Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
1. What is Biofeedback and how does it work?
Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information - often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior - supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument. (Definition adopted by BCIA, AAPB and ISNR May 18, 2008).
Biofeedback is a non-invasive drug free form of treatment. The therapist attaches sensors or electrodes to the body and these sensors provide a variety of readings - feedback - which is displayed on the equipment, usually a television monitor for the patient to see. With this information, patients can learn to make changes so subtle that at first they cannot be consciously perceived. With practice however, the new responses and behaviors can help to bring relief and improvement to a variety of disorders.
2. What is Neurofeedback and how does it work?
Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain dysregulation. During neurofeedback, we use the latest technology to train your brain to correct the faulty brainwave activity. You can think of neurofeedback as “brain exercise.” Like a muscle, your brain gets stronger the more you train it. Since your brain controls every nerve, system, muscle and organ in your body, when it works at maximum efficiency, you feel better and perform better.
We apply electrodes to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. Brainwaves occur at different frequencies from slow waves to fast waves and each speed has its own function. Slow brainwaves (delta and theta) reflect the brain is under-aroused or functioning at reduced capacity for mental efficiency. This occurs during sleep, daydreaming and when areas of the brain go “off line” to take up nourishment. High levels of delta and theta in specific areas of the brain can be associated with learning disabilities, depression and/or inattention.
When your brain produces predominantly faster brainwaves (alpha and beta), it is more fully aroused, alert and focuses. The neural networks are fully engaged to process information. Beta brainwaves need to be dominant for controlling attention, behavior, organization, emotions and basic learning functions. However, too many fast waves, in specific areas of the brain, can cause anxiety, aggression, irritability and other physical symptoms.
We process the signal by computer and we extract information about certain key brainwave frequencies. We show the ebb and flow of this activity back to the person, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote others we wish to diminish. We present this information to the person in the form of a video game. The person is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brainwave activity is “shaped” toward more desirable more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address and specific to the individual.
3. How is Neurofeedback used to train an individual’s unique brain?
Over the past thirty years (see studies and research) certain neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) treatment protocols have been developed that are helpful with certain classes of problems such as, anxiety, depression, migraines, cognitive functioning, sleep disorders, addictions, PTSD and ADD / ADHD. There are a number of assessment tools we use to help us decide which protocols to use. These are simple neurodiagnostic and neuropsychological tests. Neurofeedback is like putting a mirror in front of your brain and showing it its dysregulated brainwaves. Neurofeedback then allows the brain to recalibrate those waves. When the brain is correctly calibrated (regulated) symptoms such as ADHD / ADD, depression, anxiety sleep disorders etc. That were associated with the dysregulation will be reduced or eliminated.
4. How many sessions does it take?
Typically, biofeedback treatment involves a regular series of sessions over a period of several weeks. Some courses of treatment may involve as few as 10 or 15 sessions: other disorders may require 40 or 50. The good news is that biofeedback teaches individuals self-regulation. Once the techniques are learned the patient may never again require biofeedback therapy or only a “refresher” session now and then.
5. Is Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback a reimbursable treatment under my insurance?
There is an insurance code for biofeedback, under which Neurofeedback is covered and there are codes for combining psychotherapy with biofeedback / neurofeedback.
