Watching our children struggle behaviorally with mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD or depression can be heart-wrenching. You want to help them in the most effective and natural ways possible but are unsure of the path. One powerful approach is brainwave therapy, specifically neurofeedback.
This method, which I have used for two decades, is grounded in modern neuroscience and can profoundly impact your child's life. One mom recently told me how a teacher ran to her car with tears in her eyes and the mom initially thought to herself, “Oh no, what did Alex do now?!” But to her surprise, the teacher said, “I don’t know what you have been doing with Alex but he is like a different child! Don’t stop what you are doing because it is a miracle.”
In our BrainBehaviorReeset® Program, we use neurofeedback therapy that is integrated into a holistic treatment program that includes nutrition, supplements, and parent coaching to help children and teens get more focused, calm and do better in school.
The Neurofeedback Brainwave Therapy: What is it?
In simple terms, it’s a type of biofeedback that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. Neurofeedback training involves watching your child's brain waves on a screen and learning how to change their mental state to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall mental health.
The journey begins with a QEEG brain map. This advanced technique measures electrical activity in the brain and provides a detailed picture of how different areas function. Think of it as a roadmap highlighting where the brain's communication might be misfiring. This information is crucial for customizing a neurofeedback therapy plan tailored to your child's needs.
QEEG stands for quantitative electroencephalogram, a procedure used to analyze and map brainwave activity. In neurofeedback therapy, QEEG provides valuable data by measuring and quantifying brainwave patterns, helping therapists tailor treatment plans to target specific areas of dysregulation in the brain.
How Does Brain Mapping Neurofeedback Work?
Neurofeedback works by monitoring brainwave activity, typically using QEEG technology, and providing real-time feedback to individuals. Through this feedback, individuals learn to regulate their brain activity, promoting healthier patterns associated with improved cognitive function and emotional regulation. Over time, this training can lead to lasting improvements in symptoms related to various mental health conditions.
During a session, sensors are placed on your child's scalp to measure brain waves. This information is fed into a computer that analyzes the data and provides feedback through visual or auditory signals. It helps the brain learn healthier patterns of activity. It’s like exercising the brain to build new, beneficial pathways.
One study aimed to assess the impact of neurofeedback on depressive symptoms and electrophysiological disturbances in individuals with major depressive disorder. Twenty participants underwent an 8-week open-label study, receiving beta training with alpha/theta training twice or thrice weekly. Significant improvements were observed in depression and anxiety scores, as well as clinical illness severity ratings post-treatment (Cheon et al., 2015).
At our center, we believe in a comprehensive approach beyond just neurofeedback.
In our BrainBehaviorReeset® Program, we integrate:
Nutrition and Supplements
Proper nutrition is the foundation of mental health. We assess your child's dietary habits and recommend adjustments and supplements like Magnesium to support brain health. Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are essential for optimal brain function.
Parent Coaching
Supporting parents is crucial for the success of any therapy. Our parent coaching sessions equip you with strategies to reinforce the positive changes your child is making through neurofeedback. You'll learn how to create a supportive home environment that fosters mental and emotional well-being.
Neurofeedback therapy has shown effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. Let's focus on PANS/PANDAS, ADHD, anxiety, mood and behavior, and OCD.
Treating PANDAS Naturally
PANS/PANDAS can be particularly challenging, causing sudden and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neurofeedback offers a natural way to calm the brain's inflammation and restore normal function. Neurofeedback can significantly alleviate symptoms combined with dietary changes and supplements that reduce inflammation.
Addressing Mood and Behavior
Depression in children is disheartening. Neurofeedback training can help rewire the brain's pathways to foster a more balanced and positive mental state. It provides a safe and drug-free way to reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood.
Managing Anxiety with Neurofeedback
Anxiety can be overwhelming for children. It impacts their daily lives and emotional well-being. Neurofeedback offers a natural, non-invasive way to help the brain regulate itself and reduce anxiety. It promotes healthier brain wave patterns to alleviate anxiety symptoms significantly. When combined with dietary adjustments and supplements that support brain health, neurofeedback provides a comprehensive approach to managing and reducing anxiety in children.
