Neurofeedback: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 02:49, 11 December 2024

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity—most commonly electroencephalography (EEG)—to teach self-regulation of brain function. It is a non-invasive method that aims to help individuals improve their brain function by providing feedback on brainwave activity.

History[edit]

The concept of neurofeedback has its roots in the 1960s when researchers began exploring the possibility of using EEG to train individuals to alter their brainwave patterns. Early studies demonstrated that individuals could learn to control their brainwaves, leading to improvements in various cognitive and emotional functions.

Mechanism[edit]

Neurofeedback involves placing electrodes on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. This activity is then displayed on a computer screen, often in the form of a game or visual display. The individual is trained to alter their brainwave patterns to achieve a desired state, such as increased focus or relaxation. Over time, this training can lead to lasting changes in brain function.

Applications[edit]

Neurofeedback has been used to address a variety of conditions, including:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Studies have shown that neurofeedback can help improve attention and reduce hyperactive behaviors in individuals with ADHD.
Anxiety and Depression: Neurofeedback can help individuals learn to regulate their emotional responses, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Epilepsy: Some research suggests that neurofeedback may help reduce the frequency of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
Sleep Disorders: By training individuals to alter their brainwave patterns, neurofeedback may improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.

Effectiveness[edit]

The effectiveness of neurofeedback varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual. While some studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of neurofeedback.

Criticism and Controversy[edit]

Neurofeedback has been criticized for a lack of standardization in protocols and for the variability in results across different studies. Some researchers argue that more rigorous scientific studies are needed to validate its efficacy.

Also see[edit]

Neuroscience

Basic science	* Behavioral epigenetics Behavioral genetics Brain mapping Brain-reading Cellular neuroscience Computational neuroscience Connectomics Imaging genetics Integrative neuroscience Molecular neuroscience Neural decoding Neural engineering Neuroanatomy Neurobiology Neurochemistry Neuroendocrinology Neurogenetics Neuroinformatics Neurometrics Neuromorphology Neurophysics Neurophysiology Systems neuroscience
Clinical neuroscience	* Behavioral neurology Clinical neurophysiology Epileptology Neurocardiology Neuroepidemiology Neurogastroenterology Neuroimmunology Neurointensive care Neurology Neuro-oncology Neuro-ophthalmology Neuropathology Neuropharmacology Neuroprosthetics Neuropsychiatry Neuroradiology Neurorehabilitation Neurosurgery Neurotology Neurovirology Nutritional neuroscience Psychiatry
Cognitive neuroscience	* Affective neuroscience Behavioral neuroscience Chronobiology Molecular cellular cognition Motor control Neurolinguistics Neuropsychology Sensory neuroscience Social cognitive neuroscience
Interdisciplinary fields	* Consumer neuroscience Cultural neuroscience Educational neuroscience Evolutionary neuroscience Global neurosurgery Neuroanthropology Neural engineering Neurobiotics Neurocriminology Neuroeconomics Neuroepistemology Neuroesthetics Neuroethics Neuroethology Neurohistory Neurolaw Neuromarketing Neuromorphic engineering Neurophenomenology Neurophilosophy Neuropolitics Neurorobotics Neurotheology Paleoneurobiology Social neuroscience
Concepts	* Brain–computer interface Development of the nervous system Neural network (artificial) Neural network (biological) Detection theory Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring Neurochip Neurodegenerative disease Neurodevelopmental disorder Neurodiversity Neurogenesis Neuroimaging Neuroimmune system Neuromanagement Neuromodulation Neuroplasticity Neurotechnology Neurotoxin Self-awareness

* Category

Commons

Psychology

Basic psychology	* Abnormal Affective neuroscience Affective science Behavioral genetics Behavioral neuroscience Behaviorism Cognitive/Cognitivism Cognitive neuroscience Social Comparative Cross-cultural Cultural Developmental Differential Ecological Evolutionary Experimental Gestalt Intelligence Mathematical Moral Neuropsychology Perception Personality Psycholinguistics Psychophysiology Quantitative Social Theoretical
Applied psychology	* Anomalistic Applied behavior analysis Assessment Clinical Coaching Community Consumer Counseling Critical Educational Ergonomics Feminist Forensic Health Humanistic Industrial and organizational Legal Media Medical Military Music Occupational health Pastoral Political Positive Psychometrics Psychotherapy Religion School Sport and exercise Suicidology Systems Traffic
Methodologies	* Animal testing Archival research Behavior epigenetics Case study Content analysis Experiments Human subject research Interviews Neuroimaging Observation Psychophysics Qualitative research Quantitative research Self-report inventory Statistical surveys
Concepts	Behavior Behavioral engineering Behavioral genetics Behavioral neuroscience Cognition Competence Consciousness Consumer behavior Emotions Feelings Human factors and ergonomics Intelligence Mind Psychology of religion Psychometrics Terror management theory
Psychologists	* Wilhelm Wundt William James Sigmund Freud Carl Jung John B. Watson Jean Piaget Carl Rogers B. F. Skinner Albert Bandura Daniel Kahneman Martin Seligman

