What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback (NFB), also called neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback or EEG biofeedback (EEGBF) is a therapy technique that presents the user with realtime feedback on brainwave activity, as measured by electrodes on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display, sound or vibration. The aim is to enable conscious control of brainwave activity. If brain activity changes in the direction desired by the therapist, a positive “reward” feedback is given to the individual, and if it regresses, either a negative feedback or no feedback is given (depending on the protocol). Rewards can be as simple as a change in pitch of a tone or as complex as a certain type of movement of a character in a video game.

“Targeted Neurofeedback” is available as an alternative or supplement to medication. Thirty years of research has shown that EEG Biofeedback can normalize activity characteristic of ADD, thereby raising test scores as or more much as medication does. Rating scales and grades improve, hyperactivity and impulsivity decrease, and IQ has been found to increase by 10 to 15 points. It’s been found through follow-up studies that the improvements gained with neurofeedback maintain at 27 years after the initial treatments and it is believed to be permanent.

Neurofeedback at the ADD Clinic

At the ADD Clinic neurofeedback is always based on QEEG topographic brain mapping.  Six different databases are used including eyes open and eyes closed data and three dimensional LORETA. This helps target the specific areas and frequencies correlated with symptoms. The ADD Clinic is a leader in clinical practice, training, and research.

A wide range of QEEG based neurofeedback tools are available at the ADD Clinic, including, 19 Channel LORETA Training, Neuroguide Network Training (NF2), Region of Interest Training (ROI) and Multivariate Coherence Training (MVC).

The director, Robert Gurnee, MSW, LCSW, DCSW, is a past president of the International Society of Neurotherapy and Research and the EEG Division of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.  He is on the International QEEG Certification Board that certifies physicians, psychologists, and counselors in Brainmapping.