Neurofeedback, popularised for its effectiveness in managing ADHD, offers substantial benefits for a range of conditions including anxiety, cognitive difficulties (often described as "brain fog"), and sleep disturbances. This versatile therapy addresses common neurological and psychological symptoms by directly training and optimising brain activity.

Neurofeedback for Anxiety

Anxiety is frequently associated with excessive activation within the brain’s emotional centres, particularly the amygdala and limbic system. Neurofeedback works by helping individuals regulate these neural responses, thus reducing anxiety symptoms. Research demonstrates that neurofeedback significantly lowers anxiety levels by promoting self-regulation of brain regions involved in emotional processing (Schoenberg & David, 2014).

For example, alpha-theta neurofeedback has been shown to effectively reduce anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation and emotional resilience (Gruzelier, 2014). 

Overcoming Brain Fog with Neurofeedback

"Brain fog," characterised by confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and mental fatigue, is commonly linked to reduced cortical activity or neural dysregulation. Neurofeedback can address these issues by targeting brain regions involved in executive function, clarity, and cognitive processing speed.

Studies suggest neurofeedback training enhances cognitive performance, particularly attention, memory, and processing speed, effectively combating cognitive dysfunction associated with brain fog (Escolano et al., 2011; Luctkar-Flude et al., 2015).

Improving Sleep Through Neurofeedback

Poor sleep quality is often associated with disrupted brainwave patterns, particularly involving delta, theta, and alpha rhythms crucial for restorative sleep. Neurofeedback helps normalise these patterns, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. Clinical studies have confirmed neurofeedback’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms of insomnia, improving sleep onset, and enhancing overall sleep quality (Hammer et al., 2011).

At Headquarters, we utilise qEEG-guided neurofeedback protocols tailored to the individual’s unique neurological profile. By identifying the brain areas and patterns underlying symptoms, our targeted interventions manage anxiety, enhance cognitive clarity, and improve sleep quality, leading to overall better brain health.

Neurofeedback provides an evidence-based, versatile solution to common neurological and psychological issues beyond ADHD. Whether addressing anxiety, cognition, or sleep quality, neurofeedback offers a science-backed pathway towards mental and emotional well-being.

References

Schoenberg, P. L., & David, A. S. (2014). Biofeedback for psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, 39(2), 109–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-014-9246-9

Gruzelier J. H. (2014). EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. II: creativity, the performing arts and ecological validity. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 44, 142–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.11.004

Escolano, C., Aguilar, M., & Minguez, J. (2011). EEG-based upper alpha neurofeedback training improves working memory performance. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference, 2011, 2327–2330. https://doi.org/10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090651

Luctkar-Flude, M., & Groll, D. (2015). A Systematic Review of the Safety and Effect of Neurofeedback on Fatigue and Cognition. Integrative cancer therapies, 14(4), 318–340. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735415572886

Hammer, B. U., Colbert, A. P., Brown, K. A., & Ilioi, E. C. (2011). Neurofeedback for insomnia: a pilot study of Z-score SMR and individualized protocols. Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, 36(4), 251–264. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-011-9165-y