Neurofeedback: what is this therapeutic tool and how is it used
In recent times we are witnessing a real revolution in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools that allow evaluating brain function and influencing it. And among all of them, Biofeedback stands out and more specifically Neurofeedback, a form of Biofeedback that acts through the recording and regulation of brain electrical activity (electroencephalogram).
Neurofeedback, therefore, is a type of neurotherapy, that is, a treatment that seeks to modify brain function by acting directly on it.
Unlike psychotherapy, which influences different psychological processes through the relationship between therapist and patient, neurotherapy arises from the brain-machine relationship, and does not address the psychological processes themselves, but the underlying neurobiological state. So let's see what the keys to Neurofeedback are.
- Related article: "Biofeedback: what is it and what is it for?"
A form of neurotherapy
Obviously, all psychotherapy will produce, if it is effective, changes at the neurobiological level, because the mind is based on neurochemical and neurophysiological processes of the nervous system. And vice versa, in any type of neurotherapy, the therapist-patient relationship will have its role and will determine its effectiveness.
However, to simplify, we will say that psychotherapy works on psychological processes, and has as one of its central elements the therapeutic relationship, and neurotherapy works by looking for the direct modification of the function of the nervous system, through specifically designed devices. That is, neurotherapy is a therapy focused on the neurobiological level, and through its influence on that level, it will also modify underlying psychological processes.
What is Neurofeedback?
Technically, therefore, Neurofeedback is a treatment that acts on brain waves to allow the person to be aware of their brain activity and modify it. Starting from an electroencephalographic (EEG) recording, the Neurofeedback devices extract a series of parameters that will be used to evaluate the bioelectric function, transforming the analog signal (the classic EEG that we all know) into data whose modification we can program.
In any case, Neurofeedback is a non-invasive method that passively influences brain function, through the reinforcement or inhibition of certain brain waves through images or sounds. In other words, Neurofeedback devices do not emit any type of wave or energy.
According to the International Alliance for Biofeedback Certification (BCIA), Neurofeedback is used to modify the CNS electrical activity including EEG, evoked potentials, slow cortical potentials, and other activity electric either cortical or subcortical in origin. Neurofeedback is a type of Biofeedback that works with measurements of brain waves through an operant conditioning paradigm.
Its use in mental health
Biofeedback in general, and Neurofeedback in particular, have a clinical aspect, and another aimed at improving performance. Regarding its clinical applications, the most recognized is the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), having been included in various clinical guidelines for this picture and endorsed by scientific groups such as the American Pediatric Association. Aside from ADHD, favorable results have been published in disorders as diverse as brain damage, epilepsy, anxiety, OCD, headache, etc.
Regarding its use in performance improvement, has been applied in the preparation of elite athletes, artists and in the improvement of cognitive function in healthy subjects.
Vitaliza's commitment to the use of Neurofeedback as a therapeutic tool, either as a final choice therapy or as a complement to other forms of intervention, is definitive. The experience of the last twenty years has been very encouraging and this has encouraged us to promote, together with other professionals health, the creation of the Spanish Society for Bio and Neurofeedback (SEBINE), an authentic regulator and engine of the sector in our country.
