NEUROFEEDBACK

The following information is from Dan Chartier, Ph.D. (lifequalityresources.org) a neurofeedback practitioner since 1990 and past president for the Society for Neuronal Regulation.

Neurofeedback is a specialized form of biofeedback.  In all types of biofeedback, equipment, often involving a computer, is used to monitor biological activity and make information (feedback) about that activity immediately available to the person being monitored.  Much like the way a studio mirror helps the developing dancer, the feedback process helps the child “see” when some inner activity is happening in a helpful way.

Research over the last 30 years has documented correlation between measurable EEG activity and outward manifestations of concentration, focus and attention.  The website for the International Society for Neuronal Regulation and Journal of Neurotherapy, isnr-jnt.org is a good beginning point to learn more about this research.   Joel Lubar, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Tennessee, is one of the leading researchers in this area.

The Neurofeedback process (sometimes referred to as neurotherapy) makes it possible for children (and adults) to strengthen their ability to produce the attention related EEG activity identified by Dr. Lubar and others.  Just as repetitive practice of a music scale or athletic skill can lead to improved performance, so, too, repetitive activation of neural circuits that support focus and concentration can result in improved attention.

While the early days of neurofeedback included some controversy and criticism (usually from proponents of drug therapies), a growing body of research and clinical experience supports the common sense idea that children can learn to improve attention.  The unique aspect of neurofeedback is that it makes it possible to focus the learning process on specific neural networks (areas of the brain) and brainwaves (EEG frequencies) that are known to produce improved brain function.

Regarding academic results, studies of neurofeedback that have included IQ testing pre- and post-treatment found, on average, an 11 point full scale improvement.  This may not suggest the children became “smarter”, but they certainly did improve on the tests when they could focus better.  Follow-up studies have found the results of neurofeedback are lasting; on-going training was not needed once skills were acquired

Neurofeedback is not a quick, easy or inexpensive solution to attention challenges.  It involves many training sessions over an extended period of time.  The average training is 35 – 45 sessions over the course of several months.  More difficult or challenging cases can significantly lengthen the training process.  The age range for neurofeedback candidates is 6 to adult (some precocious 5 year olds have been successful).  Neurofeedback can also be helpful in treating anxiety and depression.  Peak performance neurofeedback has also been effective in enhancing athletic performance.