* Wiktionary definition

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-= Neurofeedback =
+Neurofeedback
-== Introduction ==
+[[File:Neurofeedback Process Diagram.png|thumb|Diagram illustrating the neurofeedback process.]]
-Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a therapeutic intervention that provides real-time feedback on brain activity. It is being studied for its potential to improve brain function in various disorders and assist patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly for breast cancer.
-<youtube>
+Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity—most commonly electroencephalography (EEG)—to teach self-regulation of brain function. It is a non-invasive method that aims to help individuals improve their brain function by providing feedback on brainwave activity.
-title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
-movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/jqEJ53dwgNY
-&rel=1
-embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/jqEJ53dwgNY
-&rel=1
-wrap = yes
-width=750
-height=600
-</youtube>
-== Concept and Methodology ==
+==History==
-Neurofeedback involves placing sensors on the scalp to measure and display brain activity as patterns on a computer screen. Patients can see their brainwave patterns and are often given audible rewards, like beeps or tones, for altering their brain activity in a desired direction. This method is based on the principles of operant conditioning.
+The concept of neurofeedback has its roots in the 1960s when researchers began exploring the possibility of using EEG to train individuals to alter their brainwave patterns. Early studies demonstrated that individuals could learn to control their brainwaves, leading to improvements in various cognitive and emotional functions.
-[[File:EEG_recording.jpg|thumb|An EEG recording session, used in neurofeedback therapy.]]
+==Mechanism==
+Neurofeedback involves placing electrodes on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. This activity is then displayed on a computer screen, often in the form of a game or visual display. The individual is trained to alter their brainwave patterns to achieve a desired state, such as increased focus or relaxation. Over time, this training can lead to lasting changes in brain function.
-== Applications ==
+==Applications==
-Neurofeedback is being explored for several applications, including:
+Neurofeedback has been used to address a variety of conditions, including:
-* '''Improving Brain Disorders''': It may be beneficial for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy.
-* '''Cancer Treatment Support''': For breast cancer patients, neurofeedback aims to mitigate the mental and cognitive side effects of chemotherapy, such as 'chemo brain.'
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+* '''Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):''' Studies have shown that neurofeedback can help improve attention and reduce hyperactive behaviors in individuals with ADHD.
-The process relies on enhancing self-regulation of brain function. By observing their brain activity, patients learn to control or modify their brain waves, potentially leading to improved cognitive and emotional functioning.
+* '''Anxiety and Depression:''' Neurofeedback can help individuals learn to regulate their emotional responses, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
+* '''Epilepsy:''' Some research suggests that neurofeedback may help reduce the frequency of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
+* '''Sleep Disorders:''' By training individuals to alter their brainwave patterns, neurofeedback may improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
-== Benefits in Cancer Treatment ==
+==Effectiveness==
-In the context of cancer treatment, neurofeedback may:
+The effectiveness of neurofeedback varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual. While some studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of neurofeedback.
-* Help patients manage stress and anxiety.
-* Improve cognitive functions affected by chemotherapy.
-* Enhance overall quality of life during and after treatment.
-== Current Research and Studies ==
+==Criticism and Controversy==
-Ongoing research is evaluating the effectiveness of neurofeedback in cancer care and brain disorders. These studies focus on assessing improvements in cognitive functions and patient-reported outcomes.
+Neurofeedback has been criticized for a lack of standardization in protocols and for the variability in results across different studies. Some researchers argue that more rigorous scientific studies are needed to validate its efficacy.
-== Challenges and Considerations ==
+==Also see==
-While promising, neurofeedback faces challenges in standardization of protocols and variability in patient responses. Further research is needed to establish standardized guidelines and determine its long-term efficacy.
+* [[Biofeedback]]
+* [[Electroencephalography]]
+* [[Cognitive Behavioral Therapy]]
+* [[Brain-Computer Interface]]
-== External Links ==
+{{Neuroscience}}
-* [Link to a clinical study on neurofeedback for breast cancer patients]
+{{Psychology}}
-* [Link to a resource on neurofeedback applications in brain disorders]
-== References ==
+[[Category:Neuroscience]]
-<references/>
+[[Category:Psychology]]
+[[Category:Alternative medicine]]
-[[Category:Neurology]]
-[[Category:Cancer treatments]]
-[[Category:Psychological therapy]]
-{{stub}}