Neurofeedback

“In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy, it would be universally accepted and widely used."

                                                                        Prof. Frank. M. Duffy, MD.  Paediatric Neurologist, Boston Children’s Hospital.

Neurology editor, EEG and Clinical Neuroscience Journal, Jan. 2000

 WHAT DIFFERENTIATES US

Sydney Neurofeedback Centre differs from other treatment Centres in that we use a combination of Neurofeedback and Nutritional supplementation to relieve symptoms of conditions such as ADHD, Depression and Anxiety, with excellent results.

Stimulant drugs – widely used to medicate ADHD - often cause side effects such as weight loss, jitters, sleep problems and upset stomachs. Almost half of those with some types of ADHD don't respond to medication at all. In addition, some experts are concerned with the effects of long-term use of stimulant drugs.

The drugs most widely prescribed for depression, SSRIs, have side effects such as nausea, agitation, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction and headaches. The older tricyclic antidepressant medication has even more side effects including sleepiness, constipation, dry mouth and low blood pressure. Drugs prescribed for anxiety may invoke such side effects as mental fogginess, aggressiveness, depression, memory impairment, restlessness and increased perspiration. Additionally, some carry a real risk of the development of dependency.

Neurofeedback is a well researched, viable option to medication, with permanent results. In reviewing the literature in a recent edition of Current Opinions in Paediatrics, Dr Katie Campbell Daley, who serves on the staff of the Department of Medicine of the Children's Hospital Boston and in the Department of Paediatrics of the Harvard Medical School, wrote:

 “...parents interested in non-psychopharmacologic treatment can pursue the use of complementary and alternative therapy. The therapy most promising by recent clinical trials appears to be EEG biofeedback."

For more Neurofeedback studies, please see the ‘Scientific Papers & Links’ section of this website.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (also called Neurotherapy or EEG biofeedback) is, in essence, a way of training the brain to use more productive patterns of brainwaves. It is a non-invasive treatment, which teaches the brain to self-regulate, strengthening neural pathways while increasing mental endurance and flexibility.  

Neurofeedback has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of conditions such as ADHD (including hyperactive, inattentive and mixed types), anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities and minor traumatic brain injuries, among others. It has also been shown to generally enhance focus and performance in ‘normal’ individuals. Neurofeedback has no known side-effects. 

At Sydney Neurofeedback Centre, we work closely with GPs, Psychologists, Nutritionists and other experts in the field, to holistically address the underlying causes.

About Brainwaves

Within every human brain can be found different types of brainwave patterns. Several types of brainwaves are present at any given time, but each brain area has a predominant pattern reflective of the current mental state. These patterns can be measured and recorded by an electroencephalogram (EEG), which can then be used to make a ‘map’ of an individual’s mental function. The five types of brainwave patterns are:  

Beta waves: These are fast waves which occur when an individual is attentive and focused.

SMR waves: These are a subcategory of beta waves and are found in the sensorimotor cortex when a person is quietly focused to prepare for a physical challenge.

Alpha waves: These are slower brainwaves which are commonly found during relaxation. Alpha waves indicate the brain is ‘idling’

Theta waves: These waves are slower than alpha and occur when an individual is daydreaming or almost at the point of falling asleep.

Delta waves: These are the slowest brain waves which occur during deep sleep.

Excesses or deficits of certain brainwaves in different brain areas usually indicate a problem in mental functioning. Distinctive patterns are found in individuals with problems such as ADHD, depression and anxiety. A QEEG can determine whether one of these problems is present, or whether the problem is caused by a lack of connection between different brain areas.

Neurofeedback – the training process

Neurofeedback training is just like exercise for the brain.

During neurofeedback training, trainees do not receive any type of input from the computer: they see a representation of their brain electrical activity on the computer and that is the feedback signal. Being able to see the feedback signal allows them to control their own brain electrical activity. During neurofeedback, the practitioner will place a cap on the trainee’s head, with one or more sensors positioned depending on the training protocol. A small amount of conductive gel squirted through holes in the sensors will ensure a good connection between each sensor and the trainee’s scalp, enabling the computer to read the trainee’s brainwave activity. Sensors will also be attached to the trainee’s ears.

The trainee is instructed to watch the computer screen and make the game work or the DVD play. The video display on the computer will move (or the DVD will play) while the correct patterns of brainwaves are detected, and will stop or fade if the unproductive patterns are being used. In this way, trainee’s brainwave activity, of which they are usually unaware, becomes ‘visible’ to them. Gradually, learning of new brainwave patterns takes place – one which is closer to that normally observed in individuals without the problem.