What is Neurofeedback



What is Neurofeedback?

With individualized coaching from Dr. Baker, clients navigate games and exercises with their mind to promote healthy brain function. Neurofeedback acts as a drug-free solution for attention deficits, learning difficulties, executive functioning weaknesses, anxiety, and neurological disorders (e.g., traumatic brain injury) by improving mental performance, emotional control, information processing, and memory in people of all ages (e.g., children 5+ years old through adults). Neurofeedback can also be used by individuals already taking medication, if desired. Dr. Baker uses top of the line, highly sophisticated technologies, including the Deymed Truscan 24 amplifier, combined with Neuroguide Quantitative EEG (i.e., qEEG) and Neurofeedback systems. This includes the Loreta 19-Channel Z-Score Neurofeedback NF2 Module, which has demonstrated strong efficacy in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions.

 

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

We use EEG technology to snapshot brain activity to identify neurologically-based strengths and weaknesses. Results of the qEEG guide intervention to target specific areas of the brain and reward positive activity corresponding to improved focus, memory, learning, and positive mood. In Neurofeedback sessions, clients are reinforced (through game formats) for changing their brain wave patterns. Some clients and/or parents report noticing some improvement after only one session. Clients may also rent a home device (i.e., Audio Visual Entrainment) between sessions, particularly if clients are only able to attend one session per week (as two sessions per week is desirable to maintain regular practice and learning). Sessions typically last for 30-40 minutes.

Is There Research Evidence That Neurofeedback Works?

Over the past 15 years, numerous studies have supported the benefits of Neurofeedback for various conditions, including ADHD. In fact, Neuroguide (the program Dr. Baker uses) achieved FDA approval in 2003 for functions related to ADHD and Traumatic Brain Injury. The use of qEEG technology lies at the root of Neurofeedback technology and is now being used all over the world as an alternative treatment approach for ADHD and other disorders. qEEG and Neurofeedback has even become reimbursable through insurance companies under certain circumstances for certain type of conditions. Dr. Baker can provide clients with a superbill to submit to their insurance companies for qEEG and Neurofeedback sessions.  

Four randomized controlled trials have shown Neurofeedback to be superior to a (semiactive) control group, whereby the requirements for Level 4: Efficacious are fulfilled (Criteria for evaluating the level of evidence for efficacy established by the AAPB and ISNR). In line with the AAPB and ISNR guidelines for rating clinical efficacy, both prospective controlled studies and studies employing a pre- and post-design concluded Neurofeedback treatment for ADHD was considered ‘Efficacious and Specific’ (Level 5) with a large Effect Size (ES) for inattention and impulsivity, and a medium ES for hyperactivity. These results are consistent with meta-analytic research showing that Neurofeedback is equal or superior to stimulant medication in the treatment of inattention and impulsivity. The effects of Neurofeedback have been found to persist up to 9 years or longer (after Neurofeedback treatment was ended), whereas medication effects were found to end once the medication was discontinued. Although medication may be slightly more effective than Neurofeedback in the treatment of hyperactivity symptoms, the lower potential for side-effects of Neurofeedback treatment (in comparison to medication) result in many clients and/or parents choosing Neurofeedback instead of medication for the treatment of hyperactivity. It is also possible to use both medication and Neurofeedback in the treatment of symptoms associated with ADHD.

A recent 2013 study found significant improvements in auditory memory and reading memory across all groups (including individuals with Reading Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and normals who wanted to improve these cognitive skills), and also documented improvements in neurological functioning based on follow-up qEEG.

As described in an article (available at the bottom of this page) by Hammond (2011), peer-reviewed and scientific research has strongly supported the use of Neurofeedback with ADHD, learning disabilities (e.g., reading disorder/dyslexia), autism-spectrum disorders, neurological disorders (e.g., traumatic brain injury and stroke), anxiety, migraine headaches, and alcohol and substance abuse; and has shown some support for the treatment of depression. Neurofeedback has also been used successfully in optimizing peak performance in athletes, musicians, and surgeons. Although Neurofeedback has been found to be effective in the treatment of certain individuals with epilepsy, we do not treat clients with a history of seizures unless we remain in close contact with the treating neurologist.

Cost of qEEG and Neurofeedback

New Clients (i.e., those who have not seen us for a neuropsychological, psychological, or psychoeducational evaluation):

For clients seeing us for the first time, the cost of a qEEG (which includes a clinical interview, qEEG assessment, feedback session, and report illustrating the results), along with administration of brief cognitive testing of attention and impulse control (TOVA), is $900. If clients decide to pursue Neurofeedback sessions, the cost is $180 per session. Depending on the condition, clients typically reach their goals within 15-30 sessions. Symptom monitoring is often conducted through the use of repeat cognitive testing, behavioral questionnaires, and/or follow-up qEEG assessments (the latter of which can document changes in neurological functioning related to Neurofeedback, as has been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies).

Returning Clients (i.e., those who have received a neuropsychological, psychological, or psychological evaluation with Dr. Baker):

For clients we have seen before, the cost of a qEEG (which includes a feedback session and report illustrating the results) is $600. If clients decide to pursue Neurofeedback sessions, the cost is $170 per session. Depending on the condition, clients typically reach their goals within 15-30 sessions. Symptom monitoring is often conducted through the use of repeat cognitive testing, behavioral questionnaires, and/or follow-up qEEG assessments (the latter of which can document changes in neurological functioning related to Neurofeedback, as has been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies).

How Do I Get Started?

Your first appointment will consist of brain mapping using qEEG technology, in addition to an interview with the client (and/or the parent of child clients). This appointment will typically last about an hour, although possibly longer (1.5 hours) if additional cognitive testing is also conducted. Dr. Baker will then meet with the client and/or parent for a feedback session (usually the following week) to review the results and provide recommendations. If clients and/or parents decide to proceed with a trial of Neurofeedback, the results of brain mapping will guide treatment. Give us a call at 602-274-1462 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Research Articles

Clients or parents interested in learning more about QEEG assessment and Neurofeedback can download and read the following articles from peer-reviewed scientific journals which describe the potential benefits associated with QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback. WILL PASTE SEVERAL ARTICLES HERE

QEEG and Neurofeedback Case Studies

WILL PASTE CASE STUDIES STUFF FROM ANOTHER WEBSITE HERE

 

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download