Our brains communicate through electrical charges, which are seen as brain waves on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Neurofeedback is a noninvasive treatment process which trains the brain by targeting problematic brain wave patterns. Special software allows this training to occur through watching movies or playing video games. These movies and games provide immediate feedback, rewarding more optimal brain functioning. For instance, the movie will run more smoothly during periods of ideal brain patterns, while cutting out when these patterns are suboptimal. With training, this improved brain functioning becomes more permanent and occurs outside of session. Neurofeedback is commonly used to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and PTSD.
Benefits
Among the many benefits, neurofeedback can:
- Enhance focus by training calmer and more alert states
- Improve different brain areas’ ability to work together. Many tasks (e.g., writing) require a number of brain regions to communicate with each other
- Result in greater brain flexibility, allowing your child to shift between brain states quicker (e.g., regain composure after becoming upset)
Brain Waves
Brain waves are measured in Hertz (Hz), with lower values representing slower brain waves. The four main categories of brain waves measured in neurofeedback are:
- Delta (less than 4 Hz): occurs during deep sleep
- Theta (4-7 Hz): occurs during light sleep, meditation, and deep relaxation
- Alpha (8-13 Hz): occurs during states of calmness and conducive to learning
- Beta (10-38 Hz): occurs during problem solving
Process
The neurofeedback process begins with a qEEG, which is used to map the brain and determine problematic areas. The qEEG usually lasts between twenty minutes to an hour, and a unique training protocol is created. Training sessions are generally about a half hour long, and twenty to fifty total sessions may be necessary. Consequently, at least once a week training (and often more frequently) is recommended. Similar to if you decided to go on a diet, change is often gradual. The provider will periodically check in to monitor improvements in symptoms as well as discuss changes in brain wave activity observed in training.
If your child struggles with any of the aforementioned conditions, talk to a trained neurofeedback provider to see if it may be appropriate.
Reference:
McEvoy, R.E., Gangwish, K., & Jones, M. (2016). Child decoded: Unlocking complex issues in your child’s behavior, learning and attention. Louisville, CO: L.E.A.R.N., LLC.