Neurofeedback: what is it and how is this therapeutic tool used?

We explain what this useful technological resource is and how it differs from classical psychotherapy.

In recent times we are witnessing a real revolution in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools that allow us to evaluate brain function and influence it. And among all of them, Biofeedback stands out and more specifically Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback that acts through the recording and regulation of the brain's electrical activity (electroencephalogram). (electroencephalogram).

Neurofeedback, therefore, is a type of neurotherapy, i.e. a treatment that seeks to modify brain function by acting directly on it.

Unlike psychotherapy, which influences through the relationship between therapist and patient, on different psychological processes, neurotherapy is based on the brain-machine relationshipIt does not address the psychological processes themselves, but the underlying neurobiological state. Let's see then what are the keys of Neurofeedback.

A form of neurotherapy

Obviously, any psychotherapy will produce, if it is effective, changes at the neurobiological level, because the mind is based on neurochemical and neurophysiological processes of the nervous system. And vice versa, in any type of neurotherapy the therapist-patient relationship will have its role and will condition its effectiveness.

However, to simplify, we will say that psychotherapy works on the psychological processes, and has as one of its central elements the therapeutic relationship, and neurotherapy works by seeking the direct modification of the function of the nervous system, through specifically designed devices.through specifically designed devices. In other words, neurotherapy is a therapy focused on the neurobiological level, and through its influence on that level, it will also modify underlying psychological processes.

What is Neurofeedback?

Technically, therefore, Neurofeedback is a treatment which acts on brain waves to allow the person to be aware of his brain activity and to modify it.. Starting from an electroencephalographic recording (EEG), Neurofeedback devices extract a series of parameters that will be used to evaluate the bioelectrical function, transforming the analog signal (the classic EEG we all know) into data whose modification can be programmed.

In any case, neurofeedback is a non-invasive method that a non-invasive method that influences brain function in a passive mannerthrough the reinforcement or inhibition of certain brain waves by means of images or sounds. In other words, Neurofeedback devices do not emit any waves or energy.

According to the Biofeedback Certification Alliance International (BCIA), Neurofeedback is used to modify the electrical activity of the CNS including EEG, evoked potentials, slow cortical potentials and other electrical activity of either cortical or subcortical origin.. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that works with brain wave measurements through an operant conditioning paradigm.

Its use in mental health

Biofeedback in general, and Neurofeedback in particular, have a clinical aspect, and another one oriented to the improvement of the performance. As for its clinical applications, the most recognized is the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), having been included in various clinical guidelines for this condition and endorsed by scientific groups such as the American Association of Pediatrics. Apart from ADHD, favorable results have been published in disorders as diverse as brain damage, epilepsy, anxiety, OCD, headache, etc.

Regarding its use in performance enhancement, it has been applied in the preparation of elite sportsmen and womenartists and in the improvement of cognitive function in healthy subjects.

Vitaliza's commitment to the use of Neurofeedback as a therapeutic tool, either as a therapy of final choice or complementary to other forms of intervention, is definitive. The experience of the last twenty years has been very encouraging and this has encouraged us to promote, together with other health professionals, the creation of the Spanish Society of Bio and Neurofeedback (SEBINE), the real regulator and driving force of the sector in our country.