How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Are you tired of switching medicines one after the other and making frequent visits to your doctor with a little positive outcome?

You might even notice that medicinal drugs are doing more harm than good. For this purpose, a new treatment called ‘Neurofeedback’ is climbing the charts for treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, migraines, and other related issues. 

Procedure

When you first hear the word ‘neurofeedback’, it might strike you as something scary, causing various doubts and queries to arise.

For this reason, we have summed up all the important aspects of this procedure. Here is what happens in a neurofeedback treatment:

Neurofeedback or electroencephalography (in medical terms) is a non-invasive procedure that allows patients to control their brain waves consciously.

This treatment depends on two main concepts:

1. Operant Conditioning – focuses on how a certain consequence can strengthen a behavior, as we learn from modern psychology, rewards are a great way to change behaviors.
2. Neural plasticity does not mean our brain is plastic, but it proves that the way our brain works and how it is made is always molding and adapting to various situations that are subjected to us.

During this procedure, electrodes are attached to the patient’s brain, and through this, the brain waves are recorded.

These electrical brain patterns are analyzed, and feedback is provided to the patients depending upon how normal the pattern looks.

For example, let’s consider a patient who has anxiety.

As the neurofeedback therapy is underway, the patient will try to change the negative brain pattern arising due to stress through different methods like relaxation, attentive behavior, and focusing better.

If they are successful in doing so, they will be rewarded, for example, by showing them their favorite movie or making them listen to their favorite song.

Psychologists believe that through this process of operant conditioning, they can train the brain waves to be in line with supposedly normal brain activity.

This can help resolve symptoms of multiple mental disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, depression, and many more. 

What To Look Forward To

You will be required to attend sessions once every week for an average of 20 weeks. However, the range can vary, and some may require fewer sessions. The duration relies on how you are progressing. With each session, you will start noticing positive changes in your sleep cycle, stress levels, and mental activity.

Remember, neurofeedback is therapy, not a cure. It helps train your brain to function healthily by repeated training sessions. 

Looking For a Neurofeedback Practitioner

• Make sure your neurofeedback practitioner is licensed and has overall good reviews.
• They should be well equipped with all the necessary equipment required for this procedure.
• The practitioner must have a profound understanding of brain functioning.
• You must feel comfortable enough to share your issues to work out the problems more efficiently.

The Takeaway

Neurofeedback is a relatively new concept in managing and reducing stress. The procedure can prove beneficial for you by helping you overcome different mental problems. That can otherwise prove difficult to manage.

Alquimedez Mental Health Counselling offers expert advice to patients looking to explore how exactly does neurofeedback works and how they could benefit by availing of this therapy.