Neurofeedback (NFB), also
called neurotherapy,
neurobiofeedback or
EEG biofeedback, enables an
individual to train
brainwave activity, as measured by
electrodes on the
scalp, via
feedback of
EEG information in the form of a
video display, sound or vibration. If
brain activity changes in the direction
desired by the therapist, a positive
"reward" feedback is given to the
individual, and if it regresses, either a
negative feedback or no feedback is given
(depending on the protocol). Rewards can be
as simple as a change in pitch of a tone or
as complex as a certain type of movement of
a character in a video game. This experience
could be called
operant conditioning for internal
states.
A number of different brainwave goals
have been proposed by different researchers
in the field. Generally, these goals are
based upon research describing abnormal EEG
patterns or on results from a quantititative
EEG (QEEG). A popular goal is the increase
of activity in the 12–18 Hz band (beta1/SMR
(sensori-motor rhythm)) and a decrease in
the 4–8 Hz and/or 22–28 Hz bands (theta
and/or beta2). The most common and
well-documented use of neurofeedback is in
the treatment of
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:
multiple studies have shown neurofeedback to
be useful in the treatment of ADHD
[1]
(Butnik 2005) (Masterpasqual et al
2003). QEEG has shown that ADHD is often
characterized by an abundance of slow
brainwaves and a diminished quantity of fast
wave activity (Butnik 2005); neurofeedback
treatment seeks to teach individuals to
produce more normalized EEG patterns.
Some ADHD researchers are unconvinced by
these studies, including the psychiatry
professor and author of several books on
ADHD,
Russell Barkley.
Barkely opines that neurotherapy's
effectiveness in treating ADHD can be
ascribed to either uncontrolled
case
studies
or the
placebo effect
[2]:
in return, neurofeedback advocates note that
Barkely has received research funds and
personal remuneration from drug giant
Eli
Lilly pharmaceutical
and other drug companies
[3]
[4]
[5].
Other areas where neurofeedback has been
researched include treatment of
substance abuse,
anxiety,
depression,
epilepsy,
and
MTBI.
