Neurofeedback: The Effective and Permanent Alternative to Medication for Adults and Children

What is Neurofeedback (NF)?
EGG neurofeedback (also referred to as EEG biofeedback) is a treatment for the brain disregulation that occurs in many conditions including Attention Deficit Disorder and concentration problems, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, behavior disorders, sleep disorders, headaches, migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum and cerebral palsy.

How Does NF work?
Through NF, a person trains their brain to use the correct brain waves and consequently to regulate itself. When information about a person's brainwaves is made available to them, they can learn to change them. It is a type of brain work-out.
What does the process involve?
The first session involves an initial interview to obtain a description of symptoms and to get a picture of the client’s health history and family history. Testing may also be done. The second and subsequent sessions involve the actual NF training sessions. Just as the doctor places a stethoscope on your chest to detect a heartbeat, the NF practitioner places sensors on your head to detect brain wave signals. Then, a computer transforms those signals into graphics and sound that appear in a video game form (e.g. pacman). Let’s say a client wants to learn how to be alert instead of distracted, every time the brain moves into an alert state the client hears a beep and sees graphics move on the computer screen. The more the client uses the correct brainwaves (relaxed, calm, focused), the faster the video game moves. The more the client uses the wrong brainwaves (inattentive, distracted), the slower it moves. In this way the client learns to change his/her brainwaves and thereby to train his/her brain to reach mental states previously unachievable. The NF process is a painless and non-invasive one.
Research shows that many common disorders are caused by dysfunctional brain wave patterns. Through NF training, a person’s brain learns to become more flexible, resilient and efficient.
How long does it take to see improvements?
Some improvement is generally seen within ten sessions. It takes approximately 30 to 50 sessions (depending on the severity and complexity of the symptoms) for the symptoms to be entirely corrected. Clients often continue to improve after sessions end. In most cases, benefits are entirely permanent.
What results can be obtained?
  1. improved mood
  2. normalisation of anxiety levels
  3. normalisation of sleep
  4. improved concentration, organisation and memory
  5. elimination of hyperactivity
  6. normalisation of impulsivity
  7. improved academic performance
Are there any side effects?
Neurofeedback has no negative side effects.
From what age can NF be administered?
From the age of 3 years.
How effective is NF?
Neurofeedback is effective in 75-80 % of cases.
What does it cost?
The initial assessment costs $195 while each session thereafter costs $90. Medicare and private health rebates apply. Please note that Medicare will give refunds on 12 to 18 sessions for clients with ADHD, anxiety and depression.
Where can I get more information on NF?

  1. Go to:

    2. www.aboutneurofeedback.com

    www.aboutneurofeedback.com/australia.ADHD.video.php

    www.video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3094026504504417789

    www.healing-arts.org/children/ADHD/biofeedback.htm

    www.peakachievement.com/articles/Article--Neurofeedback%20for%20Training%20Childrens%20Attention.htm

    www.eegfeedback.org/articles.htm

  2. Google “Neurofeedback” or “What is neurofeedback”. Add “ADHD”, “anxiety”, “depression”, or “insomnia” to the google search for more information about neurofeedback and the treatment of each of these.

  3. . For information about NF for the treatment of ADHD refer to one or both of the following books:

    4. Getting Rid of Ritalin: How Neurofeedback Can Successfully Treat ADD Without Drugs

    by E. Castro, R. W. Hill

    And

    The 20-Hour Solution

    by M. Steinberg, Ph.D. and S. Othmer, Ph.D.

Testimonials ...

In 2003, my 11 year-old daughter, Tessa was diagnosed with ADHD and I was given a script for Ritalin. I did not want Tessa to go on medication and I wasn’t sure what to do. Then I heard about neurofeedback. I thought that I would give it a try. The benefits that she got after 30 half-hour sessions of neurofeedback are so many. First, she no longer showed signs of ADHD. At school Tessa was able to complete her tasks instead of constantly being distracted. She stopped fidgeting and her behaviour in the classroom was no longer a problem. Academically, she also progressively improved. As her concentration got better so did her reading and writing. At home, she completed her homework far more easily. She was also less angry and aggressive, more rational and more compliant. Tessa was also generally happier in herself and with her friends. Through councelling, Tessa and I also worked with Chantal through certain specific difficult behaviours that are now no longer a problem. Af ter the benefits that I saw in Tessa, I would recommend Chantal and neurofeedback to any parent with a child with ADHD.
Cathy P., mother of Tessa, 11 years.

When I first came to see Chantal, I was on two medications for the treatment of my anxiety and depression. Despite being on these meds, however, I was not feeling that well at all. The meds just weren’t doing it for me. I had no motivation to do anything. Everything felt like an effort. I felt tired a lot. I found everything overwhelming. Sometimes I would become terrified over insignificant matters like having many things to do. At times even going to the supermarket was overwhelming for me. I felt like I wasn’t really living, only surviving. I had lost my zest for life. After only a few sessions of neurofeedback with Chantal, I started to feel better. I was less tired, irritable, anxious and depressed. I could push myself to do things. After a few more sessions, I started to gain my energy and motivation again. I started going out more and enjoying myself. And I even began joking with my friends! Now that I have completed my treatment with Chantal, I feel like a different person. I feel great. I am calm. My energy and motivation are back. I now feel that I have control of my emotions. Life is no longer an “effort”.
Lucy, 47 years.

I had insomnia for 3 years prior to starting neurofeedback. For all that time, I had trouble falling asleep at night and I woke early almost every morning. Prior to my treatment, I had tried to attend a sleep clinic and my sleep improved somewhat but was still very poor. I had also tried melatonin, breathing techniques, warm milk and the typical recommended restrictions such as caffeine and alcohol at night but nothing seemed to help. Within a few neurofeedback sessions, I began to feel less anxious about falling asleep at night and my mood improved. I also began to go back to sleep much quicker after waking early. After a few more session, I began to fall asleep far more easily, I stopped being crabby in the mornings and I was brighter and happier during the day. It did take about 30 sessions for me to sleep just as well as I used to and another 10 sessions to make sure it stuck but was it ever worth it! There’s nothing like sleeping properly.
Angelo, 28 years.

Before neurofeedback, my son, Maurice was angry most of the time. He was also very aggressive and distructive. And he would often be defiant, refusing to do as he was told. After completing 26 sessions, his behaviour improved significantly at home and at school. Maurice is now much better able to focus both in the classroom and when he does homework. He is also generally more settled, less argumentative and less angry. He has become much better able to control his temper. He almost never hits or has a tantrum anymore. He is much happier within himself and with his friends. Chantal also taught us how to create changes in our family environment and discipline that further helped improve Maurice’s behaviour and compliance.
Samia, mother of Maurice, 8 years.

Before doing neurofeedback with Chantal, I would be very forgetful. I would often walk into a room and forget what I was going there for. And I would forget if I had taken my medication. I would often lose things, especially my bag, phone and keys. I also had a difficult time concentrating when I was working or reading. When driving, I had a hard time focusing on the road and my mind would often wander. I would spend a lot of time daydreaming and I procrastinated for even the smallest of tasks. After neurofeedback, I definitely saw a marked improvement with my memory. Now, I no longer lose my bag, keys or mobile phone daily. My procrastinating and daydreaming have improved significantly. I am able to concentrate better, especially when I read and drive. I am more organised. And I generally find I have a lot more clarity in my mind.
Rita K., 56 years.
 
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