Neurofeedback: Definition, Uses, and Benefits - Olubunmi Mabel

Disclaimer: This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

For many people struggling with their physical or mental health, there comes a time when they feel tired and worn out from simply trying to make it through the day. Maybe their doctor’s orders haven’t been very helpful, or their medications don’t seem to be working as effectively as they once did. Or perhaps they don’t know where to turn and are still trying to find the courage to reach out for help. In any of these cases, trying a different approach could help mend the individual’s concerns, bringing healing and hope to their life. 

Neurofeedback is a therapeutic technique that has a high success rate in treating people facing a range of physical and mental health concerns. Boasting a low risk of side effects and shown to be a highly safe method of treatment, neurofeedback could present a potential solution for those struggling with their well-being. Here, we’ll discuss what neurofeedback is, its success rate, its potential uses, and how it can benefit those who give it a try.  

Neurofeedback: A Definition

Neurofeedback therapy, also known as EEG, is a noninvasive form of *biofeedback that measures an individual’s brainwaves by placing electrodes on the scalp. It provides immediate feedback through a computer, which often comes in the form of audio or video responses (or a mixture of the two). 

*Biofeedback is a technique that works by teaching people how to control involuntary bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. Common types of biofeedback include electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle tension, thermal biofeedback, which measures skin temperature, and respiratory biofeedback, which measures breathing rate.

Neurofeedback rests on the idea that the brain can be trained. When a person is feeling triggered, overwhelmed, or stressed, they can learn how to get their brain back into a place of calm relaxation, helping them to feel better. As the individual learns how to control their brainwaves, they can experience more positive physical and mental health outcomes. 

Success Of Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback has been shown to effectively treat a range of concerns. In one study, researchers found that between 70-85% of participants were able to successfully control their brain activity. However, it’s important to remember that results will vary for everyone who participates in this technique, as every person has different concerns and varying levels of severity regarding these concerns. You can learn more about neurofeedback and whether it works by visiting https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-is-neurofeedback-and-does-it-work/.

Potential Uses Of Neurofeedback

Research has shown that neurofeedback can be effective in treating a range of physical and mental health concerns, including the following: 

• Learning 
• Memory
• Neuroplasticity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep issues like insomnia 
• ADHD
• Stress
• Epilepsy 
• Chronic pain
• Behavioral concerns
• Autism
• Emotional distress
• Migraines
• Diabetes
• Ringing in the ears
• Focus
• Motivation
• PTSD
• Trauma
• Panic attacks

This list is not exhaustive, and professionals may recommend neurofeedback to their clients for a variety of other physical and mental health concerns. 

Benefits Of Neurofeedback

The benefits of neurofeedback can vary depending on the problem being treated. However, some of the outcomes associated with this therapeutic approach include: 

• Improved attention and concentration: Neurofeedback has demonstrated success in helping people stay more focused throughout the day, helping them achieve higher productivity at home, school, and work. This improved attention likely results from people learning how to control their brain activity more effectively. 

• Alleviation of chronic pain: Those experiencing chronic pain may benefit from neurofeedback, as this technique can help people see their pain in a new light. Individuals can target the brainwaves that control their perception of pain, altering them enough to reduce the intensity of their pain and improve their quality of life. 

• Stress reduction: Neurofeedback can be instrumental in teaching people how to alleviate the negative symptoms of stress they’re experiencing by guiding their brain toward more constructive, healthy patterns of functioning. This can help them feel calmer and more relaxed on a consistent basis. 

• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: People often seek treatment using neurofeedback because of concerns with anxiety or depression, as well as other mental disorders. Many of the symptoms associated with these conditions can be healed with neurofeedback, as it helps the individual have more control over their brains. This can lead to a more stable mood, less irritability, fewer intrusive thoughts, and boosted self-esteem. 

• Increased self-awareness. Given that neurofeedback teaches people how to control their brainwaves, it’s only natural that those using this method come to understand themselves on a deeper level. After all, without enough self-awareness of what one is feeling or thinking, it can be a lot more challenging to make changes to promote healthier thought patterns. 

• Higher sleep quality: Neurofeedback can help people fall asleep faster and experience more restful nights, as this technique teaches people how to relax and calm their minds. Further, people tend to experience higher levels of fatigue at neurofeedback sessions, helping them to feel more tired at bedtime. Those with sleeping disorders may find that they’re able to fall asleep faster and without needing to use sleeping aids like pills or melatonin. 

Although neurofeedback is not a new therapeutic technique, it isn’t as common as other methods utilized to treat mental and physical health disorders. Individuals who have tried other approaches without any relief may find that neurofeedback finally gives them the tools and skills they need to create positive change in their lives. Not only can neurofeedback alleviate negative symptoms over time, but it can also allow people to develop a greater sense of control over their lives. By staying open-minded and patient and embracing a different technique, individuals can forge a potential path toward improved mental and physical well-being, setting them up for success in other areas of life.