Because of its wide scope of application, neurofeedback has met its share of the same healthy skepticism that every new approach claiming numerous benefits encounters. Nonetheless, twenty years of clinical experience support the therapy, and there are well-documented clinical reports concerning the effectiveness of neurofeedback for the following therapeutic applications.
Overview of Studies with Neurofeedback
Study of Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) and disregulation dates
back to the early 1970's. The research covers a variety of problem
areas. Over 1000 studies have been produced that are related to
Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback). A listing of these studies has
been published in book form available through the AAPB (the national
association of biofeedback).
The largest amount of research has been done in three areas: epilepsy,
addictions, and ADD/ADHD. In all three areas, studies have been
replicated, and the data collected to date provide a significant
and consistent picture of the potential usefulness of Neurofeedback
as a clinical modality. The studies in these three areas also include
research data on the role of Neurofeedback in improving sleep regulation,
depression, self-image, IQ scores, and emotional control.
The outcome data from these studies, combined with a great deal
of core research has provided the basis for innovative MD's, psychiatrists,
and psychologists to apply this tool clinically with a solid and
safe rationale. Brainwave training is a tool for improving self-regulation,
such as attention and arousal, while also producing measurable neurological
change. It can assist with organization and processing of information.
No negative long-term side effects have been identified with biofeedback
after almost thirty years. No scientific data or explanation has
ever been developed or presented that contradicts in any way the
results of the studies accumulated for Neurofeedback.
The nature of Neurofeedback therapy requires the patient and therapist
to be intelligently engaged so as to adjust and modify ongoing treatment,
for this technique to be optimal. Analogies are educational therapy
and psychotherapy. Double blind studies are uniquely appropriate
for testing drug effectiveness - but are not as well suited for
multi-variate problems. For Neurofeedback therapy, the controlled
outcome studies are the most appropriate method to determine efficacy.
Additional controlled studies are currently under way - however,
funding sources are limited. Some of the existing outcome studies
have done a good job of ruling out placebo or other non-controlled
effects.
Many of the other clinical applications - including therapy for
PMS, brain injury and strokes, chronic pain, Tourette's Syndrome,
migraines, and other emotional disorders are clinical extensions
of the work that has already been done. Improvements in these conditions
were often reported and recorded in existing studies for patients
with comorbidity. In most cases, these outcomes were unexpected,
and thus were simply reported. Many of the new clinical applications
were developed as a byproduct of treating addiction, epilepsy, and
ADD. Some research for these new applications is ongoing, but more
formal research needs to be done. However, clinicians are finding
that improvement in self-regulation affects a broad range of problems.
Because of the safety involved, the relative low cost of the therapy
and the ease of determining clinical results, clinicians are extending
the use of this tool in improving self-regulation as it relates
to other dysfunctions.
