Clear, in-depth information about neurofeedback

This site is for people who want a better understanding of neurofeedback. We're told it's the most comprehensive discussion of neurofeedback on the net.  The more you learn, the more interesting it gets.  

Neurofeedback is a powerful clinical tool. Training helps with anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep, TBI, PTSD and more, by improving brain functioning and self-regulation.   

Introduction to neurofeedback and FAQ

Some feel the list of questions in FAQ is overwhelming - others love it.  It's all readable.  How does NF work? . . . Can it be used with meds? . . . When doesn't it work? . . . and much more.

What do top clinicians really say about neurofeedback?

Excellent information in interviews with some of the most experienced clinicans in the field.  You can listen in - and choose the questions you want to hear. . . Dr. Angelo Bolea, neuropsychologist. . . Dr. Ed Hamlin, neuropsychologist. . . Dr. Sam Roura, psychiatrist. . . Coming soon:  Dr. Joel Lubar, Dr. Robert Hill, more. 

For clinical professionals only

8 top reasons clinicians end up with neurofeedback in their practice

Adding it to a practice - Issues and questions

Make sure you're asking the right questions.How do you choose equipment, training, clinical support? What about costs, staffing, billing, insurance, certification. 

Already use neurofeedback?  What's next?

Learn one thing well before you add new tools.  When you're ready, there's other tools that are can be added to neurofeedback to improve self-regulation. 

Help to consumers

1) Tips on choosing a neurofeedback provider, and where to find them.

2) Can you do neurofeedback at home?  
A discussion of this important topic. 

Some tough questions     (also in the FAQ)
Do symptoms ever get worse?  
Does neurofeedback training hold?  
If it's so good, why aren't doctors using it widely? 
Is there enough research?
Is it experimental? 

Past, Present and Future

American Psychiatric
Association meeting

In May 2006, four psychiatrists presented at the American Psychiatric Assoc. in Toronto on neurofeedback.

How brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience is impacting neurofeedback

ADHD drugs get stronger warnings from the FDA

Ritalin and Dexadrine were among two ADHD drugs to get increased warnings from the FDA. They are to include a warning of a risk of heart problems and psychotic behaviour.

New anti-psychotic drugs carry risks for children

The first solution should be "do no harm." Many clinicians are realizing neurofeedback is a logical choice for improving self-regulation. Dr. Ed Hamlin talks about treating bipolar disorder.

NY Times talks about FMRI neurofeedback

This is a great article describing how the pain lab at Stanford is using FMRI (brain imaging) to provide feedback - so they can change certain brain patterns. They never use the word neurofeedback, but that is exactly what they are talking about.

News Article suggested by David Wecsler. 

First FMRI study on ADHD
Dr. Mario Beauregard recently published the first FMRI study documenting changes in brain activity after neurofeedback training.  FMRI imaging is a more accepted (or familiar) standard for the medical profession, and can help attract more credibility. EEG changes have already been demonstrated for years.  

Biofeedback/neurofeedback is a recognized proficiency by the American Psychological Association.

In the future
You'll see neurofeedback commonly used in MD's offices, schools, psychiatric centers and rehab centers.  The only question is time.  It must overcome inertia, and a system that does not reward improved outcomes.  Yet as the tools and technology improve, widespread acceptance is inevitable. 

Advertisement: What's the best way professionals can start learning neurofeedback? 

Common knowledge for professionals inside the field about neurofeedback

It improves the lives of at least 70-80% of clients. You come to expect success. 

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The longer you use NF (neurofeedback) the more effective it tends to become . . . and the less often you need it. 

You expect to reduce the dosage of psychotropic or CNS medications for 50-70% of clients. 

Clinicians come to expect sleep to improve within a relatively short number of sessions.  

NF reduces "therapist burnout" from talk therapy. 

It tends to make psychotherapy go better. 

Sleep problems and anxiety often change the fastest from NF training.

Neurofeedback tends to make most people feel better, or handle life better.  When the brain works better, more good things tend to happen. 

For migraines, a reduction of intensity, duration and frequency - even for people resistant to medication.

Train the right site and frequency and the brain can produce remarkable changes.  Do the wrong thing - you often see nothing.

It's as powerful an option as many medications or psychotherapy, but without long term side effects.

Within 5-10 sessions, the client and clinician often note changes in behavior, attention, or alertness.

Clients feel better.  There's a greater sense of "well-being."

There's no COOKBOOK
Neurofeedback is not easy.  Every brain can respond differently.  The art is to adapt to each brain that trains.  

What's the impact on lives - case examples

What will it take to get wider medical acceptance?

Brain Plasticity   and Brain Reorganization. These articles by the Society of Neuroscience are written without reference to neurofeedback.  Yet they help explain how changing brain activation patterns impact underlying brain behavior relationships. When will cognitive neuroscience researchers embrace neurofeedback?  It's just begining in Europe and the US.