If you have been struggling with anxiety, neurofeedback can help you achieve and maintain a more serene state of mind during times of elevated fear or worry.
History of Neurofeedback Therapy
The use of neurofeedback for anxiety and other mental health conditions is a relatively recent development. But neurofeedback itself is based on several decades of independent and collaborative research.
Four key moments in the development of this approach date from the 1920s to the 1960s:
- In an attempt to find scientific support for telepathic communication, German physicist Hans Berger invented the electroencephalogram (EEG) in 1924.
- In the late 1950s, Dr. Joe Kamiya of the University of Chicago used EEGs to prove that people can alter their brain activity in response to a simple reward system. Many experts consider Kamiya to be “the father of neurofeedback.”
- In the 1960s, research conducted by Dr. Barry Sterman of UCLA determined that cats could control their brainwaves in order to prompt a machine to release a food pellet.
- In 1964 at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, Dr. Elmer Green and his wife Alyce Green began to study how humans might control brainwaves and other physiological functions.
Though the science of neurofeedback has changed considerably through the ensuing 60 years, this approach continues to be influenced by the work of Berger, Kamiya, Sterman, and the Greens.
Benefits of Using Neurofeedback for Anxiety
To understand neurofeedback how can be beneficial for someone who has been struggling with anxiety, it can be helpful to first review some fundamental facts about brainwaves.
What Are Brainwaves?
Activity in the human brain involves a variety of brief electrical pulses, which are commonly referred to as brainwaves and measured in units called hertz (Hz).
Researchers have identified five types of brainwaves:
- Delta waves have a frequency of 0.5-4 Hz. They are the slowest of the five wave types. Your brain usually generates these types of waves while you are in a deep sleep.
- Theta waves fall into the 4-8 Hz range. These types of waves typically occur when you are daydreaming, about to fall asleep, or otherwise allowing your mind to drift.
- Alpha waves are in the 8-13 Hz frequency range. When you are awake but relaxed, such as while meditating or taking a break, your brain is likely to be producing alpha waves.
- Beta waves can range from 13-30 Hz. Your brain will typically generate beta waves when you are paying attention to a lecture, engaging in conversation, or otherwise performing an activity that requires concentration.
- Gamma waves are the most rapid of the five brain wave types. They also have the greatest frequency span, from 30-100 Hz. If your brain is generating gamma waves, this means that you are probably learning something new, working to solve a problem, or otherwise exerting significant cognitive effort.
Brainwaves and Anxiety
As you may have noticed in the descriptions above, delta, theta, and alpha waves are associated with periods of calmness, both when awake (alpha and theta waves) and asleep (delta).
As your mind becomes more active and engaged, your brainwaves will move into the beta and gamma ranges. If you’re working on a project or reading a book, this is a good thing. But if you’re worried or fearful, that can be a problem.
EEG studies have linked higher frequency beta waves (such as those at 20 Hz or higher) with feelings such as insecurity, fear, anxiety, and panic.
When these difficult emotions pass, your brainwaves will return to a lower frequency. But you have an anxiety disorder, these types of emotions can become virtually omnipresent. That’s where neurofeedback can help.
How Neurofeedback Can Help
During a neurofeedback session, you will sit in a comfortable chair while a member of your treatment team places several electrodes on your scalp. These electrodes do not actively influence your brain activity – their sole function is to measure the frequency of your brainwaves.
Once the electrodes have been attached, you will begin to engage in some type of activity such as watching a movie, playing a video game, or listening to music. For the purposes of this example, let’s say your session involves watching a movie:
- As long as your brain waves remain in the alpha or low beta range, the screen will remain bright and you can enjoy the film.
- If the electrode sensors detect that your brainwaves have crossed into the “anxiety zone,” the screen you’re watching will begin to dim.
- When your brainwave frequency returns to the desired target area, the screen will brighten again.
Over time, these positive (bright screen) and negative (dim screen) cues will train you how to keep your brainwaves in the alpha or low beta range. In the future, when you begin to feel fearful or anxious, this training can help you generate the types of brainwaves that will return you to a more serene state of mind.
Are There Side Effects of Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback is a noninvasive approach that does not require sedation or any type of medication. This minimizes, but does not entirely eliminate, the risk of adverse effects.
Among patients who do experience side effects, the most common types are:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle tension
More serious – but much less common — side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Abnormal sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
If you experience any type of distress during or after a neurofeedback session, discuss your concerns with the professional who is providing your care. They can adjust your treatment or, if necessary, discontinue your neurofeedback sessions.
How to Find the Best Neurofeedback Therapy Near You
When you’re evaluating neurofeedback therapy providers, asking the following questions can help you make the best choice:
- Does the center offer other services, or only neurofeedback?
- How will they determine if you are a good candidate for neurofeedback therapy?
- What are the qualifications of the professional who will be providing your neurofeedback therapy?
- What types of neurofeedback technology do they use?
- What happens if you develop side effects?
- How do they define a successful neurofeedback experience?
- Does the center offer discharge planning or aftercare support?
- What have previous clients said about their experience at the center?
- Does the center accept your insurance?
Contact Conscious Health About Treating Anxiety With Our Neurofeedback Therapy
Conscious Health offers a dynamic array of innovative, evidence-based interventions, including neurofeedback therapy, to help adults who have been living with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 11/25/2024
