Definition of Neurofeedback
Like other forms of biofeedback, NFT uses monitoring devices to provide moment-to-moment information to an individual on the state of their physiological functioning. The characteristic that distinguishes NFT from other biofeedback is a focus on the central nervous system and the brain. Neurofeedback training (NFT) has its foundations in basic and applied neuroscience as well as data-based clinical practice. It takes into account behavioral, cognitive, and subjective aspects as well as brain activity. Thus, it meets the American Psychological Association's definition of an evidence-based intervention since NFT is "...the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preference."
NFT is preceded by an objective assessment of brain activity and psychological status. During training, sensors are placed on the scalp and then connected to sensitive electronics and computer software that detect, amplify, and record specific brain activity. Resulting information is fed back to the trainee virtually instantaneously with the conceptual understanding that changes in the feedback signal indicate whether or not the trainee's brain activity is within the designated range. Based on this feedback, various principles of learning, and practitioner guidance, changes in brain patterns occur and are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states. Often the trainee is not consciously aware of the mechanisms by which such changes are accomplished although people routinely acquire a "felt sense" of these positive changes and often are able to access these states outside the feedback session.
NFT does not involve either surgery or medication and is neither painful nor embarassing. When provided by a licensed professional with appropriate training, generally trainees do not experience negative side-effects. Typically trainees find NFT to be an interesting experience. Neurofeedback operates at a brain functional level and transcends the need to classify using existing diagnostic categories. It modulates the brain activity at the level of the neuronal dynamics of excitation and inhibition which underly the characteristic effects that are reported.
NFT has been found to be a successful intervention in modifying seizures, attention, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, autistic behaviours, headache/migraine, depression, anxiety, addictions, and sleep problems. Also, it has been applied effectively in meeting educational goals such as resolving reading and math disabilities. Moreover, it has been used to help maximize the performance of athletes, artists, and executives. Lasting positive changes have been documented after successful NFT.
Being a self-regulation method, NFT differs from other accepted research-consistent neuro-modulatory approaches such as audio-visual entrainment (AVE) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) that provoke an automatic brain response by presenting a specific signal. Nor is NFT based on deliberate changes in breathing patterns such as respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) that can result in changes in brain waves. At a neuronal level, NFT teaches the brain to modulate excitatory and inhibitory patterns of specific neuronal assemblies and pathways based upon the details of the sensor placement and the feedback algorithms used thereby increasing flexibility and self-regulation of relaxation and activation patterns.
The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (see www.isnr.oeg) is the largest group of licensed professionals involved in the practice, teaching, and research of NFT. Some members of ISNR have sought and received certification by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (see www.bcia.org). Members of ISNR subscribe to a code of ethics providing an added measure of accountability to the standards of their profession. Additionally, ISNR is committed to supporting new developments by publishing a professional journal and newsmagazine, by producing a well-attended annual conference, and by encouraging large studies of NFT through the ISNR Research Foundation.
This definition was ratified by the ISNR Board of Directors on January 10, 2009
Definition of Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.
This definition was ratified by the Task Force on Nomenclature in 2008
Articles
What Is Neurofeedback?
All brains produce a variety of electrical wave patterns which reflect what the brain is doing. This article describes the process where the brain's own output is used to help people change their brain's functioning which is commonly called, neurofeedback training. An additional science called Quantitative EEG (brain maps) is used to help assess the kind of brain training that holds the most promise. Several of the major conditions for which neurofeedback training has proven most successful are outlined below, including the key scientific studies that support the sort of training that is used. Written by D. Corydon Hammond, PhD
What is Quantitative EEG?
This is a basic description of quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) in the context of neurotherapeutic application. Issues associated with spectral analysis of human EEG are discussed and an example quantitative EEG assessment is provided. Written by David Kaiser, PhD
Quantitative Electroencephalographic Process for AD/HD
The development of a quantitative electroencephalgraphic (QEEG)-based procedure for use in the assessment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was examined through a series of studies investigating test reliability and validation issues. Written by Vincent J. Monastra, Joel F. Lubar and Micheal Linden.
