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EEG Neurofeedback Offers Many Health Benefits

Posted by adhdeffects1 in Nov 04, 2009, under Uncategorized

We seem to be living in a time in which the interest in alternative types of health care and healing modalities is at an all-time high. The population in general, and the baby boomers in particular, are increasingly interested in finding ways to look better and feel better for as long as possible.

One alternative health care approach that has been getting more and more attention is called EEG neurofeedback. This is also called biofeedback therapy and it involves training your brainwave activity as a way of improving and controlling many different conditions.

Many people state that the greatest draw to this type of therapy is the fact that it is holistic and completely non-invasive. In addition, there are not any significant negative side effects that have been reported in the more than 40 years since it was first introduced. There are, however, many very positive “side effects” that people who use biofeedback will point to and are eager to talk about because of the benefits that they have experienced.

EEG neurofeedback is a rather specific form of biofeedback therapy and it necessitates the use of a sophisticated biofeedback machine to register the biometric information of the person. From that input, which is based on the person’s brainwave patterns, biofeedback software interprets the signals and provides a display of the patterns which can be used to help the person learn to control their brain activity.

The primary purpose of this type of program is simply to give feedback about what the client’s brainwaves are doing and how the brainwave patterns influence the various physiological systems within the person. The neurofeedback information that is provided through biofeedback therapy sessions is based on the recording of the brainwave activity and the subsequent automatic analysis of the brain’s electrical activity.

EEG neurofeedback is the most traditional form of the various types of neurotherapy that is available. It was originally developed through university studies in laboratories and in recent years has started to become increasingly available in mainstream holistic practices. It is more and more in demand with each passing year as people learn more about the benefits of biofeedback therapy.

One of the most important uses of EEG neurofeedback is in its application to improve impulsivity, which is generally considered to be a precursor to violent behavior. In addition, biofeedback neurofeedback provides a great deal of support to cognitive interventions and can significantly enhance the success rate in treatment programs.

The implementation of one of the forms of biofeedback is very much like the implementation of an exercise routine. Therefore, the more a person exercises, the more benefits are realized from the endeavor.

This type of feedback can be used to treat a wide array of conditions and disabilities in which the brain is not functioning at its most optimal level. Common conditions of this are exhibited in cases of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), specific learning disabilities, in many forms of severe conduct problems, and related issues such as sleep problems, teeth grinding, chronic pain, frequent headaches and migraines.

Biofeedback treatments are also considered to be a viable, drug-free alternative that can remediate both ADD/ADHD and other developmental disorders. However, EEG neurofeedback is not a “treatment” in the most classical sense of the term. It is actually a training program that requires involvement of biofeedback therapists and active participation from the person who is seeking the benefits of a biofeedback program.

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Neurofeedback – A Great Alternative For ADD and ADHD Sufferers

Posted by adhdeffects1 in Oct 30, 2009, under Uncategorized

Neurofeedback is a type of brainwave therapy that is perhaps best known for the help and hope it offers to those who struggle with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. In a great number of cases, such symptoms are alleviated to such a degree that medications can be dramatically reduced or even completely eliminated. This is a great relief to many parents who worry about the long term effects of having their children on medications to control ADD/ADHD for years at a time.

Even though neuro, or biofeedback, as it is sometimes called, has been used in many situations for more than forty years, there are still many who consider this approach to alternative therapy to be experimental. However, the majority of people who are skeptical and want to categorize neurotherapy as experimental are those in the mainstream medical community, and are those who have something to lose by acknowledging the benefits of alternative and holistic medicine and therapies.

Neurofeedback is attractive to many people and is used to address many other conditions, in addition to ADD and ADHD, because of the fact that it is non invasive, and therefore, is perfectly safe to try. In addition, there have not been any reports of any significant negative side effects related to the use of biofeedback treatment, yet there have been numerous reports of the positive effects.

The process of a neurofeedback therapy session is thought to have the effect of resetting brain patterns that have developed and are thought to be at the root of many problems. Once reset, the brain can return to performing at optimal levels and the body responds according to these enhanced, or restored, brainwaves to heal and repair itself or to reestablish proper behavior.

