Neuroeducation is one of the only clinics in the Inland Northwest to use Neurofeedback as a component of our Behavioral/Psychological Care process. Our on-staff certified Neurofeedback therapist has provided this therapy since 1985.

What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback or EEG Biofeedback involves helping a person learn how to modify his or her brainwave activity and behavior to:

• Improve attention, impulsivity
• Reduce anxiety
• Reduce depressive symptoms
• Reduce angry, aggressive behavior
• Reduce tension headaches, migraines, muscle tenseness

Neurons that fire together, wire together. The more we repeat the same actions and thoughts the more we encourage the formation of certain connections and the more fixed the neural circuits for that activity become.

John Ratey, MD User’s Guide to the Brain

Neurofeedback allows you to get instantaneous feedback about brain wave activity.

How does Neurofeedback work?
Brainwave activity is measured on an EEG (electroencephalogram). The sensors are placed on the scalp and ear and pick up on the individual’s brainwave activity. This feedback is displayed in the form of games on the computer screen. By maintaining the brainwave in a certain frequency (focused, calm, attentive), the individual is rewarded with visual and auditory feedback. As a person learns to modify the brainwave activity, improved feelings occur (attention, reduced anxiety, etc.).

Why does Neurofeedback work?
Essentially, neurofeedback affects the brain by fixing the one problem that is at the root of all others – dysregulation. By training with neurofeedback the individual learns to regulate how his or her brain is working. According to pioneers in the field there are basically only three diagnoses: When a person is chronically overaroused and unable to relax, resulting in anxiety, agitation, impulsivity, and anger. Secondly, a person may be chronically underaroused, resulting in some types of depression, lack of motivation, and spaciness. Finally, a person may experience brain instability in which behaviors consistent with manic depression, migraines, PMS, panic attacks, tics, vertigo and teeth grinding, or even epilepsy are the apparent result.

How Effective is Neurofeedback?
An extensive body of literature reports on the use of Neurofeedback for clinical conditions. Here is a list of the number of research studies as of May 2007 in each area: • ADHD/Learning Disorders - 49
• Seizure Disorders - 38
• Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Insomnia - 26
• Substance Abuse - 15
• Traumatic Brain Injury or Stroke - 18
• Depression - 13
• Headache, Migraine, Chronic Pain - 9
• Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia -5
• Autistic Spectrum - 1
• Tourettes - 1
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - 1

From EEG Spectrum Learning "Neurofeedback in a Clinical Practice", August 2007

Who Can Benefit from Neurofeedback?
Individuals of all ages can reap the benefits of this innovative brain training. Neurofeedback can aid children with attention deficits, learning disabilities, rage, anxiety, or other disruptive behaviors. Adolescents often seek neurofeedback for anxiety, depression or headaches. For adults, neurofeedback training can also be beneficial for migraine, chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and chemical dependency. Those who use neurofeedback for peak performance find that it enhances their abilities in business, sports, and the arts. Exercising the brain can help anyone maintain good brain function as they age.

Is Peak Performance Training Only for Athletes?
Physical fitness is promoted in order to maintain health. Yet, another powerful tool is often over looked - mental fitness. When the brain is in balance and working smoothly, a person becomes more efficient with attention and response patterns. The result is that life becomes smoother, stress responses dissolve more quickly, and a person becomes more competent and effective. Whether you are a business executive, active in sports, or participate in the arts, neurofeedback can be a bridge to achieve peak performance.

How long does it take?
Usually, about 80% of patients see a marked improvement in about 20-40 sessions (lasting about 45 minutes each).

Why Haven't I Heard About Neurofeedback?
Many professionals may not be aware of the benefits of neurofeedback since most medical schools or psychology graduate programs have not included it in the curriculum. However, it is time for this to change. Frank Duffy, MD (Head of Neuroimaging Department and Neuroimaging Research at Boston Children's Hospital) summarized the field of Neurofeedback by stating: "The literature, which lacks any negative study of substance, suggests that EEG biofeedback...should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas...In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy, it would be universally accepted and widely used...it is a field to be taken seriously by all." (Clinical Electroencephalography, 31, V-VIII)

Recognition From:
The American Medical Association (AMA) has revised and assigned specific CPT codes to be utilized for biofeedback (1998). The American Psychological Association (APA) has recognized biofeedback as a proficiency in professional psychology.

We encourage you to call (509) 747-0165 today and schedule an appointment to determine if this treatment option is best for you or your child.

To find out more call us or visit one of these web sites:

http:/eegspectrum.com
http:/aapb.org

A recommended book on the subject is Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins.

We’re Neuroeducation and we can help you discover your pathway to success.