ADHD, Symptoms & Self Assessment
ADHD may affect as many as 8% of school children and often persists through adult years. Here are its typical symptoms and a self-screen check list to see if you should consult a professional. Written by George Martin, MA
Neurofeedback for Depression
The brain of a depressed person functions differently from most people. Neurofeedback is beginning to offer methods to help these brains get back to normal. Written by Dr. Corydon Hammond, PhD
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: The "Missed" Diagnosis
MTBI is an often "missed diagnosis" because the CAT scans or MRI's done after a head injury won't show the damage of some injuries. But diagnostic EEG will show changes in the brain that are associated with over 20 persistent symptoms, some of them delayed. But neurofeedback is often very helpful, even years later. Written by Joseph Horvat, PhD and D. Corydon Hammond, PhD
Neurofeedback for Addictions: The State of the Science
Some brains are under-active and others are over-active which result in different moods. Using alcohol and drugs to help cope with life's moods too easily leads to addiction and doesn't really help with the moods in the end. For 30 years neuro-feedback has been used to help those caught up in addictions. The latest research is having such success that it is changing the forms of standard treatment in addictions centers.? At last there is something that really helps many get over addictions without lapses or requiring continual support systems and treatment centers.Written by Al Collins, PhD
Sleep Disorders
There are more than a dozen forms of disordered sleep that affect an estimated 40 million Americans. Neuro-feedback is an established means to retrain the brain to restore a more normal experience of sleep. Written by Michael Cohen
.pdf format: Comprehensive Neurofeedback Bibliography
Web Pages: Comprehensive Neurofeedback Bibliography
There have been hundreds of papers in the scientific literature on this topic and this document lists many pages of the best of them in topical groups. Many of the studies now have links to read either the abstract or some even full text online at no charge. Both professional care providers and the public are invited to delve further into this research. Written by D. Corydon Hammond, PhD
Neurofeedback Archive
Abstracts From Past Annual Conferences
1997 - 1997 SSNR Annual Meeting Abstracts
1998 - Abstracts 6th Annual Conference Society for the Study of Neuronal Regulation
1999 - 'Ride the Waves Into the Next Millennium' 7th Annual Conference
2000 - 8th Annual Conference "Papers"
2001 - Society for Neuronal Regulation 9th Annual Conference
2003 - 11th Annual Conference 2003 September 18 - 21 Galleria at Houston, Texas
Reprints From Peer-Reviewed Journals
These six reprints with the full text of the original journal article including the graphics are listed below. The society expresses great thanks to both the authors and to the original publishers for permission to republish.
A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Tom Rossiter, PhD and Theodore LeVaque, PhD. Reprinted with permission: Journal of Neurotherapy, Summr, 10995, 48-59
Asthmatic Extrathoracic Upper Airway Obstruction: Laryngeal Dyskinesis
Jeffrey Nahmias, MD, Micheal Tansey, PhD and Monroe S. Karetzy, MD. Reprinted with permission: New Jersey Medicine, September 1994, Vol 91 No 9 616-620
Quantitative QEEG and Auditory Event-Related Potentials in the Evaluation of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects of Methylphenidate and Implications for Nerofeedback Training
J.F. Lubar, PhD, M.O. Swartwood, PhD, J.N. Swartwood, PhD and D.L. Timmerman, PhD. Reprinted with permission: Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, ADHD Special, 1995 143-160
Ten-Year Stability of EEG Biofeedback Results for a Hyperactive Boy Who Failed Fourth Grade Perceptually Impared Class
Michael Tansey, PhD. Reprinted with permission: Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, Vol 18 No 1, 1993 33-44
Wechsler (WISC-R) Changes Following Treatment of Learning Disabilities via EEG Biofeedback Training in a Private Practice Setting
Micheal Tansey, PhD. Reprinted with permission: Australian Journal or Psychology, 1991, 43 147-153
Gates, States, Rhythms and Resonance: The Scientific Basis of Neurofeedback Training
A. Arbanal, PhD, MD. Reprinted with permission: Journal of Neurotherapy, Vol 1 No 2 Fall 1995 15-38
Selected Abstracts and Papers from before 1995
This small collection is arranged alphabetically by topic. Selected abstracts from pre-1995 Annual Conferences are listed along with presentations, reviews of peer and non-peer journal articles, reprints from non-peer journals, original papers, and links to documents elsewhere on the internet.
Disclaimer: All the articles, documents or publications mentioned by or linked by this site or hosted at this site have been provided by The International Society for Neuronal Regulation (ISNR) as a public service. There is absolutely no endorsement by ISNR of any statement made in any of these documents, articles, or publications. Expect to see differences of opinion between authors. That is the essence of free and open scientific research and discourse.
Neurofeedback & Neurotherapy Books
Books for Professionals:
Damasio, A. R. (1999). The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotions in the Making of Consciousness. San Diego, CA: Harcourt/Brace
Damasio, A. R. (2003) Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow and the Feeling Brain. San Diego, CA: Harvest/Harcourt, Inc
Damasio, A. R. (2005) Descartes' Error: Emotion Reason and the Human Brain. New York, NY: Avon Books
Demos, J. (2004). Getting Started in Neurofeedback. New York: W. W. Norton.|
Evans, J. R. (Ed.) (2005). Forensic Applications of QEEG & Neurotherapy. Binghampton, NY: Haworth Press.
Evans, J. R. (Ed.) (2007). Handbook of Neurofeedback: Dynamics & Clinical Applications. Binghampton, NY: Haworth Press.
Evans, J. R., & Abarbanel, A. (1999). Introduction to Quantitative EEG & Neurofeedback. New York: Academic Press.