Overcoming OCD with Neurofeedback
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be particularly challenging for children, as it leads to persistent and intrusive thoughts and behaviors. Neurofeedback offers a natural, non-invasive way to help the brain develop healthier patterns and reduce OCD symptoms. It allows for better brain regulation and addresses the compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts associated with OCD.
Improving ADHD Symptoms with Neurofeedback
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult for children to focus, stay organized, and control impulses. Neurofeedback offers a natural, drug-free way to address these challenges. It trains the brain to develop healthier patterns to improve attention, reduce hyperactivity, and enhance impulse control.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Neurofeedback Brainwave Therapy
Many parents ask, is neurofeedback effective? The answer is yes. Numerous studies and neurofeedback reviews support its efficacy in treating various mental health conditions. Moreover, neurofeedback therapy is safe, non-invasive, and has minimal side effects, making it an excellent option for children.
A review study explored the effectiveness and safety of neurofeedback for managing fatigue and cognitive impairment in cancer survivors. It included 27 studies, with 17 meeting quality criteria: 10 experimental and 7 descriptive studies. Results indicated positive outcomes in at least one fatigue or cognitive measure, with few side effects reported (Luctkar-Flude & Groll, 2015).
If you're searching for neurofeedback therapy at home or near you, our center offers state-of-the-art brain mapping and neurofeedback services through the BrainBehaviorResetTM Program. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to help your child thrive. Incorporate neurofeedback into your child’s holistic program to unlock your child's potential and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.
What is neurofeedback therapy, and how does it work?
Neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive technique that trains the brain to regulate its activity. By monitoring brainwave patterns through EEG, individuals learn to self-regulate their brain function, potentially improving symptoms associated with various mental health conditions.
Is neurofeedback effective for children with ADHD?
Research suggests that neurofeedback can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children. However, individual results may vary, and it's essential to consult with a qualified neurofeedback therapist to determine suitability and expected outcomes for your child.
What is the purpose of brain scan neurofeedback in children with mental health conditions?
Brain scan neurofeedback aims to provide real-time feedback on brain activity, allowing individuals to learn self-regulation techniques. For children with mental health conditions, this may help improve attention, behavior, and emotional regulation over time.
How does neurofeedback therapy work to address anxiety in children?
Neurofeedback therapy for anxiety involves training the brain to regulate its response to stressors by providing feedback on brainwave patterns associated with relaxation. Over sessions, children may learn to modulate their brain activity, potentially reducing anxiety symptoms.
Is neurofeedback safe for children with mental health conditions?
Neurofeedback is generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like any therapy, it's essential to ensure that the practitioner has expertise in working with children and that the treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs and conditions.
What are the side effects of neurofeedback therapy in children?
While neurofeedback therapy is generally well-tolerated, some children may experience mild side effects such as fatigue or temporary changes in mood or sleep patterns. These effects typically subside quickly and are outweighed by the potential benefits of the treatment.
How does neurofeedback compare to other forms of therapy for children with mental health conditions?
Neurofeedback differs from traditional talk therapy in that it targets brainwave activity directly. While both approaches can be beneficial, neurofeedback offers a unique opportunity for children to learn self-regulation skills by observing and modifying their brain activity.
Is neurofeedback therapy evidence-based for treating conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
While research on neurofeedback for ASD is ongoing, some studies suggest potential benefits in improving specific symptoms, such as attention and behavior. However, more rigorous research is needed to establish its effectiveness for this population fully.
What are the potential benefits of neurofeedback therapy for children with mental health conditions?
Neurofeedback therapy may help children improve attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive function. Additionally, it can empower them with self-regulation skills that extend beyond the therapy sessions.
Citations
Cheon, E.-J., Koo, B.-H., & Choi, J.-H. (2015). The Efficacy of Neurofeedback in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: An Open Labeled Prospective Study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 41(1), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-015-9315-8
Luctkar-Flude, M., & Groll, D. (2015). A Systematic Review of the Safety and Effect of Neurofeedback on Fatigue and Cognition. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 14(4), 318–340. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735415572886
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Neurofeedback who frequently is in the media:
- Helping Children Thrive Podcast Benefits of Neurofeedback for children with ADHD
- Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) Webinar Neurofeedback & Lyme
- Living with Lyme (Podcast) Neurofeedback and biofeedback for PANS/PANDA
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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