The benefits of neurofeedback therapy are not seen overnight. It is possible that it could take anywhere from 20 to 40 sessions to experience the full benefits and to fully “reset” those brain patterns.

Typically, each biofeedback therapy session will last from 30 minutes up to an hour. Once there has been sufficient repetition and practice and the brain patterns are successfully reset, proponents say that the effects should be considered permanent.

However, in order to gain the full and lasting benefits of neurofeedback therapy, the person must be fully engaged and participating in the process. This is not a therapy which is “done to” the client, but which requires the active involvement of the subject.

It is essential that the biofeedback therapists do all they can to enlist the person’s own self-regulatory mechanisms to create a state of healing and optimal health. While the biofeedback machines are invaluable for giving the person the feedback about their brain activity, they must put forth effort into endeavor and practice their neurotherapy techniques with persistence. This is the true key to lasting benefits.

Since it is not widely used yet, neurofeedback can be rather expense and out of reach for many people. On top of that, since it is considered by most insurance companies to be an experimental treatment, it is usually not covered. There is one main alternative to the expensive biofeedback therapy programs, and that is a kit called the Wild Divine Biofeedback program which allows you to enjoy the benefits of brainwave training from the comfort of your home, by running the software on your computer.

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How Effective Is EEG Neurofeedback Training in Treating the Symptoms of ADHD?

Posted by adhdeffects1 in Oct 03, 2009, under Uncategorized

Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine in their various forms, in treating the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in children, teens, and adults. Even though stimulants are not the only effective option in the treatment of the disorder, stimulants may be a good choice, and their use should be discussed with your physician.

Below is a chart showing the effectiveness of EEG Biofeedback, or Neurofeedback training. This information is from a study by Rossiter and La Vaque which used the same protocols that we used in our clinical studies with ATTEND. They used the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) as the measuring instrument to determine change in performance after using either medications of EEG Biofeedback training for 30 days. The TOVA is a computerized Continuous Performance Test (CPT) that has no placebo effective, and has no bias (such ahs you might see with parent rating scales).

A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders. Thomas P. Rossiter, and Theodore J. La Vaque. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, Summer 1995

With 30 days of EEG Biofeedback training the group improved in every category measured by the TOVA. They improved a great deal in their focused attention to a task (1.6 standard deviations); their self-control improved nearly one standard deviation (0.9 SD); their reaction time improved a bit (0.5 SD, which is still a statistically significant improvement on the TOVA); and their Consistency score, or Variability score, improved by the same 1/2 standard deviation.

These were good improvements. Perhaps not as big over all as the group that used stimulant medications, but still a significant improvement.

We like EEG Biofeedback training as an intervention, and we provided it in out clinic for seven years or so. The only downside that we’d warn parents about are:

(1) make sure that the person actually doing the treatment is well trained, as often the doctor or psychologist will turn the actual treatment over to a technician who barely knows what they are doing; and

(2) the treatments can come with a tall price tag. Shop around for a reasonably priced provider.

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Neurofeedback – A Great Alternative For ADD and ADHD Sufferers

Posted by adhdeffects1 in Sep 30, 2009, under Uncategorized

Neurofeedback is a type of brainwave therapy that is perhaps best known for the help and hope it offers to those who struggle with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. In a great number of cases, such symptoms are alleviated to such a degree that medications can be dramatically reduced or even completely eliminated. This is a great relief to many parents who worry about the long term effects of having their children on medications to control ADD/ADHD for years at a time.

Even though neuro, or biofeedback, as it is sometimes called, has been used in many situations for more than forty years, there are still many who consider this approach to alternative therapy to be experimental. However, the majority of people who are skeptical and want to categorize neurotherapy as experimental are those in the mainstream medical community, and are those who have something to lose by acknowledging the benefits of alternative and holistic medicine and therapies.

Neurofeedback is attractive to many people and is used to address many other conditions, in addition to ADD and ADHD, because of the fact that it is non invasive, and therefore, is perfectly safe to try. In addition, there have not been any reports of any significant negative side effects related to the use of biofeedback treatment, yet there have been numerous reports of the positive effects.

