The neurofeedback (word that means “return of neuronal information”) is a painless and non -invasive methodology. It allows you to derive information on the person’s brain electric activity, to meant that the brain itself can regulate its activity by optimizing it. It is a very advanced methodology, the result of a century of research in various scientific areas, including particularly the neuroscience.
The current Neurofedback systems They derive from the sites of Biofeedback first and EEG Biofeedback then. Born in the 60s as devices to help people, through specific exercises, to correct their muscle and cerebral activity. The first neurofeedback systems that were developed (linear models) referred to a “brain model”. We tried to bring the electric activity of the user’s brain, correcting it through specific exercises, towards this “ideal” model.
Evolution of neurofeedback and recent developments
To date the most advanced evolution of neurofeedback systems It led to the non -linear dynamic system. Unique in its kind, as it is the brain of each user who acts as a reference. Precisely with this subjective reference we try to optimize its functioning, in order to increase mental efficiency and emotional well -being.
It is in fact a system that continually adapts to the single person in every single instant. He does not direct the activity of the nervous system in any way. It is therefore not a question of a diagnostic tool or medical treatment. Neurofeedback provides a source of information for the brain by training it at optimal operation. A “theoretical” normality is not set (as happens in linear neurofeedback systems) but self -regulation and self -resorting are stimulated.
Principles on which non -linear dynamic neurofeedback is based
This type of neurofeedback is based on two cardinal principles of the operation of the brain: the neuroplasticity and theDynamic omitted. These were clearly highlighted by neuroscientific studies. These two terms describe the brain’s ability to modify and reorganize the connections between neurons through the multiple experiences of daily life. Through learning, throughout our life, continuously looking for the best possible chemical-physical balance (homeostasis).
Once it was thought that the brain was no longer able to enrich itself after 25 years of age. Today it has been shown that over 90 years of life the brain is able to evolve, learn and adapt to new requests and conditions. The neurons, if stimulated, continue to renew themselves and this “regrowth” contributes to well -being.
The possibility of the brain to regulate can in fact be disturbed by various types of physical and mental trauma. The result is more important or important disorders on the physical, cognitive and emotional level.
For those who can be useful, neurofeedback
The Non -linear dynamic neurofeedback It has been recently recognized (October 2018) by the American food and drug Administration as “General Wellness”, that is, as a general instrument of well -being. It can therefore be carried out by all operators adequately trained and bring benefits beyond specific diagnostic aspects.
The use of non -linear dynamic neurofeedback appears to date promising and enhanceable for aspects related to anxiety and stress (panic, insomnia, headaches), depressive and dermatological disturbances. Very useful in behavior disorders such as aggression, shots of anger and impulsiveness (e.g. ADHD) but also for compulsive behaviors linked or not to the use of substances.
Does neurofeedback work?
The first Scientific publications on neurofeedback traditional have already been starting from the 70s. Various authors have experienced it in the most frequent mental disorders. For example: in anxiety, Garrett (1), Egner (2); in obsessive compulsive disorder, Hammond (3); in depression, Hammond (4) (5); In insomnia, Moore (6) and Garrett (7).
To date, the University of Victoria in Canada has collected the data of more than one million sessions and conducted large statistical studies. These provide percentages of effectiveness of training with non -linear dynamic neurofeedback very encouraging. Improvement rates are 83.3% in insomnia, 87.2% for migraine and 72.4% in tachycardia. All conditions that significantly lower the quality of life of people.
Neurofeedback and psychosomatic
Other “psychosomatic” disorders also benefit from this method. For example, for fibromyalgia and other chronic pains, the University of Victoria reports effectively to 73.8%. While for gastrointestinal disorders it certifies its effectiveness in 80% of cases. An Italian study conducted in collaboration with the University of Palermo (Lanza, 2018) is underway, which is evaluating its effectiveness for the tinnitus disorder. Although the definitive results are awaited, neurofeedback appears very useful to treat an disabling disorder and with scarce or no efficacy on the part of other approaches. The preliminary results also highlight that, even in patients in whom there is no decrease in the intensity and frequency of the auper, there is a reduction in the state of anxiety. In fact, often this disorder is accompanied and to other secondary disorders such as insomnia and migraine that make tinnitus disorder even more disabling. It is therefore essential to improve the patient’s ability to adapt and the quality of life.
