Neurofeedback in the treatment of mental and neurological disorders

When combined with psychotherapeutic elements, neurofeedback can be highly effective in treating mental illnesses, e.g. depressive and anxiety disorders. Certain neurological symptoms also respond well to neurofeedback therapy. A positive side effect of this treatment is that it promotes inner learning and personal development, improves self-awareness and increases one’s expectation of self-efficacy.

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Depressive disorders

Whether mood swings, depression or persistent reactive depression, the training can help restore the brain to a state where it no longer processes primarily negative information, but rather reorients its focus towards a more optimistic attitude. The goal of therapy for depressive disorders is also to reduce side symptoms such as insomnia, brooding and self-doubt, as well as to achieve a general stabilization and increased autonomy from external circumstances and inner negative thoughts.

Anxiety disorders

A whole range of disorders in this area also responds positively to neurofeedback training, ranging from diffuse anxiety and specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorders all the way to panic attacks. Often, overtly treatable complaints typically include severe physical symptoms and stressful states (e.g. racing heart, sweating), as well as sleep disorders (e.g. difficulty falling asleep), the fear of disease or the fear of losing control, the fear of “going crazy”, or the “fear of fear”.

The treatment of anxiety disorders also extends to the reduction in tension and inner restlessness, promoting the ability to relax, the reduction of obsessive negative thoughts, brooding or fears, and overall stabilization and focus.

AD(H)D and learning difficulties

The most well-known area of application of neurofeedback training is AD(H)D in all its manifestations. Both children and adolescents, as well as adults, can be affected by attention deficit disorder. The hallmarks are a pronounced disturbance of attention, with or without hyperactivity and/or impulsivity.

At times, social behavior disorders are added to the mix or there are other side effects, e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, depression or anxiety disorders. Affected individuals not infrequently develop deleterious mechanisms to compensate for their difficulties, and extravagant daydreaming or fantasizing are also frequently seen, while inner tension is often interpreted as boredom.

Neurofeedback therapy represents an effective alternative to drug therapy. It permanently increases the ability to focus attention and sustain concentration, while distractibility, irritability, hyperactivity and impulsiveness are reduced.

Pain therapy (bodily pain, headache, migraine)

Attacks of pain or persistent pain sometimes significantly affect the day-to-day lives of those who are afflicted by it. Oftentimes, in addition to strain caused by the pain, individuals’ performance at work or school is limited. Effort quickly results in fatigue, and participation in family, social or leisure activities is likewise limited.

In the case of migraines, symptoms can also include dizziness, nausea or hypersensitivity to light stimuli and noise. Neurofeedback can directly affect how the perception of pain is processed and reduce the incidence and intensity of pain.

In the case of migraine in particular, the number of affected days, the duration of individual attacks and the intensity of the attacks can all be significantly reduced.

Epilepsy

Like migraine, epilepsy is considered an instability. The aim of treatment is to increase the threshold for seizures, to reduce the number of seizures and to acquire self-control. Here in particular, therapy takes an individualized approach, which ensures the accuracy of treatment. Positive side effects include the stabilization of sleep and a smoothing out of bouts of being upset and fearful.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is often described as the consequence of dysfunctional brain reorganization following hearing impairment, and in many cases is accompanied by measurable hearing loss. Unpleasant “internal noises” are constantly the focus of attention.

Neurofeedback can be used to reduce both the intensity of tinnitus as well as the subjective strain caused by it. In most cases, eliminating side effects such as sleep difficulties or emotional stress provides further relief.

Stroke rehabilitation

Most urgent following a stroke is to support the brain’s plasticity, i.e. the ability of healthy brain areas to take over functions which were performed by damaged areas.

Neurofeedback can help put the brain into a state in which it can learn effectively. Objectives include alleviating paralysis and training cognitive ability such as memory, concentration, planning and performing actions.

Feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, which can sometimes lead to depressive states or anxiety in connection with the disease, may also be part of the therapy.

Degenerative diseases

The capacity of neurofeedback training to affect the progress of degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease lies primarily in its ability to stabilize and/or optimize existing functionality with the resources at hand, as well as in its ability to slow the process. Even seemingly small effects can sometimes have a significant impact on the quality of life of the affected persons.