Neurofeedback

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive and painless therapeutic method that uses brainwave measurements and feedback to normalize brain activity. Similar to biofeedback, which provides information about physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature), neurofeedback informs individuals about their brain activity. This is measured using EEG (electroencephalography) – a neurophysiological method that records brain electrical waves through electrodes placed on the scalp.

How does neurofeedback therapy work?

This method is based on detecting abnormal patterns of brain activity to correct them and ultimately establish optimal brain function. During specific activities, the brain emits electrical waves, which are measured by EEG and recorded on a graph. A computer program then provides appropriate feedback, which can be visual (video games, videos) or auditory (music, sounds). The brain is “trained” by rewarding optimal activity (e.g., success in playing a video game) and identifying moments when the client feels completely relaxed and optimally mentally alert. The therapist can adjust the training parameters based on the feedback data.

Recording responses to feedback with EEG helps the patient become aware of their brain’s reaction to various instructions and identify their own thought patterns. In this process, the patient can learn to manage brain functions, alleviate symptoms of neurological and psychological disorders, improve cognitive abilities, and establish better emotional balance.

Who are candidates for neurofeedback?

This method has proven to be an effective complementary therapy for abnormal brain activity. Positive effects of clinical neurofeedback applications have been observed in treating:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Epilepsy
• Insomnia
• Addictions
• Schizophrenia
• Learning disabilities
• Language disorders (dyslexia and dyscalculia)
• Headaches and migraines
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Poor concentration
• Emotional dysregulation
• Stroke
• Enuresis (bedwetting)
• Eating disorders
• Chronic pain
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

In addition to individuals with existing dysfunctions, candidates for neurofeedback include artists (musicians, dancers), athletes, surgeons, and anyone seeking to improve cognitive and psychomotor abilities and emotional balance for better professional performance.

Neurofeedback for children

Thanks to the ability to correct “bad” patterns and normalize brain activity, neurofeedback has shown great success in treating certain neurological and psychological disorders in children.

Neurofeedback treatments help permanently change irregular patterns and establish optimal brain function; therefore, they are effective in treating children with symptoms of ADHD, depression, sleep disorders, poor concentration and learning difficulties, as well as frequent headaches and anxiety.

Neurofeedback therapy has been shown to help children with ADHD improve attention and reduce hyperactivity; it can assist in controlling emotional responses in anxiety disorders, and in children with depressive disorder, it reduces apathy and improves mood.

How is neurofeedback therapy conducted?

The therapy is conducted in four steps:

• Individual consultations

The first step involves providing detailed information to the client about the method: its principles, limitations, and broader context. The goal is to resolve any doubts before starting therapy.

• Initial assessment

The second step focuses on determining the targeted results the client wants to achieve. For better assessment of the areas that need work, clinical interviews, checklists, and psychological tests, such as standardized attention tests, are used.

Based on the results, we can assess how successful the therapy will be in a given context and define expectations and desired outcomes. Considering all obtained information, the therapist develops an individual treatment plan. The initial assessment includes the first training session.

• Training cycle

A cycle consists of about 20 training sessions. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes. The optimal training frequency is 2 to 3 times a week, though in some cases, daily sessions may be recommended. The minimum frequency is once a week.

• Final assessment

After 20 treatments, the effectiveness of the therapy and the need for continuation are evaluated. The final assessment typically includes retesting with applied tests. Once the set goals are achieved, it is recommended to attend an additional 5 to 10 sessions to prevent the return of unwanted symptoms.

Preparation for neurofeedback treatment

In preparation for therapy, keep in mind the following:

• Arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
• Conducting therapy at the “wrong time” may result in failure.
• Therapy is conducted individually.
• If you miss the scheduled appointment or fail to cancel in advance, we reserve the right to charge 100% of the appointment fee as if the appointment had occurred.

Consultations with the neurofeedback therapist are conducted separately at the beginning and after the completion of therapy.

In addition to neurofeedback, Sinteza Polyclinic also offers Alpha Theta training, which involves a deep state for the patient.

Recovery from neurofeedback treatment

After each training session, you may experience mild mental fatigue.

 

Cost of neurofeedback therapy

The cost of diagnostics, individual treatments, and treatment packages can be checked in our price list.

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