No matter how advanced and sophisticated medicines are now, there are still those who are intimidated and scared by them. They feel that prescribed medicines will only bring more harm than good to their bodies. Hence, neurofeedback therapy was introduced.
When it comes to cures and treatments for any form of sickness and disorder, people tend to rely on safe and effective ways. Many believe that neurofeedback therapy is not only reliable but can also be a potentially long-lasting remedy to their illness.
What is neurofeedback therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy, also known as electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback, is a non-invasive treatment that measures brain waves and body temperature and provides feedback signals. It is based on operant conditioning.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is a method that “assists subjects to control their brain waves consciously”. In addition the “electroencephalography is recorded during the neurofeedback treatment” and its components are “extracted and fed to subjects using online feedback loop in the form of audio, video or their combination”.
Sydney Cognitive Development Center adds that it “aims to help individuals improve emotional, behavioral and cognitive functioning by training patients to increase certain brain waves whilst inhibiting others, to promote optimal brain regulation.”
This therapeutic intervention uses a computer-based program that alters and reorganizes brain signals. Once the patients respond, they will learn how to improve their brain function and gradually reduce symptoms of neurological and psychological disorders.
What are the benefits of neurofeedback therapy?
Though many regard this as a new concept, neurofeedback therapy has been around for decades. It has undergone numerous studies and research that would allow it to be used as an alternative treatment for people with mental health conditions.
Certain mental health disorders happen because chemical levels in your brain experience disruption and instability. This is the reason why neurofeedback therapy is used because it primarily deals with retraining your brain signals to work in perfect balance.
Most common health conditions that make use of neurofeedback therapy are:
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Addiction
Disruptive Behavior Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Migraines
Traumatic Brain Injury
Learning Disabilities
Neurofeedback training minimizes symptoms and episodes of depression and anxiety. It initiates better self-control and relaxation as well as improves your memory and concentration. Aside from all these, neurofeedback therapy brings back your old self, especially in handling daily struggles in life.
Overall, neurofeedback therapy enhances neurological regulation. It exercises your brain to communicate more efficiently and to address the symptoms in a healthy way.
What are the risks of neurofeedback therapy?
Experts remind patients and their families that the results of neurofeedback therapy may not be immediate and long-lasting. It is also money and time-consuming. You need to think long and hard if you are ready to invest in this treatment.
Also, its status remains inconclusive within clinical research so it is better to accompany this therapy with other well-established and legitimate medications and treatments.
Though it is considered safe and with minimal risks, there are still occurrences of side effects. For people with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, the most common are discomfort and drowsiness.
Meanwhile, patients struggling with depression and nervous system disorders often feel anxiety, agitation, irritability, and aggression.
It is always better to ask your trusted therapists or counselors near me about neurofeedback therapy and its side effects. Remember that each patient is different and their body’s reaction to the treatment is not the same.
What should you consider before neurofeedback therapy?
These days, it is easier to find information about different forms of treatments and therapies. You will find helpful and accurate data that present the benefits and risks objectively.
Therapists and counselors near me view neurofeedback therapy as a groundbreaking success in health and medicine. However, it has its pros and cons. You need to research extensively about this therapy to know if it suits your condition and needs.
If you are a resident of Riverside, California, Corona, California, and Los Angeles, California, visit Mindshift Psychological Services to learn more about neurofeedback therapy. We will be more than happy to accommodate you to ensure that your mental health issues are managed by experts and professionals.
Visit our website or contact us at (714)584-9700.
