What is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback is an alternative treatment that promotes healthier brain activity. The purpose of neurofeedback is to not only change how you feel but also to improve your brain’s biological functioning.
Often used as a treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), neurofeedback therapy aims to change the way the brain responds to certain stimuli. Neurofeedback therapy has been used, among others, to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Neurofeedback therapy is not new, but research on it is still ongoing and inconclusive. Although it is not a panacea, some evidence suggests that it can be effective for certain patients.
Find out more about neurofeedback therapy below.
What does Neurofeedback Therapy do?
Noninvasive neurofeedback therapy measures brainwaves of patients and gives them real-time feedback on how their brain functions. It is a form of biofeedback. This mind-body technique aims to allow patients to take control of certain bodily functions that are usually involuntary. Biofeedback uses electronic devices to communicate to patients certain physiological processes that are occurring in their bodies that they don’t usually know about.
In particular, neurofeedback therapy is used to teach brain function self-control by showing patients how their brains respond to certain triggers. Patients learn over time to recognize when their brain is in a particular state. They can then learn to restore the desired state (e.g. relaxation) or to avoid agitation in their daily lives.
Neurofeedback therapy aims to assist patients in controlling their brainwaves. The treatment involves measuring brainwaves specific to the problem. Alpha waves, for example, are associated with calmness, readiness, meditation, and being deeply relaxed. Beta waves, on the other hand, are associated with focus, sustained attention and tension. Alpha waves are used to treat anxiety and stress, while beta waves improve attention and focus.
Neurofeedback therapy has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression and epilepsy.
Are there any side effect to Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback is generally considered safe.
There are side effects, but neurofeedback therapy is not without risk. Its inconclusive efficacy means that there is a chance that it won’t work for your case or that the effects won’t last. This could lead to a loss of time and money.
One study found that the most common side effects were headset discomfort and drowsiness, although the drowsiness was seen by participants–veterans with chronic pain, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Studies that have tested the therapy on patients with depression or central nervous system impairment found that side effects include anxiety, cognitive interference, aggression, and irritability.
Is Neurofeedback Therapy right for me?
Determining whether or not Neurofeedback Therapy is right for you can best be explored through you and your technician. However, the answer to this question is almost always a resounding “yes!”
If you’re still wondering if Neurofeedback Therapy is right for you, schedule a free consultation by giving us a call today or providing your information on our contact page. We also provide a thorough list of frequently asked questions on our contact page as well.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your journey to making your life the best it can be!
Neurofeedback San Diego is dedicated to helping people take control of their lives through the latest biofeedback therapy technology. Neurofeedback therapy has helped countless people who suffer from the negative effects of ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression and other mental conditions.
Our staff is experienced, friendly and dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible and is committed to doing all we can to help our clients realize the many benefits of neurofeedback therapy.
We serve San Diego, California and the surrounding areas. We also have many other locations throughout the United States, including:
- Neurofeedback Boston
- Neurofeedback Dallas
- Neurofeedback Montana
- Neurofeedback Portland
- Neurofeedback Seattle
- Neurofeedback Tulsa
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