Neurofeedback and dermatological problems
Another field in which the University of Victoria has conducted efficacy studies is that of dermatological problemsthick times linked to psychosomatic aspects. In these cases, the significant attenuation of the stress -related parameters benefits in 70% of cases.
Dr. Jean Alvarez published in 2013 an important study in the journal Supply Cancer Therapies on the use of non -linear dynamic neurofeedback. He measured cognitive deterioration, fatigue, sleep and emotional unease (in particular anxiety and depression) in 23 women who showed chemobrain symptoms after pharmacological treatments for breast cancer.
In the initial measurements, the participants showed higher scores than the normal population to all the questionnaires. After 20 Neurofeedback sessions The subjects were indistinguishable from the normal population regarding almost all the measured variables.
In the study of Ali Nazari et al. of 2011 (9) indicates the Effective neurofedback training for ADHD and non-resonders to pharmacological treatment.
Indications and contraindications of dynamic neurofeedback
To date, with the data available, everyone can make use of the help provided by non -linear dynamic neurofedback. In fact, there are no exclusion criteria compared to age, psychophysical condition or in the presence of any pathologies with the exception of strong hearing loss. Training has no side effects and is not absolutely invasive. It imposes nothing to the central nervous system but facilitates the correct processing of information by the brain. Send a return information that is not an “electrical stimulation”, but a signal that is sent to the brain through a micro interruption of listening to music.
Anyone who wishes to better use their brain can be benefited from this innovative tool and enhance both physical and mental resources. Improving the ability of attention and concentration In fact, it can help anyone, from managers to sportsmen, from professionals to children.
Last but not least, this tool also seems promising as an integration to psychotherapeutic treatments. It helps to overcome blocing moments and strengthen the results achieved. It can be joined to drug therapies to improve their effectiveness and compliance. However, the role of the operator is fundamental in accompanying the person during this experience and in his process of change.
Bibliography
- Garrett BL, Silver MP. The use of emg and alpha biofeedback to relieve test anxiety in College Students. In: Wickramasekera I, Editor. Biofeedback, Behavior Therapy, and Hypnosis. Chicago: Nelson-Hall; 1976
- Egner T, Gruzelier JH. Ecological Validity of Neurofeedback: Modulation of Slow Wave Eeg Enhances Musical Performance. Neuroreport 2003; 14 (9): 1221–4
- Hammond dc. Treatment of Obsessional Ocd with Neurofeedback. Biofeedback 2004; 32: 9–12
- Hammond dc. Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression with the Roshi. Journal of Neurotherapy 2000; 4 (2): 45 – 56
- Hammond. Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression and Anxiety. J adult dev, 2005; Vol 12: 131-135
- Moore nc. A Review of Eeg Biofeedback Treatment of Anxienty Disorders. Clin electro- encephallogr 2000; 31 (1): 1–6
- Garrett BL, Silver MP. The use of emg and alpha biofeedback to relieve test anxiety in College Students. In: Wickramasekera I, Editor. Biofeedback, Behavior Therapy, and Hypnosis. Chicago: Nelson-Hall; 1976.
- Alvarez J. et al., The Effect of Eeg Biofeedback On Reducing Postcancer Cognitive Impairement, Supplementary Cancer Therasphes 2013; 12 (6) 475–487
- Ali Nazari et al. Effectiveness of EEG BIOFEEDBACK AS APPREDED WITH METHYLPhenidate in The Treatment of Attention-Deposit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Clinical Outcome Study, Neuroscience & Medicine2011, 2, 78-86)
- Sebern F. Fischer. Neurofeedback in the treatment of trauma of development. Cortina Raffaello, 2017
