Scroll down to learn about Neurofeedback Research Standards, and be sure and review links at the botom of each of our Case Studiesto learn about EEG Biofeedback research for many discrete conditions.
Neurofeedback is a natural, non-invasive and painless brain-training process that may have a secondary beneficial impact on overall health. Neurofeedback may be indicated for relaxation training to reduce the stress response associated with emotional, mental and physical conditions, diseases and disorders. It may assist in reducing the stress caused by these conditions, and it may secondarily relieve some stress-induced symptoms. However, Neurofeedback will not cure these conditions, diseases or disorders. None the less, Neurofeedback is an efficacious and evidence-based conditioning or learning process that is one of today’s most promising brain science breakthroughs.
Neurofeedback provides evidence-based practices where "Efficacy" determination is derived from systematic evaluation in controlled clinical trials (La Vaque et al (2002) in which investigational treatment has been shown to be statistically superior to credible placebo, pill or alternative bona fide treatment in at least two independent researcher settings. Research is ongoing, and available published literature cites efficacy for stress management and improved quality of life that may have been compromised by conditions such as ADD and ADHD, Anxiety and Depression, Insomnia and Sleep Disorders and Brain Injuries.
While Neurofeedback (also known as Neurotherapy) is not a substitute for medical care, it can be integrated into treatment plans, medical or otherwise, with the guidance of your care provider. Neurofeedback is most fundamentally a process of relaxation, and not a goal in and of itself. Neurofeedback itself is not psychotherapy, nor is it a medical procedure. Neurofeedback should not be confused with behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, or "talk therapy”.
Whether you are interested in drug-free solutions for improved relaxation, or reducing stress related to various debilitating conditions, or you would like to incorporate Neurofeedback into a medical treatment plan (with the help of your care providers), or you want to optimize your performance abilities, follow the links to the left to find out more about how Neurofeedback might help you learn to relax.
As cited above, Neurofeedback is an evidence-based practice (C. Yucha & C.Gilbert, AAPB, 2008) on par with health care establishment demands (Gemon, Devon & Ramsey (2000), Sacket et al, (2000). “Efficacy” determination of training/treatment effect is derived from systematic evaluation in controlled clinical trials (La Vaque et al (2002). Levels of evidence include: case reports, observational studies, Quantitative EEGs, randomized clinical trials, and fMRI scans (Andrasik & Rime (2007).
AAPB and ISNR have established standards for Neurofeedback research [Moss & Gunkleman (2002)], where Level 5 Efficacy meets all Level 4 criteria and investigational treatment and evidence has proved to be statistically superior to credible placebo, pill or other alternative bona fidetraining/treatment in at least two independent researcher settings. Research indicates Neurofeedback is an effective complement to allopathic and traditional medical interventions. It can be used to enhance the overall quality of people's lives, even where no chronic stress is evidenced. Neurofeedback can also be used to augment performance compromised by stress-related deficits.
Notable studies include Gevensleben et al.’s (2009) ADHD research, Kouijzer et al.’s (2009) Autism research, and Hoedlmoser et al.’s (2008) sleep and memory research. Results of randomized controlled trials of individuals with migraine or tension headaches have shown that biofeedback is associated with a decrease in the headache pain and use of less migraine medication compared to individuals treated with self-relaxation therapy alone (Nestoriuc and Martin, 2007; Nestoriuc, 2008).
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) 2000 guidelines on preventive therapy for migraines, based on evidence review by the U.S. Headache Consortium, recommend “relaxation training, thermal biofeedback, EMG biofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy as treatment options for prevention of migraine (Grade A recommendation).” (Campbell, 2000; Morey, 2000).
The National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that “when headaches occur three or more times a month, preventive treatment is usually recommended..., [including] biofeedback training...[and] stress reduction"... as the most common methods of preventing and controlling migraine and other vascular headaches (NINDS, 2008).
At this time there is insufficient or conflicting evidence in the peer-reviewed literature comparing biofeedback to established treatment modalities (e.g. pharmacotherapy or behavior therapy), to conclude that biofeedback therapies or Neurofeedback (i.e. EEG biofeedback) are effective treatments for other conditions, including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders, asthma, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Drechsler, 2007; Leins, 2007), cardiovascular disease, constipation, endometriosis-associated pain, hypertension (Nakao, 2003; Rainforth, 2007), insomnia, learning disabilities, menopausal hot flashes, movement disorders, Raynaud’s syndrome (Middaugh, 2001), seizure disorders, or substance abuse-related disorders. None the less the research is promising enough to warrant more studies such as those sponsored by NIH and NIMH.
Although Neurofeedback is provided for purposes of relaxation only, and never for actual treatment of any medical or psychological condition, levels of efficacy have been established and published by ISNR and AAPB.
Applications where Level 5 Efficacy has been published and established are as follows:
ADD, and ADHD and Learning and Attentional Deficits
Cognitive Issues such as Lack of Focus or Concentration
Chronic Pain from Headaches, and other Pain Conditions
Anxiety, Nervousness and related issues such as Sadness and Despair
Peak Performance Training (work, sports, creativity, learning, anxiety-related blocks)
Epilepsy and Seizures
Neurofeedback applications where Probable Efficacy has been established and published are as follows:
Insomnia, Compromised Sleep and Related Functional Issues
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Applications where Neurofeedback has been used with success and is Possibly Efficacious, with published literature and as yet insufficient studies:
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Neurofeedback is a natural, non-invasive and painless 
As cited above, Neurofeedback is an evidence-based practice (C. Yucha & C.Gilbert, AAPB, 2008) on par with health care establishment demands (Gemon, Devon & Ramsey (2000), Sacket et al, (2000). “Efficacy” determination of training/treatment effect is derived from systematic evaluation in controlled clinical trials (La Vaque et al (2002). Levels of evidence include: case reports, observational studies, Quantitative EEGs, randomized clinical trials, and fMRI scans (Andrasik & Rime (2007). 