Most people aren’t aware of a newer psychotherapeutic technique called “neurofeedback” (also sometimes referred to as EEG biofeedback). It is a specific type of biofeedback focused on helping you learn how to promote “healthier” brainwave frequencies. The result? People can work on many common mental disorders, especially things like attention deficit disorder, with no medications and no traditional talk therapy.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a a great story about neurofeedback in today’s paper:

In Elkins Park, Laura Bell credits neurofeedback with relieving flares of anxiety associated with familial dysautonomia, an inherited disorder that causes nervous-system dysfunction ranging from a lack of tears to abnormal reactions to pain. Coping with the symptoms was difficult enough; excessive anxiety made her desperate for help.

A few months of neurofeedback from Celeste DeBease made a significant difference, said Bell, who continued seeing the psychologist in Bala Cynwyd. “I don’t have any crises anymore,” Bell, 33, said in an interview. “When I know attacks are coming, I know what to do.”

Looking for an alternative approach that has solid scientific backing? Neurofeedback is worth checking into. Be aware, however, that trained neurofeedback professionals are not common yet, and that it doesn’t work in about 20% of the people who try it. It also can take longer than some other approaches — 15 to 35 sessions in most cases.

Learn more about neurofeedback here.

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This entry was posted on Monday, October 8th, 2007 at 5:38 pm and is filed under General, Brain and Behavior, Psychotherapy, Disorders, ADHD and ADD, Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

 

Last reviewed:
  On October 8, 2007
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.