Fehmi, L., & Robbins, J. (2007), The Open-Focus Brain. Boston, MA; Trumpeter Books/Shambhala Publications, Distributed by Random House.
Hammond, D. C. (2007). LENS: The Low Energy Neurofeedback System. Binghampton, NY: Haworth Press.
Hirschberg, L. M., Chiu, S., & Fazier, J,. A. (Eds). Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America: Emerging Interventions. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Luria, A. R. (1960) Higher Cortical Functions in Man. New York, NY: Basic Books, Inc.
Luria, A. R. (1973). The Working Brain. New York, NY :Basic Books
Neidermeyer, E & Lopes Da Silva, F. (2005) Electroencephaolgraphy: Basic Principles, Clinical Applications and Related Fields, (5th Ed). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Monastra, V.J. (2007) Unlocking the Potential of Patients With ADHD; A Model for Clinical Practice. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association
Schwartz, M. S. & Andrasik, F. (Eds.) (2003). Biofeedback: A Practitioner's Guide (Third Edition (Third Edition). New York, Guilford.
Thompson, M., & Thompson, L. (2003). The Neurofeedback Book. Wheat Ridge, CO: Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback.
Thornton, K. E. (2006). No Child Left Behind Goals (and More) Are Obtainable With the Neurocognitive Approach, Volume 1. NJ: BookSurge Publishing.
Tinius, T. (Ed.). (2004). New Developments in Blood Flow Hemoencephalography. Binghampton, NY: Haworth Press.
Books for the General Public or Professionals:
Ayers, M., & Montgomery, P. (2007). Whispers from the Brain. Beverly Hills: AyersMont.
Hill, R. W., & Castro, E. (2002). Getting Rid of Ritalin. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing.
Larsen, S. (2006). The Healing Power of Neurofeedback. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Robbins, J. (2000). A Symphony in the Brain. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press.
Steinberg, M., & Othmer, S. (2004). ADD: The 20-Hour Solution. Bandon, OR: Robert D. Reed Publishers.
Books on EEG & QEEG:
Introductory Reading
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists (Ed.). (1996). EEG Patterns & Normal Variants. Carroll, IA: ASET.
Fisch, B. J. (1999). Fisch & Spehlmann's EEG Primer: Basic Principles of Digital and Analog EEG. New York: Elsev
Hammond, D. C., & Gunkelman, J. (2001). The Art of Artifacting. Corpus Christi: International Society for Neuronal Regulation.
Hughes, J. R. (1999). EEG in Clinical Practice (3rd Edition). Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann.
More Advanced Reading
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists (Ed.). (1995). EEG Montages & Polarity. Carroll, IA: ASET
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists (Ed.). (1997). Drugs & Their Effects on Neurodiagnostics. Carroll, IA: ASET.
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists (Ed.). (2000). EEG Recording: Techniques & Instrumentation. Carroll, IA: ASET.
Duffy, F. H., Iyer, V. G., & Surwillo, W. W. (1989). Clinical Electroencephalography and Topographic Brain Mapping: Technology & Practice. New York: springer-Verlag.
Goldensohn, E. S., Legatt, A. D., Koszer, S., & Wolf, S. M. (1998). Goldensohn's EEG Interpretation: Problems of Overreading & Underreading (2nd Edition). Armonk, N.Y.: Futura Publishing.
Lubar, J. F. (Ed.) (2003). Quantitative Electroencephalographic Analysis (QEEG) Databases for Neurotherapy: Description, Validation, & Application. Binghampton, NY: Haworth Press.
Luders, H. O., & Noachtar, S. (2000). Atlas and Classification of Electroencephalography. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.
Niedermeyer, E., & DaSilva, F. L. (2004). Electroencephalography: Basic Principles, Clinical Applications, and Related Fields. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
Wong, P. K. H. (1996). Digital EEG in Clinical Practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.
Books About the Brain:
Arnadottir, G. (1990). The Brain and Behavior: Assessing Cortical Dysfunction Through Activities of Daily Living (ADL). St. Louis: Mosby.
Carter, R. (1998). Mapping the Mind. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Joseph, R. (1996). Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, and Clinical Neuroscience (Fourth Edition). St. Louis: Mosby.
Nolte, J. (1999). The Human Brain: An Introduction to Its Functional Anatomy (4th Edition). St. Louis: Mosby. A more advanced text.
Posner, M. J., & Raichle, M. E. (1997). Images of Mind. New York: Scientific American Library.
Tranel, D. (2002). Functional neuroanatomy. Chapter in S. C. Yudolfsky & R. E. Hales (Eds), Textbook of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences (4th edition). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association Press, pp. 71-112.
Tranel, D. (2002). Higher brain functions. Chapter in S. C. Yudolfsky & R. E. Hales (Eds), Textbook of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences (4th edition). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association Press, pp. 555-580.
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