Written by Laurence M. Hirshberg, Sufen Chiu & Jean A. Frazier

“As this issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America makes clear, virtually all the relevant research has demonstrated that neurofeedback can effect functional brain disorders that arise out of dis-regulation…

Not too long ago, clinical bias toward treating psychiatric disorders was that medication was the only treatment. Recent research presents new alternatives…”

“As reviewed in other articles, Neurofeedback has considerable research support in areas such as uncontrolled epilepsy and attention deficit disorder and ADHD. In evaluating the studies of anxiety disorders, neurofeedback qualifies for the evidence-based designation of being an efficacious treatment. When separate anxiety disorders are individually evaluated, phobic anxiety, generalized anxiety, and PTSD each qualify for designation as being a probably efficacious treatment.”

“Neurofeedback is an exciting, cutting-edge technology that offers an additional non-medical treatment alternative for modifying dysfunctional, biologic brain patterns that are associated with various psychiatric conditions.”

For comprehensive listing of neurofeedback studies click on the button below.

“Neurofeedback meets the AACAP criteria for ‘‘Clinical Guidelines’’ for treatment of ADHD, seizure disorders, anxiety (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder usually seen with OCD), generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, reading disabilities, and addictive disorders. This suggests that neurofeedback should always be considered for these disorders.,,

“…Specific recommendations based on the body of empirical evidence suggest that neurofeedback be considered a first-line approach for ADHD, especially when parents or patients prefer not to use medication. Neurofeedback should be considered an empirically supported treatment choice for epilepsy, anxiety and depression, addictive disorders, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) when patients or parents prefer not to use medication, when medications are not well tolerated or are not fully effective, or when psychotherapeutic approaches are ineffective. Neurofeedback also may be used in combination with medication or therapy.

“…Specific recommendations based on the body of empirical evidence suggest that neurofeedback be considered a first-line approach for ADHD, especially when parents or patients prefer not to use medication. Neurofeedback should be considered an empirically supported treatment choice for epilepsy, anxiety and depression, addictive disorders, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) when patients or parents prefer not to use medication, when medications are not well tolerated or are not fully effective, or when psychotherapeutic approaches are ineffective. Neurofeedback also may be used in combination with medication or therapy.

There Are Few Risks or Contraindications for Neurofeedback

“Neurofeedback has been shown to reduce seizure frequency; there are no documented reports of long term adverse effects when appropriately used with seizures or any other disorder.”

Temporary negative effects, such as insomnia or increased irritability, anxiety, or emotional lability, can occur. These effects are temporary and will be helped by adjusting the treatment. There are no published reports demonstrating permanent negative effects from Neurofeedback.”