Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback and EEG Neurotherapy) is a well-researched biofeedback process that is provided for purposes of relaxation, reducing stress and improving performance. Biofeedback in general, and Neurofeedback in particular, are processes of relaxation that are facilitated by reinforcement techniques operating on physiological measures such as hand temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, galvanic skin response, breathing rate, or the EEG. Neurofeedback is most fundamentally a process of relaxation, of the induction of state shifts toward more robust, stable, and controlled states of the nervous system.
The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and other major institutions of the field have all adopted a learning model as the primary theoretical basis for Neurofeedback application, (and not a medical or psychological model), thus the process is referred to as Neurofeedback “training”, the client is a "trainee", and the provider a "trainer". Beyond this central educational model, there is no consensus within the field about the working mechanisms of Neurofeedback any more then there is a universally accepted scientific model of the mechanisms of the brain.
Neurofeedback is sometimes erroneously thought to be a form of psychotherapy. In fact, it is a purely physiological intervention. Just as it is not psychotherapy, it is also not behavior therapy; it is not cognitive therapy, nor is it a form of "talk therapy”. Neurofeedback is not a medical process either. While it may be indicated for relaxation training to reduce the stress response associated with emotional, mental and physical conditions, diseases and disorders, Neurofeedback will not cure these conditions, diseases or disorders. However, it may assist in reducing the stress caused by these conditions, and potentially any stress-induced symptoms as well.
Neurofeedback has been in practice for more than 38 years and, albeit still considered experimental for some applications, is considered to be a safe, effective and a natural approach to reducing stress. Brain function is thought to be at the heart of many stress-related disorders—when the brain is better able to self regulate, normal functioning of sleep, emotions, cognition, metabolism, behavior, etc. may be enhanced; thereby attention, concentration, and overall performance may improve.
Neurofeedback provides evidence-based practices on par with health care establishment demands (Gemon, Devon & Ramsey (2000), Sacket et al, (2000), where "Efficacy" determination for various conditions 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.
Neurofeedback Origins
In 1954, scientist W.R. Hess identified states of arousal in brainwaves and noted the impact on humans. In the late 1960s, lab researcher Barry Sterman measured the EEG of a cat and discovered it was generating a brainwave (he identified and named "Sensory Motor Rhythm" or SMR) that is associated with decreased muscle tension; an alert yet relaxed state. Sterman used SMR brainwaves to “train” cats to relax, reinforcing their behavior by providing a reward when they produced more activity in the SMR range.
In continued experiments, it was revealed that these same cats were more resistant to seizures then cats that had not been trained. The idea of modulating EEG for operant conditioning purposes was applied to humans, leading to the discovery that the brain can “train” itself to improve many conditions.
Neurofeedback conditions and exercises the brain, much as one exercises muscles to feel better, or to reduce stress. The Neurofeedback trainer monitors a live recording of your brain activity, observable to you and the trainer via video and auditory representations. The trainer thus witnesses you learning to relax, as you observe your own physiological responses to your physiology. This is quite literally the feedback process; a loop of self-regulation that may assist the brain to maintain its' own optimum state of self-regulation. Improved performance may result by way of said learned response toward increased relaxation. It is self-perpetuating, self-reflexive, and as easy and as natural as breathing.
Your brain’s EEG is conducted through a few tiny sensors placed on the scalp that drive simple video imagery to engage and focus the brain. Because the brain is a self-regulating, “learning” organ, it continues to generate improved function, with the result of increased physiological relaxation. Typically, a minimum of 20 training sessions are necessary for clients to see more lasting functional improvement from reduced stress. Often, 40 sessions or more are necessary to ensure enduring changes.
What Are Neurofeedback Research Standards?
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 or treatment effect is derived from systematic evaluation in controlled clinical trial (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 of Level 4 criteria and investigational treatment and evidence has been shown to be statistically superior to credible placebo, pill or alternative bona fide 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.
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.
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:
