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 Neurofeedback is one type of biofeedback wherein maps of brain activity offer the data. A patient entering into neurofeedback therapy is first interviewed to discern if they are a good candidate–someone with neurological disabilities such as extreme anxiety, insomnia, addiction or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Once the patient is determined to be a good candidate, a map is made of the brain through a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG). This map is then compared to a base group of brain maps previously determined to represent “healthy normals.” Of course, not all abnormalities are unhealthy; however, if brain activity is irregular, such as showing slow brain activity, and the patient verbalizes symptoms that correlate with the brain map, such as a complaint of lack of concentration, neurofeedback may help.
Approximately 25 to 35 sessions are recommended, usually done two to three times weekly. In these sessions, sensors are strategically attached to the head to read brain activity and the patient is able to watch a screen and/or listen to sounds in correlation with his/her own brain activity. The patients, particularly children, enjoy watching Pac-man and Space Invaders while utilizing their brain activity to move the characters opposed to their hands. Patients also enjoy listening to music or peaceful sounds which represent their own brain activity and “over time, with learning, a person’s baseline brainwave can become closer and closer to ideal.”
- The basics of neurofeedback
- The sensors with conducting gel are placed gently against the scalp and serve to deliver brainwave information to the computer.
- Using neurofeedback, the client observes their brain activity in ‘real time’.
- The client then learns somehow to self-regulate, and ‘normalize’ the targeted brainwave patterns.
- How do neurofeedback protocols train specific brainwave patterns?
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- The EEG biofeedback programs are designed to provide immediate feedback to inhibit or reward particular EEG changes as they occur.
- This allows the training process to occur as these seemingly involuntary changes in brain-state become established and/or intentional.
- Improvements in brainwaves are long-lasting, as are the benefits, including relief of symptoms.
- Who benefits from neurofeedback?
The following syndromes have published evidence of effectiveness using Neurofeedback:
- ADHD / ADD
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Insomnia
- Addiction
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- What evidence-based research support exists for neurofeedback?
- academic cognitive enhancement
- addiction
- behavior disorders
- brain injury
- chronic fatigue
- cognitive decline
- coma
- chronic insomnia
- ADD, ADHD
- anxiety
- depression
- dissociative disorders
- epilepsy
- fibromyalgia
- Headache/migraine
- learning disabilities
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- The ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) neurofeedback principle
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- Attention deficit and poor behavioral control (as in ADHD) are associated with distinctive alterations in EEG frequency rhythms that emerge over specific topographic regions of the brain. (These abnormal patterns may be identified by a QEEG ‘brain map’)
- EEG feedback training directed at normalizing these rhythms may yield sustaining clinical benefits
- What is a QEEG?
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- 19 sensors placed around the head.
- Scalp contact with electrode gel.
- Sensors picks up EEG signals of brain’s electrical activity
- Relative electrical activity measured at each point used to generate a report.
- Hair is parted out of the way to place sensors with gel on the scalp. Electrical brain wave signals are transmitted to the computer where the data is recorded and processed.
- What do QEEG brain maps do?
- Takes the signals from the brain and reports the data ‘graphically’
- Compares client’s EEG data to a data-base of normal ‘healthy’ brains.
- Brainwave patterns that differ from significantly the norm may help explain some clinical symptoms.
- What is a Continuous Performance Test?
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- Identifies inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Helps improve diagnostic accuracy of ADHD
- Accurately assesses treatment and medication effects.
- Test-retest reliability and stability
- Prescribing principles for neurofeedback
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- QEEG Brain map used to inform Neurofeedback therapy
- Only treat brain map findings that correlate to target symptoms.
- Clients normally notice some improvement within 15 sessions.
- 25-35 neurotherapy sessions typically required to reach goals
- What is a typical neurofeedback visit?
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- Sessions last about 1 hour, including progress notes and set-up, and training.
- Most ADHD clients notice improvement within 10-15 sessions.
- Average treatment series is about 30-40 sessions… until symptoms stabilize.
- What are the neurofeedback training goals?
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- EEG training involves specific computer programs to reward or inhibit tiny electrical activities in the brain.
- We use the QEEG Brain Map to guide the EEG neurofeedback training strategy … designed to normalize the abnormal brainwave pattern.
- What does a brain map show?
- Identifies specific frequencies of brainwave (i.e., theta) and how they differ from the data base of ‘normal/healthy’ brains.
