Neurofeedback in Centennial, Colorado

If you or someone you love struggles with ADHD, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum, or a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, neurofeedback therapy (also known as EEG biofeedback) is a treatment option well worth considering.

Since the late 1950’s, neurofeedback has been gaining momentum as an effective and research-based intervention for those with a variety of brain-based mental health difficulties.  As technology has advanced neurofeedback is now more accessible than ever and is provided through a computer-based program.  This program gives immediate feedback on brain function to the client using sound and visual signals to reorganize brain signals.  Through specific and targeted learning, clients can learn to improve their brain function and lessen symptoms from neurological and mental health disorders.

This non-invasive program, which is available for children, adolescents, and adults with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia, is typically conducted over the course of 5 months.

The pain-free procedure involves attaching sensors to one’s scalp and having you sit back and watch the graphics while your brain and central nervous system receive feedback signals from the program. Quite subtly, your brainwave activity starts to shift and as it does your symptoms also begin to improve.

With all symptoms neurofeedback addresses, including neurofeedback and ADHD, it is important to understand that the functioning of the brain and a person’s behavior are connected. Therefore, changes in behavior can alter the brain, and changes in the brain can alter behavior. Neurofeedback works to change the behavior of a person with ADHD by changing their brain. Since the brain produces measurable electrical waves, as professional neurofeedback practitioners we measure these waves with an electroencephalograph (EEG) device. Of the five types of brain waves – delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma – research indicates most people with ADHD have more theta waves and less beta waves than those without the disorder.  Others with ADHD symptoms have an excess of beta waves in their brain.  Through completing neurofeedback training, the person with ADHD can train their brain to adjust the brain waves being produced so they can function optimally.

Neurofeedback is also helpful for those with depression.  Recently, as it relates to neurofeedback and depression, a small pilot study conducted in Korea in 2017 indicated that neurofeedback can offer viable treatment to the majority of the 100 million people worldwide who suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study was the first time that neurofeedback showed to improve individual symptoms and overall recovery in TRD, when used with antidepressants. We have seen neurofeedback help many people with depression and are excited about this research showing promise to help those who have not responded to other treatment modalities.

Many people also inquire about neurofeedback and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).   There is also research indicating neurofeedback can be effective for those with OCD and through training neurofeedback can be utilized to decrease compulsive behaviours and intrusive, worrying thoughts by improving self-control.

Although the success rates of neurofeedback are quite high, estimated at 80%, particularly in the treatment of ADHD, there are pros and cons of neurofeedback patients must consider.  Pros? It is non-intrusive as mentioned earlier, does not include medication and can provide positive changes in one’s brain function. In addition, neurofeedback tends to be long lasting and there is research indicating for most people the positive effects remain in place 10 years post training.  Cons? It is a time and financial commitment.  Appointments are typically made twice a week until training is complete.  That said, for those who want a non-invasive and lasting treatment option, neurofeedback is worth considering.  Ultimately, you and your family would have to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons, which can be done by speaking with one of our neurofeedback certified specialists at Mountain Vista Psychology.