Todd NesnickNeurofeedback therapy has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few decades for its success in helping people manage a host of psychological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Still, for many, the concept, its inner workings, and how exactly it can help improve mental health and boost brain functions remain a mystery.
Well, that’s exactly what this article is set to explore. Read on to learn all there is to know about neurofeedback therapy and its benefits.
What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy, also referred to as neurotherapy or EEG biofeedback, is an effective, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment used for various medical conditions.
Unlike conventional treatment protocols that rely on medication or surgical intervention, neurofeedback in Dubai and across the globe uses electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor patients’ brainwave patterns in real time and alert them to certain physiological processes that happen in their bodies in response to their thoughts and emotions (often through audio and visual cues), which they’re usually unaware of.
With time, patients learn to notice when their brain is in a particular state. Then, they can regain control and steer their way back to a balanced, relaxed state.
Neurofeedback therapy has been successful in treating and mitigating the symptoms of various conditions that result from abnormal brain activity, including:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- Drug addiction
- Learning disabilities
- Phobia disorders
How Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?
Neurofeedback therapy is essentially a type of biofeedback treatment. However, while the latter focuses on measuring and recording certain physiological responses like changes in heart rate, skin temperature, and muscle tension, neurofeedback therapy is specific to brain activity.
It begins by mapping out the electrical activity in the patient’s brain to pinpoint areas where there’s dysregulation. Dysregulation often happens when one or several of the brain’s network systems aren’t performing adequately or cease to communicate completely or efficiently, within or between themselves.
Once these areas have been identified, a professional neurofeedback therapist will develop a tailored training protocol to help the patient regulate their brain activity to be more appropriate to the task at hand and more conducive to a positive mental state.
What Are the Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy?
Most patients who underwent neurofeedback therapy reported significant improvements in their condition throughout and even after the treatment ended. Its most notable benefits include:
1. No Drugs
Because neurofeedback therapy doesn’t make use of any medication, there’s no possibility of adverse side effects. As such, it’s particularly suited for patients who can’t tolerate medication due to allergies or sensitivity or those who struggle with drug addiction.
Additionally, there’s no risk of building tolerance to the treatment or a chance of relapse in a patient’s condition, which usually happens with prolonged medication use or drug discontinuation because the brain creates and sustains changes on its own.
2. Non-Invasive Treatment
Neurofeedback therapy is an entirely safe treatment option. Much like a thermometer measures and detects your body’s temperature, the treatment only monitors and detects brainwave activity and doesn’t subject you to any duress.
The process typically involves your therapist placing a cap with metal discs (electrodes) on your head. You’ll then listen to an audio or watch a video to stimulate different brain reactions. The EEG will capture these responses.
The electrodes will then send the electrical signals from your brain to a computer so your therapist can interpret them and determine what treatment is right for you.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Functioning
Another advantage of neurofeedback therapy is improved cognitive performance. This may include better concentration, focus, planning and organization, memory, impulse control, and more.
Since neurofeedback training is a learned, self-regulating skill, you can use it to strengthen your mind’s ability to control and maintain the desired brainwave patterns you need to perform at your best for as long and as frequently as you need to — something that professional athletes, executives or students especially find helpful.
4. Improved Emotional Stability
People’s emotions and moods are often affected by everything from the food they eat and the quality of their sleep to the amount of stress they’re under and changes in their environment, among other factors.
For those grappling with anxiety or depression, such volatility can be intensely overwhelming, and its impact can extend to other aspects of their lives like their relationships, school, or work.
Neurofeedback encourages mental stability by helping patients understand the power of their thoughts and learn how to regulate them. This way, they can zero in on intrusive thought patterns and behaviors and lessen their hold on them.
5. Effective Supplementary Treatment
Neurofeedback therapy can safely and effectively complement other treatments, including psychotherapy, physical therapy, and medication for both children and adults.
So, for example, if you’re seeing an anxiety therapist in Dubai, you could supplement your treatment with neurofeedback sessions to enhance its efficacy and learn how to manage your symptoms and condition better for long-term, sustainable results.
Neurofeedback Therapy: A Life-Changing Treatment
Neurofeedback is transforming how people perceive and respond to their minds and bodies. It empowers patients to take charge of their mental well-being and recreate positive, healthier realities. For this, It’s sure to continue making waves in supporting and treating mental health conditions.