In the past, people have viewed mental disorders as a sign of weakness or a character flaw. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way from that point in our history. Professionals now recognize that there is a chemical basis for many conditions.
In some cases, medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. But what about patients where medications don’t work or have intolerable side effects? In these cases, doctors may recommend neurofeedback.
Neurofeedback is a type of therapy that uses technology to help patients learn how to control their brain waves. By doing so, they can often alleviate symptoms of mental disorders and improve their quality of life.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells, called neurons. These neurons communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages. This communication happens through electrical signals. Neurofeedback works by measuring these signals.
The technology in neurofeedback can read these signals and create a map of the brain. This map shows how the brain is working. It can show when the brain is active and when it is calm. Once specialists create a map of the brain, the patient begins neurofeedback therapy. During this therapy, patients perform certain tasks while they are being monitored by technology. This allows the therapist to see how the patient’s brain responds to different tasks.
The therapist will then use this information to create a plan that will help the patient control their brain waves. This plan may include exercises that the patient can do at home or changes to their diet or lifestyle.
How Does Neurofeedback Help Patients?
There is evidence that neurofeedback can help patients with a variety of chronic health conditions. In many cases, neurofeedback can be a helpful tool in conjunction with medication to improve a patient’s overall quality of life.
In patients with disorders such as ADHD and epilepsy, neurofeedback training can help teach the brain how to self-regulate and focus attention on specific tasks at hand. In patients with anxiety disorders, neurofeedback can help teach the brain how to respond appropriately to stressful situations.
For individuals suffering from depression, neurofeedback training can improve communication between areas of the brain that regulate moods and emotions. Patients with autism may also benefit from neurofeedback therapy by improving their communication skills through learning how to control their brain waves.
What are the Risks of Neurofeedback?
As with any type of therapy, there are some risks associated with neurofeedback. Some patients may experience headaches or fatigue after sessions. In rare cases, patients may also experience seizures.
It is important to consult with a doctor before starting neurofeedback therapy to ensure that it is safe for you. The doctor can also help identify whether this therapy is right for your condition, as well as help you find a qualified therapist in your area.
So what are you waiting for? If traditional treatment options haven’t worked or caused intolerable side effects, then neurofeedback may be the right choice for you. If you are suffering from addiction, then you might want to consider The Process Recovery Center. Our compassionate staff uses many holistic methods, including neurofeedback, to treat patients.
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