Re: Biofeedback/Neurofeedback

[Anonymous]

The development of neurofeedback techniques as a treatment using electroencephalogram (ECG) recordings began around 1972 (Masterpasqua & Healey, 2003). Prior to the onset of new brain imaging techniques, neurofeedback (NFB) received a few negative reviews, associating the technique with fringe psychology movements which were soon abandoned. NFB now receives more focus through modern neuroimaging techniques which are better able to validate the clinical application of NFB as a diagnostic and treatment tool.

The ability to carry out studies on the efficacy of NFB with the ability to generalize findings across a broad demographic is difficult. Randomized, controlled and long term studies are ideal. To date four studies with these criteria have been performed (2003). These studies have shown long term improvement in patients with ADHD in contrast to the use of medication alone (2003). Medication has shown to be useful in the short term, requiring constant administration, whereas NFB may provide a longer term dose response.

Masterpasqua & Healey note that there is no conclusive evidence on the use of neurofeedback in the treatment of ADHD (2003). However, the use of neurofeedback demonstrates potential long term benefits worthy of further research (2003). The use of neurofeedback as an additional tool to ADHD strategies may provide viable option.

NFB trains patients to recognize their thought patterns and attention levels using quantifiable measures. Personally, I would not write off NFB as a gimmick, given the clinical use of EEG techniques for many neurological disorders. However, any claim that an NFB treatment is enough in itself as a treatment warrants caution and critical examination. A few NFB sessions might help people to recogne their patterns of thought or anxiety and arousal levels. Compare this to when you were first tuned into the potential that you had ADD. Likely you begin to recognize the different levels of focus or thought patterns occurring in your mind each day, which may have daily task performance or attention modification.

It is actually possible to measure your own alpha wave forms (relaxed brain waves) with a simple voltmeter purchased from a hardware store. There are also computer programs in development which train the ability to reach coherence and relaxed states. Such programs have nature scenes where flowers and trees grow, birds sing and so on, to greater levels based on the mind state you achieve. I have observed these programs in use and it seems like there is a great potential with this technology. Anyway, the above scientifically peer reviewed information is from the following paper I found with a quick search on the topic. No doubt being written in 2003, there are likely many more articles on the topic now.

Funding is available for those with ADHD. This funding can be used for psychological fees, testing, student textbooks and tutoring and other uses. Check the Canadian government site for disability funding. Learning style assessments are very effective for improving your understanding of how your brain works. Check it out.

Don’t take my word for it, read for yourself.

Happy researching!

Warren

Masterpasqua, F., Healey, N.H. (2003). Neurofeedback in Psychological Practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. American Psychological Association Vol. 34, No. 6, 652–656

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