Sensors from an EEG detect brain activity and then project it onto a screen. This allows patients suffering from mental health conditions such as PTSD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) to generate brain patterns associated with a more peaceful state of mind. Neurofeedback has proved to be efficient and conducive in retraining the brain into productive and optimized thinking patterns.

Can Neurofeedback Lessen Anxiety Symptoms

Pros of neurofeedback therapy include it's safe, non-invasive, and it can improve several conditions.

New Mexico Highlands University

A self-regulation therapy that teaches patients how to control their brainwaves (as detected by EEG) by controlling their arousal levels. Some evidence suggests it may help with easing behavioral symptoms caused by head trauma, as well as ADHD and chronic stress.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) Neurofeedback

Marzbani, H., Marateb, H. R., & Mansourian, M. (2016). Neurofeedback: A comprehensive review on system design, methodology and clinical applications. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 7(2), 143–158. https://doi-org.proxy.wichita.edu/10.15412/J.BCN.03070208

Neurofeedback: A comprehensive review on system design, methodology and clinical applications

Components of measuring neurofeedback include:

- Hertz (Hz)
- Microvolts (μV)

Components of Neurofeedback Frequency

This has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 hz and relates to slow activity. It connects to creativity, daydreaming, memory, emotion, sensation, reflection, meditation, and spiritual awareness. It’s the state that lies between being awake and asleep. Theta activity is abnormal in awake adults, but normal in children up to age 13. It reflects activity from the limbic system and hippocampus. If it works properly it can aid in learning.

EEG Theta

Beta activity has 14 or greater Hz and is seen as fast activity. It tends to be the dominant brain wave in those who are alert, anxious, or have their eyes open. It relates to problem solving, decision-making, and processing information. Because it’s wide, it’s divided into three sections, including low, midrange, and high. 

EEG Beta

Delta waves have 0.1 to 3 Hz; and have the lowest frequency, highest amplitude, and slowest speed out of all the brainwaves. They are involved in deep sleep, specifically stages 3 and 4, and are the dominant brainwaves in infants. They reduce awareness of the tangible world, and allow people to access subconscious information. Peak performers reduce delta waves while focusing.

EEG Delta

Alpha is between 8 to 12 Hz and peaks at 10 Hz. It is associated with calmness, positive emotion, extroversion, creative problem-solving, mental work, and accurate perceptions of the world. It allows us to apply classroom learning to the real-world, and lets us to transition between tasks. It is the major rhythm in most relaxed adults, and starts being more prominent at age 13. Alpha brainwaves come from white matter in the brain, which is viewed as joining all parts of the brain together.

EEG Alpha 

Gamma is between 30 to 44 Hz, and is the only brainwave found in all parts of the brain. It deals with information processing involving multiple areas of the brain, as well as memory. Reduced Gamma is associated with learning disabilities. 

EEG Gamma

This method involves placing 21 electrodes, with 19 recording the cortical regions, and 2 serving as references. The 10-20 method refers to placing electrodes in 10-20% increments across regions of the skull.

EEG Electrode System 10-20

Types of neurofeedback include:
-	Frequency/power neurofeedback
-	Slow cortical potential neurofeedback (SSCP-NF)
-	Low-energy neurofeedback system (LENS)
-	Hemoencephalographic (HEG)
-	Live Z-score neurofeedback
-	Low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORE-TA)
-	Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Types of Neurofeedback

Pros of Neurofeedback 

Cons of neurofeedback therapy include that there is inconclusive scientific evidence on its effectiveness, it's expensive, it is not covered by many insurance companies, it takes longer to see improvement, and the benefits are short-term.

Cons of Neurofeedback

The following areas of brain lobes can be considered when implementing neurofeedback:

- Parietal lobes
- Frontal lobes
- Temporal lobes
- Occipital lobes
- Sensorimotor cortex
- Cingulate gyrus
- Broca's area
- Left hemisphere
- Right hemisphere

Learn Before

Related

Learn After