FAQ of Neurofeedback training

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback. The body has a limited capacity to sense information coming from inside itself. However, if you monitor any biological process, amplify it, and feed it back to the brain, your brain can change it. As an example, if your place a special skin thermometer on your finger, you can raise or lower its temperature at will just by focusing on the gauge. Neurofeedback is the monitoring of brain waves with the goal of changing the patterns that cause problems. It is the modern application of the EEG (electroencephalogram) machine.

Q: Could you explain more about brainwaves?

Your brain produces four distinct types of brain waves, which are labeled in Greek letters. People usually have a mixture of frequencies at any given time, but the dominant frequency varies depending on the state of consciousness and on individual differences. Beta is considered to be the fast waves, measuring 15 Hertz and above. Alpha is 8-12 Hertz. Theta is 4-7 Hertz. Delta is 0.5-3.5 Hertz. Normal focused waking state consists of primarily Beta waves in the brain. When you close your eyes and relax, Alpha tends to be produced. Theta normally is only produced briefly when you are starting to fall asleep. Delta is normally produced when you are asleep. When you have brain irregularities caused by injury, your brain may have too much theta or delta being produced when you are supposed to be awake and alert.
By learning to inhibit this abnormal amount of theta or delta, a person can make great improvements in their problem. Excessive worry or anxiety is usually associated with too high of Beta in the frontal cortex. When a person learns to reduce the amplitude of this frequency, they become more relaxed and calm, and results last permanently.

Q: How long does the training take?

Sessions are usually one to three times per week, but each person is different. Some receive benefit after the very first session, but most notice an improvement within the first eight. How many sessions a person needs for completion depends on the type of problem, the age of the person, and many other factors. Typically ADD requires about 20-45 sessions. Application for alcoholism takes 30 to 40 sessions. Depression and anxiety resolves in about 20-30 sessions, although improvements are often noticed far sooner.

Q: How can I expect to feel after a session?

Depending on what frequency is being trained, you may feel a little tired, as if you worked hard, or sleepy and a little spacey for a while after the session. This goes away typically in 30 minutes. This is natural, as you are doing the equivalent of aerobic training or weight-lifting with your brain.

Q: Will the training last, or is it temporary?

The type of neurofeedback training we offer here is permanent. Neurofeedback helps to improve functions such as concentration, short-term memory, speech, motor skills, sleep, energy level, and emotional balance. The results of the training are permanent unless another trauma or injury occurs.

Q: Can neurofeedback help with ADD and ADHD?

Recent research suggests that individuals with ADD/ADHD tend to have elevated theta brainwave activity and low levels of beta brainwave activity. Symptoms of ADD/ADHD are usually reduced when brainwave activity is changed. Neurofeedback is commonly used as an adjunct or alternative treatment to medication and behavior management.
Most adults and children who have ADD/ADHD report improvement in the areas of 1) school and job performance due to an increased ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate and 2) social relationships due to an increased ability to demonstrate self-control.

Q: What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Disorder is separated into two types: Inattentive Type (ADD) and Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD). People with ADD usually exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: inattention, distractibility, disorganization, daydreaming, lack of foresight, carelessness, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, lack of persistence, and procrastination.
People with ADHD typically exhibit one or more some of the following symptoms: hyperactivity, fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADD or ADHD often have significant difficulties with learning, concentration, school or job achievement, behavior control, social relationships, and self-esteem.

Q: Is there anything you can suggest for me to do so that I improve my training sessions?

Yes, eat a high-protein, low-sugar diet. Do light exercise, walk, or swim as often as possible. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. You should get plenty of sleep, especially just before and just after your session. If possible, avoid all refined sugars and aspartame. If you like red meat, eat lean meat. If you are a vegetarian, include whole proteins in your diet. Take nutritional supplements to maintain a healthy body and brain.

Q: If I am on prescription drugs, can I stop taking them?

Your physician is the only one who can advise you to reduce, increase, or eliminate dosages for you. Never attempt to change your prescription without medical advice. It’s important that you notify your physician you are receiving EEG neurotherapy. Children with ADD and adults with genetic unipolar depressions are often able to gradually decrease or even discontinue their medication. Keep in contact with your physician.

Q: What if I am taking medications?

Most medications do not interfere with getting results with EEG neurofeedback. The exceptions are benzodiazepines and muscle analgesics.

Q: How much does this training cost?

Please contact me for fee arrangements. I strive to make my services affordable. I conduct initial 60-minute valuations where I perform an intake screening to get a history of your symptoms and how they adversely affect your life. I ask about your medical and family history. When appropriate, I conduct a full EEG brain map where I take amplitude readings of all frequency bands on 10 different sites on the scalp. I use a special software program that analyzes the data and I review the results with my clients. Subsequent neurofeedback training sessions typically last 45-50 minutes total.

Q: Do I need to worry about this equipment doing something to me?

No, the equipment does not send any electricity into you or in any other way do anything to you. It works like a mirror, showing you how your brain is functioning, and telling you if you are on the right track.

Q: Are there any other terms for Neurofeedback?

Yes, it is also called neurotherapy, EEG biofeedback and brainwave biofeedback.