Neurofeedback
"The literature (research), which lacks any negative study of substance, suggests that EBT (neurofeedback)
should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas. In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated
such a wide spectrum of efficacy it would be universally accepted and widely used."
Dr. Frank Duffy, Harvard Medical School, Director of the Developmental Neurophysiology Laboratory at
Children’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Duffy, who is recognized worldwide as an expert in the field of developmental
neurophysiology, was recently featured in the acclaimed PBS series, "The Brain".
Originating from research done in the late 1960’s, neurofeedback has blossomed in the last ten years.
Improvements in computer technology coupled with increased interest in alternative, more ‘human friendly’ forms
of intervention have set the stage for explosive growth. Please review A Brief History of Neurofeedback for a
more detailed description of the origins of this fascinating process.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a training procedure designed to enhance efficiency of brain function. It is a form of
biofeedback that utilizes EEG technology to monitor brain activity. Electrodes are placed on the scalp and the
EEG signal is processed and presented to the client in the form of a simple video game. Through the action of
playing the game the brain is encouraged to produce more efficient patterns of activity. Over the course of the
training those patterns tend to become stable and enduring.
What is it used for?
Most of the research has evaluated the use of neurofeedback in addressing symptoms of attention deficit
disorder and epilepsy. However in clinical settings neurofeedback has been used for issues ranging from
depression, anxiety, migraines and sleep disturbances to performance enhancement for executives, athletes, and
other performers.
How long does neurofeedback training take?
The average duration of training is about 40 half-hour sessions. The severity of the symptom presentation and
the treatment response are the primary determinants of length of training.
How does neurofeedback work?
The complexity of brain function goes well beyond the current understanding of science. Our knowledge of the
brain indicates that it is an electrochemical organ that uses an intricate combination of neurochemicals with an
associated array of frequencies and patterns of brain cell activity to accomplish a virtually infinite number of
tasks. Medication appears to influence brain function by altering chemical processes. Neurofeedback appears to
influence brain function by impacting directly upon the frequencies and patterns of brain cell activity.
What do the experts say?
In addition to the endorsement of Dr. Duffy, support for neurofeedback is offered by Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr.
Daniel Amen. Dr Weil of the University of Arizona Medical School is widely recognized as perhaps the foremost
authority in the world on the subject of integrative medicine. In his newsletter of February 2002 he discusses
neurofeedback as an exciting advancement in therapeutic intervention. He reports that he has observed first hand
the benefits gained from clients referred from his clinic to neurofeedback practitioners.
Dr. Amen is a pioneer in the field of psychiatry being among the first clinicians to utilize neuro-imaging,
also known as functional brain scans, in the treatment of neurological disorders. His breakthrough book,
Healing ADD, introduces the most comprehensive description available of the spectrum of symptom groups
associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As described in his book, Dr. Amen utilizes
neurofeedback in his clinical work and foresees more extensive applications for the technique in the future.
Why don’t more professionals recommend neurofeedback to their clients?
Dr. Duffy of Harvard Medical School appears to have identified a primary barrier to the acceptance of
neurofeedback by professionals. He describes the situation as follows.
"In a brief survey of the neurologists in and about our institution, not one had a grasp of the
literature (research) yet most had negative opinions…. This microcosm of opinion supports the view
that….many critics may be quite ignorant of the real data and/or theoretical underpinnings of EBT (neurofeedback)
and overly sensitive to self perpetuating common wisdom."
Via the description of Dr. Duffy’s experience it is evident that many professionals feel comfortable offering
"expert" opinions on a subject about which they have little if any knowledge. Regardless of the intent of the
professional, through their actions the "self perpetuating common wisdom" that neurofeedback is unproven or
ineffective is maintained.
For more thorough information about neurofeedback and its applications please refer to the following
resources:
Websites:
Books:
- A Symphony in the Brain
by Jim Robbins
- The ADD Book
by Sears & Thompson
- Getting Rid of Ritalin
by Castro & Hill
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