Biofeedback is a broad concept that applies to any situation in which an individual receives information about his body. During biofeedback training, information about some rather subtle physiological processes is presented to the individual being monitored; in turn the individual can
effect changes in physical functions that were previously considered involuntary. Biofeedback instruments are highly sensitive, safe electronic devices that monitor these physiologic processes. Physiologic signals from the body are amplified by the feedback instrument and converted into useful information which is then feed back to the trainee. The biofeedback instrument may have a meter, light, computer display or tone that presents this information to the trainees.
Self regulation is the goal in all applications of biofeedback. An individual learns how to regulate both mental and physical processes (based on the mind body connection) for health and optimal functioning. Biofeedback training provides instant information not normally available to the person and simultaneously verifies the success of the procedure being used for self regulation. Learning to change physiologic functions is a skill which requires practice based on information.
EEG (electroencephalograph) biofeedback, also called brainwave biofeedback, or Neurofeedback, monitors brainwave activity from sensors placed on the scalp. This modality is useful in treating many conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, impulse control problems, generalized anxiety and PTSD, migraines, closed head injury, seizures and insomnia. Extensive research into the actual process of Neurofeedback indicates that in all of these conditions there is an instability or unevenness in brain functioning which is reflected in the EEG. The brain exercise which occurs through the process of brainwave biofeedback helps the brain learn to normalize the unstable process in much the same way physical therapy teaches a person with a
physical weakness to balance muscle functioning and normalize the muscles in the problem area.
Neurofeedback doesn’t get much press in the treatment of AD/HD because prescribing a pill, such as Ritalin, is easier and more efficient. Unfortunately Ritalin and similar medications, although
very effective in controlling symptoms of attentional problems over a short period of time, don’t address the underlying problem and do not affect a cure. Sometimes children grow out of attentional problems in the teen years. Some families and school settings are remarkably good at teaching a
child to work around attentional problems. However, many adults who had attentional problems as children continue to underachieve because the attentional problems persist.
Neurofeedback, which was initially researched at University of California at Los Angeles during the 60’s and 70’s, has a demonstrated success rate with attentional problems, when the treatment has consisted of 40 or more sessions within a 20 week time span. The success has been measured over a 30 year span, and the total alleviation of all symptoms of attentional problems, without medication has occurred consistently in 70% to 80% of all trainees who used the full protocol.
Thomas Fuchs, a researcher in Germany, recently compared the results of Neurofeedback with Ritalin as a treatment for attention deficit/hyperactive disorder. He assigned 22 children ranging in age from 8 to 12 who had a primary diagnosis of ADHD to a ten week course of thirty 45 minute
sessions of Neurofeedback. He compared this group to 11 other children matched age, sex and diagnosis, who were only medicated with Ritalin. The children in both groups showed significantly better attention and concentration abilities. Intelligence, especially in performance scores, improved in both groups. However the behavior and concentration in the group treated only with Ritalin deteriorated as the drug wore off during the next 6 hours. Gains remained steady throughout the day in the group treated with Neurofeedback. Previous studies on the use of Neurofeedback to treat children with ADHD symptoms, conducted by Lubar et al (published 1995); Linden et al (published 1996), Rossiter & LaVaque, (published 1995) indicate that the effects of Neurofeedback training last for years. Like Ritalin studies, researchers don’t know the very long range effects; however, in contrast to Ritalin and other stimulant medications, there are no side effects to the treatment.
Neurofeedback offers great promise for ADHD, one which provides lifelong freedom from
medication use.
For further information, please call Peggy Hill, LCSW, BCD, BCIAC-eeg at 808-781-3007
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