- Quantifies the level of deviation from normal.
- Tells exactly where in the brain the abnormal pattern exists.
- Gives the doctor more information to help explain the symptoms.
- Helps to guide and inform the appropriate treatment plan, including neurofeedback
- Is lead toxic to the brain?
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- Lead can damage a child's central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system and, at higher levels, can cause coma, convulsions, and death.
- Even low levels of lead are harmful and are associated with decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development, decreased stature and growth, and impaired hearing acuity
- Neurobehavioral deficits resembling attention deficit disorder have also been found in lead-exposed children.
- Blood lead concentrations of 20-25 µg/100 ml can cause irreversible CNS damage in children
- Additional Information
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- How can I schedule a neurofeedback appointment?
- The Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center has added additional hours for neurofeedback patient visits. Patients now have the opportunity to schedule appointments in the evenings on Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 – 9:00 pm and on Saturday mornings from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
- To schedule an appointment, contact Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center at 480-858-9100.
 John Dye, N.D.
Dr. Dye is a graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine (1979), where he completed a residency in Family Practice. He offers a broad-scope practice with expertise in the areas of mood and cognitive enhancement, longevity medicine, diabetes care, and hormone replacement therapy. Dr Dye is medical director for the clinic’s biofeedback department, and has developed neurofeedback services to address brain disorders. Dr Dye’s focus includes mind-body healing methods for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological disorders. Dr. Dye is chair of the Mind/Body Medicine Department at SCNM and teaches endocrinology, biofeedback, and mind-body medicine courses. He is an attending physician and Department Chair of Mind-Body Medicine.
To read more on Dr. Dye, click here.
Leslie Sherlin, PhD
Leslie Sherlin received his undergraduate degree and first years of graduate school from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville while working in the Brain Research and Neuropsychology laboratory of Dr. Joel Lubar, a pioneer in neurofeedback with attention disorders. To further the integration of advanced EEG imaging he gained training in Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) directly from the developer Dr. Roberto Pascual-Marqui. Following this training he co-founded Nova Tech EEG, Inc. a company with the goals of the development and widespread distribution of powerful, flexible and accessible tools for the Brain Electromagnetic Research with Dr. Marco Congedo. He remains the president of Nova Tech EEG, Inc today.
Leslie holds the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and is currently a doctoral candidate (Ph.D.) completing his dissertation in Psychology. Following his first 5 years of intensive research in QEEG and LORETA, he was employed in Scottsdale, AZ practicing QEEG analysis and neurofeedback clinically for 3 years. In addition to being president of Nova Tech EEG, Inc, he now currently is adjunct faculty at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, AZ teaching neurofeedback and biofeedback. He continues to practice neurofeedback clinically at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center; is Adjunct Research Associate Faculty at SCNM Research Department and is director of rapid reporting services for Q-Metrx, Inc. in Burbank, CA, a QEEG analysis service. He teaches courses in quantitative electroencephalography and interpretation for the Stens Corporation and lectures frequently to professional organizations on these topics. He is involved in several cutting edge research projects in the field of QEEG, neurofeedback and biofeedback. He is certified at the Diplomate level in QEEG and Neurofeedback and is a BCIA Certified EEG Biofeedback Practitioner.
 Katherine A. Raymer, M.D., N.M.D.
Dr. Katherine Raymer is a board-certified general psychiatrist,
fellowship-trained child and adolescent psychiatrist and naturopathic
physician. She graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
in 2005 and, from available records, is the first board-certified
general psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist to graduate
from an accredited naturopathic medical college. Dr. Raymer received her
M.D. from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She completed
residency training in general psychiatry at Barnes Hospital in St.
Louis, MO (Washington University School of Medicine) and at the
University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals. She also completed
residency training in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University
of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals. Dr. Raymer was Medical Director of
the Adolescent Affective Treatment Service (inpatient unit) at the
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Co-Medical Director of
the adolescent inpatient unit at the University of Southern California
School of Medicine. She went on to complete a fellowship in the
Neurobiology of Schizophrenia at the University of Iowa School of
Medicine. Dr. Raymer currently resides at Southwest College of
Naturopathic Medicine as an adjunct assistant professor of mind-body
medicine and research associate faculty. She is an adjunct clinical
faculty member at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center.
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