General
Neurofeedback, which is also known as EEG biofeedback, is a way of using high-speed computer technology to train specific brainwave patterns to improve the brain’s ability to regulate itself. With improved self regulation, benefits are often noticed in the following: concentration and focus, mood improvement and stability, reduction in chronic stress responses, decrease in anxiety and improved performance.

Brief History
EEG biofeedback was first discovered by in basic scientific research by Barry Sterman, PhD at the University of California at Los Angeles. Dr. Sterman’s groundbreaking discovery was that brainwaves could be trained and modified to produce a beneficial clinical effect – in this case, a reduction in seizure vulnerability in the brain. In the mid-1970’s, Dr. Joel Lubar, working at the University of Tennessee, discovered that brainwave training could greatly improve the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since then EEG biofeedback has been used to address a host of other clinical conditions including depression, anxiety, alcohol addiction, and bipolar disorder. It has also been used to improve academic, job and sports performance.

Brainwaves
Human brain waves range from about 1 to 45 cycles per second (cps) and are generally divided in the following frequency groups: Delta (1 – 4 cps), Theta (4 – 7 cps), Alpha (8 – 12 cps), Low Beta (12 – 15 cps), mid Beta (15 – 20 cps), High Beta (20 – 38 cps) and Gamma (40 – 42 cps). Each frequency range corresponds to general activation patterns. When we are asleep, the low Delta waves predominate. In a very relaxed state, the Alpha waves are strongest. When learning new material or during verbal processing, the mid Beta ranges are important.

Most clinical conditions result from an excess of either slow or very fast brainwaves while awake. For example, in most types of ADD and ADHD, there is too much slow activity (Delta, Theta or Alpha) in relation to faster frequencies. In many types of anxiety, there is too much high beta activity making relaxation difficult or impossible. Problems can also arise if certain frequency ranges have diminished power. In children, hyperactivity is often associated with diminished amplitudes in the low Beta ranges. In adults, a vulnerability to alcohol addiction is associated with diminished Alpha amplitudes.

Brainwave Training
In EEG biofeedback training, after identifying the problem areas and using high-speed computers and sophisticated video and sound feedback software, the client learns to decrease excess slow and fast activity and to strengthen wave patterns that need to be augmented. This is best viewed not as a specific treatment but as a learning process which is both non-invasive and gentle. The brain, through this process of learning, is nudged into a mode of improved function. This takes some time and patience but it does work. More than 30 years of ongoing research, which is particularly strong in the areas of seizures, ADD and ADHD, and depression and anxiety, support the effectiveness of the neurofeedback approach.

ADD/ADHD
Starting in the late 1970’s, Dr. Joel Lubar and his colleagues at the University of Tennessee pioneered the use of neurofeedback in the treatment attention and hyperactive disorders. Since then various treatment approaches have been researched and refined. This extensive body of research conclusively demonstrates that it is possible to train the brain to focus and pay attention. Success rates for treatment are at least equivalent to psycho stimulant medications that are usually used to treat attention disorders without the significant side effects of those medications. In addition, Dr. Lubar’s (and others) research has demonstrated that the gains in attention made in neurofeedback treatment have been maintained in five and ten year follow up studies. In addition to gains in attention, in our experience, neurofeedback training frequently improves behavior control, mood stability, social awareness and self insight in both children and adults. One other intriguing finding is that in many ADD/ADHD research studies, IQ increased by an average of 11 points.

Other Conditions
In addition to ADD/ADHD, the research supporting the use of neurofeedback in seizure disorders is very strong and was the first use of neurofeedback in humans. Since neurofeedback was used to treat ADD/ADHD and seizures in the 1970’s, it has been successfully used to treat depression, anxiety, alcohol addiction, post traumatic stress disorder, autism and bipolar spectrum disorders. It has also been used in peak performance training for amateur and professional athletes and performers. Another promising area of application is maintaining good brain function in older people.