Neurofeedback

History:

As early as 1848, researchers such as Duboi-Reymond detected electrical signals from the peripheral nervous system. In 1875 Richard Caton recorded electrical activity in the brains of monkeys and rabbits. But, it wasn't until the 1920s when Hans Berger recorded the first human electroencephalogram (EEG).

In this study, Berger identified two distinct brain waves which he named alpha and beta. Relaxation accompanied bursts of alpha while thinking accompanied bursts of beta. Berger maintained that since an EEG was able to measure brainwave activity, it would stand to reason that it would also be useful therapeutically.

By the ‘30s and ‘40s it was apparent an EEG could be used to substantiate clinical findings related to disorders such as epilepsy. In the ‘60s researchers began retraining brainwave activity, specifically alpha for relaxation. Today, neurofeedback is used to retrain brainwave patterns for individuals experiencing a variety of mental health and other issues.

Brainwave Activity:

Brainwaves are created when neurons communicate with each other. This communication occurs both electrically and chemically. The type of communication determines the frequency of the brainwave. (e.g. how fast or slow) As an example, slow brainwaves such as delta are produced when an individual is sleeping. On the other hand, brainwaves such as beta occur when one is problem solving. In addition to delta and beta, other frequencies include theta, alpha, hibeta, and gamma.

Each type of brainwave is also known as a bandwidth. While, all band widths are produced throughout the brain (depending upon their purpose) various bandwidths predominate in certain parts of the brain.

When mental health disorders occur, an individual may be experiencing too much or too little of certain brainwave frequencies in different parts of their brain. As an example, individuals with ADD/ADHD tend to exhibit the slower brainwaves in the front part of the brain. Frontal slowing can contribute to difficulty in paying attention and controlling behavior.

How does neurofeedback work?

Simply put, neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain. More comprehensively, neurofeedback is non-invasive brainwave training that improves brain metabolism by promoting change at the cellular level.

Sensors at one end of the electrodes are placed on the scalp and listen (like a doctor’s stethoscope) to the brain’s activity. The other ends of the electrodes are then plugged into an amplifier that is connected to a computer. Specialized computer software interpret the incoming data and instantaneously provides feedback to the client, typically in the form of audio and/or visual rewards.

This method, called operant conditioning, helps the brain to self-regulate. Just as working out at the gym helps a person to build strength and muscle, neurofeedback helps to build healthier and more enduring brainwave patterns.

How do you know what brainwaves to train?

It is very important that an EEG assessment be completed before neurofeedback training begins. After acquiring a history of symptoms and family information, the clinician needs to gather comprehensive objective data on the brain itself. This is done through testing. The QEEG acquires quantitative data from 19 different sites on the head. Likewise, the MiniQ acquires quantitative data from 12 different sites. The data obtained is then processed and statistically compared to that of a normative database.

The results help the clinician to objectively identify patterns of brainwave activity that significantly deviate from what is considered to be normal. With this information the clinician can then individualize the neurofeedback training to the client’s needs.

What is neurofeedback training like?

A typical neurofeedback training consists of several electrodes being placed on the scalp and earlobes. The client may train with either eyes open or closed. When training takes place with eyes open the client often receives feedback in the form of visual rewards such as a DVD or video game. When the eyes are closed, feedback is usually an auditory reward such as tones or music.

Over time the feedback helps the brain progress toward producing healthier brainwave patterns. So in a very real sense, the brain is retraining itself. There is a saying that “Neurons that fire together wire together.” What this statement means is that brainwave patterns can become habitual over time. With that said, old and unhealthy habits of brainwave activity can be unlearned and new healthier brainwave habits formed.

How many sessions will I need?

Typically the more complex the issue, the greater the number of sessions will be needed. Simple anxiety issues may require only 15-20 sessions, whereas issues like ADD and OCD would require more. Depending upon the type of training, sessions can last from 10 minutes to upward of 40 minutes. The clinician will reassess the client after 10-15 training sessions have taken place.

References

Demos, J. (2005). Getting Started with Neurofeedback. W.W. Norton & Company, In.c., New York, NY.

Evans, J., Abarbanel, A. (1999). Introduction to Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback, Academic Press, San Diego, CA.

Hammond, D.C. (2003, 2005). What Is Neurofeedback? ISNR.