Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback training process diagram

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses electrical potentials in the brain to reinforce desired brain states through operant conditioning. This process is non-invasive and typically collects brain activity data using electroencephalography (EEG). Several neurofeedback protocols exist, with potential additional benefit from use of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to localize and personalize treatment.[1][2] Related technologies include functional near-infrared spectroscopy-mediated (fNIRS) neurofeedback, hemoencephalography biofeedback (HEG), and fMRI biofeedback.

Placebo-controlled trials have often found the control group to show the same level of improvement as the group receiving actual neurofeedback treatment, which suggests these improvements may be caused by secondary effects instead.[3][4][5] Neurofeedback has been shown to trigger positive behavioral outcomes, such as relieving symptoms related to psychiatric disorders or improving specific cognitive functions in healthy participants. These positive behavioral outcomes rely on brain plasticity mechanisms and the ability of subjects to learn throughout life.[6]

  1. ^ Mehler DM, Sokunbi MO, Habes I, Barawi K, Subramanian L, Range M, et al. (December 2018). "Targeting the affective brain-a randomized controlled trial of real-time fMRI neurofeedback in patients with depression". Neuropsychopharmacology. 43 (13): 2578–2585. doi:10.1038/s41386-018-0126-5. PMC 6186421. PMID 29967368.
  2. ^ Arns M, Drinkenburg W, Leon Kenemans J (September 2012). "The effects of QEEG-informed neurofeedback in ADHD: an open-label pilot study". Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. 37 (3): 171–80. doi:10.1007/s10484-012-9191-4. PMC 3419351. PMID 22446998.
  3. ^ Lansbergen MM, van Dongen-Boomsma M, Buitelaar JK, Slaats-Willemse D (February 2011). "ADHD and EEG-neurofeedback: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled feasibility study". Journal of Neural Transmission. 118 (2): 275–284. doi:10.1007/s00702-010-0524-2. PMC 3051071. PMID 21165661.
  4. ^ Arnold LE, Arns M, Barterian J, Bergman R, Black S, Conners CK, et al. (July 2021). "Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial of Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With 13-Month Follow-up". Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 60 (7): 841–855. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2020.07.906. PMC 7904968. PMID 32853703.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Loriette C (2021). "Neurofeedback for cognitive enhancement and intervention and brain plasticity". Revue Neurologique. 177 (9): 1133–1144. doi:10.1016/j.neurol.2021.08.004. PMID 34674879.