Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a type of therapy that uses real-time feedback to help people learn how to control their brain waves. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, and more. In this article, we’ll answer questions like ‘what is neurotherapy’, ‘what is neurofeedback’, ‘what are the benefits of neurofeedback’, and more.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Neurofeedback works by measuring brain waves and then giving feedback to the person based on those measurements. The goal is to help the person learn how to change their brain waves to achieve the desired state, such as relaxation or focus. For example, if someone is trying to reduce stress, the neurofeedback system may give them feedback when their brain waves are in a more relaxed state.
What are the Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy?
When starting neurotherapy treatment, the aim is to help the user learn to self-regulate their brainwaves in order to improve mental well-being and performance. Neurofeedback has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, migraines, sleep disorders, and even addiction. In addition, neurofeedback has been shown to:
- Improve cognitive function
- Increase focus
- Improve concentration
- Reduce stress levels
- Reduce anxiety
- Help with chronic pain management
- Improve sleep quality
As you can see, neurofeedback can provide a number of benefits for both mental and physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition, consider neurofeedback therapy as a potential treatment option. It is non-invasive, has few side effects, and can be an effective treatment for many conditions. Talk to a mental health professional to see if neurofeedback is right for you.
What Can be Treated With Neurotherapy?
We’ve discussed the benefits of neurotherapy in improving your overall mental health, now let’s get into the specifics. What exactly can it help with?
Addiction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a “chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” A review of research on neurofeedback for addiction found that it can help to reduce cravings, decrease the frequency and severity of relapses, and improve overall functioning. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, neurofeedback may offer a promising new treatment option for people struggling with addiction.
ADHD
Neurofeedback has been found to be helpful for people with ADHD because it helps them to control their own brain waves. The feedback given during neurofeedback helps people with ADHD to normalize their brain waves. This change in brain waves can help people with ADHD improve their focus and attention.
Anxiety
For people with anxiety, neurofeedback can be used to help them identify and change the patterns of thinking that contribute to their anxiety. The therapist will use sensors to measure the person’s brain activity and then provide feedback (usually in the form of auditory or visual cues) that can help the person learn to control their thoughts and emotions. In some cases, neurofeedback has been shown to be more effective than medication in treating anxiety. It is thought to work by helping people develop a greater awareness of their own thoughts and emotions, which can lead to better self-regulation.
Autism
Neurofeedback has been found to be particularly effective in treating the symptoms of autism, such as social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and anxiety. One study found that neurofeedback was able to improve social functioning in children with autism, and another showed that it was effective in reducing repetitive behaviors.
Eating Disorders
One study found that neurofeedback helped to reduce binge eating behavior in people with bulimia nervosa. Another study found that neurofeedback improved symptoms of anorexia nervosa, including weight gain and reductions in calorie intake. These studies suggest that neurofeedback may be a valuable tool for treating eating disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
PTSD
During neurofeedback sessions, sensors are placed on the scalp in order to measure brain activity. The therapist then uses this information to provide feedback to the patient in real-time. For example, if the patient’s brain waves indicate a high level of stress, the therapist may give them a cue to relax. Over time, this type of feedback helps to retrain the brain, reducing symptoms of PTSD.
Depression
A recent study found that neurofeedback may be an effective treatment for depression. The study found that neurofeedback helped to improve symptoms of depression, including fatigue, insomnia, and concentration problems. The study also found that neurofeedback helped to reduce the risk of relapse. These findings suggest that neurofeedback may be a helpful treatment for people with depression.
Strokes & TBI
Neurofeedback has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of strokes and TBI. In one study, neurofeedback was found to improve motor skills in people who had suffered a stroke. In another study, neurofeedback was found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with TBI. Neurofeedback is a promising treatment for these conditions, as it can help the brain to recover from an injury and improve symptoms.
Sleep Insomnia
For many people, a good night’s sleep is an elusive goal. Insomnia can profoundly affect our lives, impacting everything from our mood to our overall health. While there are many potential treatments for insomnia, neurofeedback has emerged as a promising option. One of the most common ways to use neurofeedback for insomnia is to train the brain to produce more slow-wave activity during sleep. Slow-wave activity is associated with deep, restful sleep, and by increasing it, neurofeedback can help improve sleep quality.
Migraines
In one study, neurofeedback was found to be an effective treatment for migraine migraines. After 20 sessions of neurofeedback, participants reported a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraines. Neurofeedback has also been found to be helpful for tension migraines and cluster migraines.
How Can I Get Started With Neurofeedback Therapy?
If you are interested in neurofeedback therapy, the first step is to call our office at (801) 690-5908 to set up an initial consultation. During this consultation, we will assess your needs and determine if neurofeedback is right for you. If it is, you will then schedule a series of sessions. Each session typically lasts 30-60 minutes, and most people need 20 sessions.
About Wasatch Neurotherapy
At Wasatch Neurotherapy, we believe that neurofeedback is a powerful tool that can help people to improve their lives. We offer neurofeedback therapy for a variety of conditions, including PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, autism, strokes, TBI, sleep disorders, migraines, and behavioral issues. Our goal is to help you find relief from your symptoms and live a happier, healthier life. We proudly serve the state of Utah in our Bountiful and Centerville locations. Call today for a free consultation!
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