Biofeedback News :: Key Application of Neurofeedback

Essentially all of biofeedback is ultimately an appeal to the brain, and most conditions responsive to biofeedback are also found to be responsive to neurofeedback. On the other hand, there are some applications for which neurofeedback plays a unique role. The most prominent application is for attention and concentration issues, as well as peak performance.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most prevalent disorder currently diagnosed among elementary school children. It is characterized by distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The condition is thought to be partly genetic, but also has a significant environmental component. The good news is that these characteristics yield to neurofeedback training, typically to the point at which the child may no longer meet diagnostic criteria for the condition.

It could be said that the business of the brain is paying attention—not only to the outside world, but also to internal processes, in which the brain monitors its own activities and those of the body. When we train certain brain rhythms we find that hyperactivity, impulsivity, and vigilance improves. Usually children can normalize their behavior with this training so that it is no longer out of line. Some twenty to forty training sessions may typically be required.

Beyond the attentional benefits, other benefits are observed as well, particularly with those aspects of behavior that are often seen together with ADHD. Fewer errors are made on cognitive challenge tests, response time usually improves (if it is slow to begin with), and response time is more consistent. Bedwetting may subside, and nocturnal teeth grinding. Sugar craving may disappear, as well as motor and vocal tics. Obsessiveness can also calm down. Even IQ scores are typically found to improve, and handwriting may suddenly get better. The effect of the training is therefore far-reaching, or to put it another way, the nervous system may simply be under better control, and its tone better modulated.

Significantly, the more severe disruptive behavior patterns that are often seen together with ADHD can also respond. This includes oppositionality, temper tantrums, rages, excessive anger, defiance of authority, patterns of lying, and even the more severe issues of overt aggressiveness, cruelty to animals, starting fights, and fire setting. Some of these children show no remorse, and can be described as cold-blooded. The benefit of training in these latter areas indicates that the neurofeedback can also help with children who are disregulated in the realm of moods and emotions. It can be helpful with the depressed child, with the anxious child, with the socially insecure and withdrawn. It can be helpful with the emotionally disturbed child. These are all recent findings that have not yet appeared prominently in the pediatric literature.