. Dr. Roseann is known for offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain.
Her trademarked BrainBehaviorResetⓇ Program and It’s Gonna be OK!Ⓡ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands of parents facing mental health, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
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