Using Neurofeedback Therapy to Overcome Anxiety and Depression
Neurofeedback could be the key to Overcoming Anxiety and Depression
Author: Meg Thompson, Certified Brain Health Coach
Anxiety and depression are pervasive mental health challenges affecting millions worldwide. Despite advancements in treatments, many individuals continue to struggle to find relief. However, emerging therapies like neurofeedback offer promising alternatives.
Before diving into neurofeedback therapy, it’s crucial to grasp the impact of anxiety and depression. From persistent worry and fear to overwhelming sadness and loss of interest, these conditions can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.
Neurofeedback therapy, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a non-invasive treatment that harnesses the brain’s natural ability to learn and adapt. By monitoring brainwave activity through sensors placed on the scalp, individuals receive real-time feedback on their brain functioning. Through guided exercises and reinforcement techniques, neurofeedback aims to train the brain to self-regulate, promoting optimal functioning and symptom relief.
Common Anxiety Symptoms
Excessive worry or fear about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, or finances. Feeling restless or on edge. Irritability.
Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks.
Muscle tension or headaches. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep.
Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Panic attacks, which involve sudden and intense feelings of fear or discomfort.
Depression Symptoms
Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. Irritability or restlessness.
Changes in appetite or weight (either significant weight loss or gain).
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping. Fatigue or loss of energy.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Thoughts of death, suicide, or actual suicide attempts.
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
It’s important to note that you should always consult with a medical or mental health provider for an assessment to address feelings of anxiety and depression-related symptoms.
How Neurofeedback Addresses Anxiety and Depression
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. The easiest way to understand how neurofeedback works is that brain training addresses the hardware of a computer or a brain and therapy addresses thoughts and the mindset which is often referred to as the software of a computer or the brain. So, neurofeedback addresses the “hardware of the brain” or the brain wave behavior and the brain wave patterns.
While research suggests that neurofeedback may offer benefits for individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, it’s important to note that it may not “solve” these conditions entirely on its own. Neurofeedback can be a helpful component of a comprehensive mental treatment plan when used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions, such as medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and self-care practices.
Here’s how neurofeedback may potentially help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression:
Regulating Brain Activity: Neurofeedback aims to train individuals to modify their brainwave patterns, such as increasing activity in certain areas associated with relaxation and decreasing activity in areas associated with stress or negative emotions.
Stress Reduction: By learning to regulate brainwave patterns associated with relaxation, individuals may experience reduced levels of stress, which can help alleviate symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Neurofeedback may help individuals develop better control over their emotions by teaching them to modulate brain activity associated with mood regulation.
Enhanced Cognitive Functioning: Some research suggests that neurofeedback can improve cognitive functioning, such as attention, memory, and executive function, which may indirectly benefit individuals with anxiety and depression.
Complementary Treatment: Neurofeedback can be used alongside other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, to enhance treatment outcomes for anxiety and depression.
How Neurofeedback Works
During a neurofeedback session, individuals are connected to a computer interface that displays their brainwave patterns. Through visual or auditory cues, they learn to modulate their brain activity towards more desirable states – a positive reward received for good brain behavior. Over time, this process helps to rewire neural circuits associated with anxiety and depression, fostering a sense of calm and emotional balance.
It’s that simple. Good brain behavior = positive reward to retrain the brain to work properly.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of neurofeedback therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research suggests that neurofeedback can lead to significant improvements in mood, cognition, and overall well-being. From randomized controlled trials to clinical case studies, the evidence continues to grow in support of neurofeedback as a viable treatment option.
Anxiety: The results of a 2021 study from the National Library of Medicine on people with generalized anxiety disorder revealed that neurofeedback helped them improve their emotional regulation and significantly lowered anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Depression: Recent research published in Psychological Medicine concluded from the self-reports of participants that neurofeedback, as an adjunctive therapy, was effective in lowering depressive symptoms.
Real-Life Personal Stories and Personalized Data
Real-life experiences can offer profound insights into the potential of neurofeedback therapy. Stories of individuals who have embarked on this journey provide hope and inspiration for others seeking relief from anxiety and depression. From regaining control over their emotions to rediscovering joy in everyday life, these narratives underscore the transformative power of neurofeedback.
While neurofeedback therapy shows promise, it is often most effective when combined with other therapeutic approaches. From mindfulness practices and talk therapy, integrating neurofeedback into a comprehensive treatment plan can maximize outcomes and long-term success.
Like any therapy, neurofeedback has its considerations and limitations. Factors such as location, accessibility, and individual variability in response may influence its suitability for certain individuals. Additionally, neurofeedback is not a quick fix and requires commitment and consistency to yield meaningful long-lasting results.
Meg Thompson, Certified Brain Health Coach
How to get started with Brain Training
Brain Train Centers offers a holistic approach that delivers lasting health benefits and results in improved quality of life for our patients.
In-office QEEG or commonly known as Brain Mapping
Report of finding with recommendations to retrain the brain
Brain Training session(s) performed with session summary
Are you interested in learning about you or your family’s brain and mental health? You can understand how you and your child’s brain are functioning by getting a brain map at a local Neurofeedback office to understand how to improve your child’s emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and overall brain health.