The process of a neurofeedback therapy session is thought to have the effect of resetting brain patterns that have developed and are thought to be at the root of many problems. Once reset, the brain can return to performing at optimal levels and the body responds according to these enhanced, or restored, brainwaves to heal and repair itself or to reestablish proper behavior.

The benefits of neurofeedback therapy are not seen overnight. It is possible that it could take anywhere from 20 to 40 sessions to experience the full benefits and to fully “reset” those brain patterns.

Typically, each biofeedback therapy session will last from 30 minutes up to an hour. Once there has been sufficient repetition and practice and the brain patterns are successfully reset, proponents say that the effects should be considered permanent.

However, in order to gain the full and lasting benefits of neurofeedback therapy, the person must be fully engaged and participating in the process. This is not a therapy which is “done to” the client, but which requires the active involvement of the subject.

It is essential that the biofeedback therapists do all they can to enlist the person’s own self-regulatory mechanisms to create a state of healing and optimal health. While the biofeedback machines are invaluable for giving the person the feedback about their brain activity, they must put forth effort into endeavor and practice their neurotherapy techniques with persistence. This is the true key to lasting benefits.

Since it is not widely used yet, neurofeedback can be rather expense and out of reach for many people. On top of that, since it is considered by most insurance companies to be an experimental treatment, it is usually not covered. There is one main alternative to the expensive biofeedback therapy programs, and that is a kit called the Wild Divine Biofeedback program which allows you to enjoy the benefits of brainwave training from the comfort of your home, by running the software on your computer.

Leave a Comment :, , , , , , , , more...

Neurofeedback – A Great Alternative For ADD and ADHD Sufferers

Posted by adhdeffects1 in Sep 17, 2009, under Uncategorized

Neurofeedback is a type of brainwave therapy that is perhaps best known for the help and hope it offers to those who struggle with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. In a great number of cases, such symptoms are alleviated to such a degree that medications can be dramatically reduced or even completely eliminated. This is a great relief to many parents who worry about the long term effects of having their children on medications to control ADD/ADHD for years at a time.

Even though neuro, or biofeedback, as it is sometimes called, has been used in many situations for more than forty years, there are still many who consider this approach to alternative therapy to be experimental. However, the majority of people who are skeptical and want to categorize neurotherapy as experimental are those in the mainstream medical community, and are those who have something to lose by acknowledging the benefits of alternative and holistic medicine and therapies.

Neurofeedback is attractive to many people and is used to address many other conditions, in addition to ADD and ADHD, because of the fact that it is non invasive, and therefore, is perfectly safe to try. In addition, there have not been any reports of any significant negative side effects related to the use of biofeedback treatment, yet there have been numerous reports of the positive effects.

The process of a neurofeedback therapy session is thought to have the effect of resetting brain patterns that have developed and are thought to be at the root of many problems. Once reset, the brain can return to performing at optimal levels and the body responds according to these enhanced, or restored, brainwaves to heal and repair itself or to reestablish proper behavior.

The benefits of neurofeedback therapy are not seen overnight. It is possible that it could take anywhere from 20 to 40 sessions to experience the full benefits and to fully “reset” those brain patterns.

Typically, each biofeedback therapy session will last from 30 minutes up to an hour. Once there has been sufficient repetition and practice and the brain patterns are successfully reset, proponents say that the effects should be considered permanent.

However, in order to gain the full and lasting benefits of neurofeedback therapy, the person must be fully engaged and participating in the process. This is not a therapy which is “done to” the client, but which requires the active involvement of the subject.

It is essential that the biofeedback therapists do all they can to enlist the person’s own self-regulatory mechanisms to create a state of healing and optimal health. While the biofeedback machines are invaluable for giving the person the feedback about their brain activity, they must put forth effort into endeavor and practice their neurotherapy techniques with persistence. This is the true key to lasting benefits.

Since it is not widely used yet, neurofeedback can be rather expense and out of reach for many people. On top of that, since it is considered by most insurance companies to be an experimental treatment, it is usually not covered. There is one main alternative to the expensive biofeedback therapy programs, and that is a kit called the Wild Divine Biofeedback program which allows you to enjoy the benefits of brainwave training from the comfort of your home, by running the software on your computer.

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