What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback training (also known as EEG Biofeedback)  is a learning strategy that teaches you how to use your brain better. It provides you with information about your brain’s activity, so that you can change it in ways that help you pay more attention, improve memory and regulate thoughts and feelings, resulting in improved functioning.  It’s like “exercise” for the brain.

What conditions does Neurofeedback help?

It is helpful for conditions in which the brain is not working as well as it could.  The conditions which have documented, published evidence of its effectiveness are:

How is Neurofeedback done?

The individual is connected to a computer that is recording his or her brain wave activity.  Their brain waves are converted into signals which are “fed back” to them in the form of sounds and graphics on the computer screen.  As the individual  interacts with the computer’s games, they become aware of  different brain states or levels of attention such as relaxed, daydreaming or alert and highly focused.  During training,  they learn how to  achieve and control the level of attention  that is needed.  All of this takes place in the form of  audio and visual “games” which are appealing to children, teens and adults.

How does Neurofeedback work?

The brain has approximately one trillion cells that are constantly active.  It’s like a communication Super Highway, with separate lanes or pathways that receive, process, and send out signals on other lanes.  This brain activity occurs in four, distinctive brain wave patterns, from very fast to very slow.  Recent research shows that in individuals with conditions such as ADHD, sleep difficulties and other conditions, their brains work differently.  For example, people with ADHD have too much slow activity in areas of the brain that control attention, focus, and the regulation of thinking and feeling.  Consequently, they have difficulty paying attention, concentrating, remembering, learning, and delaying impulsive behavior.   It’s like slow cars traveling in the fast lanes of the freeway.   In other cases, it’s like some of the lanes in the Super Highway of the brain are tangled, and the brain doesn’t work effectively.   Another way to think about it is like the miswiring of electrical cords between the TV, DVD player,  stereo  and other equipment.  The signals are mixed up and the equipment doesn’t work well. 

Research shows that we can teach our brains to correct faulty brain wave patterns. Neurofeedback training “exercises” the pathways in the brain that influences behavior and therefore,  strengthens those pathways, resulting in improved functioning.   It increases your awareness of your brain’s rhythm, which enables you to learn how to control its rhythm in a way which improves your functioning and well-being.  It’s much like resetting of a clock, tuning a piano or getting a tune-up for a car’s engine so that it runs more smoothly.   To summarize, neurofeedback training is brain wave training.

How effective is Neurofeedback?

Clinical research shows that Neurofeedback training has an 85% success rate in reducing symptoms of ADHD.  Other studies show increases from 10-23 points in IQ scores in a group of children with ADHD.   Research using Neurofeedback with Autism shows promising results, such as some students improving sufficiently to be mainstreamed into regular classes.

In cases such as behavioral problems in children (e.g., temper tantrums, aggression), Neurofeedback may help children learn to control impulsive behaviors.   For depression, a gradual lifting of mood and energy can occur.  In cases of anxiety,  individuals may experience decreased frequency and intensity of anxiety.

According to Daniel Amen, M.D., author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life:
“In my experience with EEG Biofeedback and ADD, many people are able to improve their reading skills and decrease their need for medication.  Also, EEG biofeedback has helped to decrease impulsivity and aggressiveness.  It is a powerful tool, in part, because the patient becomes part of the treatment process by taking more control over his own physiological processes.” ( pp. 143-144).

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “Neurofeedback meets criteria for Clinical Guidelines for the treatment of ADHD, seizures disorders, anxiety ( e.g., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, phobias), depression, reading disabilities, and addictive disorders…This finding suggests that Neurofeedback always should be considered as an intervention for these disorders by the clinician…”  With regard to its effectiveness for ADHD, “Neurofeedback…will apply in approximately 75% of the time…is the treatment of choice when stimulant medication fails or is complicated by side effects…” (Source:  Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2005)

For a current, online bibliography on the use of Neurofeedback for clinical conditions, go to http://www.isnr.org. (opens in new window)

How long does training take?

Neurofeedback is often used as an additional, short-term treatment, along with more traditional therapy, including medication.  Initially, sessions occur frequently, from two or more sessions per week.  Since Neurofeedback is a learning process that involves training, results occur over time.  For most conditions, progress in seen within about 10 sessions.  For ADHD, about 20-40 sessions may be needed, depending on severity, medication, etc.  Once the brain learns to regulate itself properly, it remembers what it learns and works more efficiently.

Is Neurofeedback effective with children?

Children younger than 5 years of age have responded positively to Neurofeedback. 

Can I take medication during Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback can begin whether or not you take medication.  Many individuals   seek Neurofeedback because it is a medication-free alternative for reducing and eliminating disruptive symptoms.    Individuals who do not respond well to medication may benefit from Neurofeedback because, in addition to chemical regulation provided by medication, Neurofeedback trains the brain to regulate itself.

What does Neurofeedback Training Cost?

Some health insurance companies may cover a portion of the fee for Neurofeedback,  under the category of EEG Biofeedback.  A call to your insurance company can clarify this issue.  The fee for the initial diagnostic session is $225.  Individual training sessions of 30 minutes are $150.   However, discounted fees are offered for 10, 20, 30 or more sessions.  Payment options, including credit card, are available. 

For further information, please contact Dr. Napoletano.