Neurofeedback, brain training that can be effective in cases of anxiety

Neurofeedback is the application of a technology developed by neuroscientists that allows access to the electrical functioning of the brain through brain wave training so that they operate at more stable frequencies. As Mercedes Muñoz, Director of Neurofeedback at Capital Psychologists, highlights, it is a training easy, innocuous and comfortable for the patient that improves performance and achieves cognitive and emotional benefits. «Imagine being able to train your brain the same way you train your muscles in the gym. That is precisely neurofeedback. Mental training that helps the brain function better, optimizing and increasing its capabilities,” says Muñoz.

To apply this technique, a initial evaluation which allows you to obtain a brain map where you can determine the areas that need to be worked on. Then some are placed sensors on the scalp that do not produce electricity but rather have the function of capturing neuronal activity in real time. This is sent to a computer, which processes the information and sends a response (‘feedback’) through the screen for the patient to see. In this way the person undergoing treatment can train their own brain waves to obtain the desired data, thus creating neural pathways more effective. «For example, if you are stressed, the brain patterns seen on the screen tell you this and, with the help of the therapist, you can start training to relax. Little by little, your brain learns to “calibrate” to work better, and you can achieve improvements in concentration, stress control, sleep and even mood,” explains the psychologist.

This type of brain training is carried out through a methodology that makes the brain work without the need for prior knowledge, so Anyone at any age can do it. except for the blind, since currently this work is done with ocular stimuli.

What are ‘neurofeedback’ sessions like?

Each session lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and the dynamics are as follows, as explained by Mercedes Muñoz. «You sit in a comfortable chair while the therapist places the sensors on your head. These are harmless and do not emit anything, they only read brain wave activity, like a radar that collects information. Meanwhile, you will see animations or images on the screen, like a video game, that make your brain react. The brain will work to adapt to these special images and so that they are seen with less interference. Thus, naturally, your brain begins to learn patterns healthier, like someone who learns to ride a bike after a few practices, he describes. In fact, as the therapist explains, the sessions are most often experienced as an entertaining experience.

Duration of treatment

Basic training consists of 20 sessionswhich allow the brain to work and learn new patterns to achieve greater stability in brain waves. Of course, as the therapist clarifies, some problems require more sessions due to their complexity, such as the case of ADHDas it may take up to 40 sessions to achieve deeper progress. For some people, the first changes are noticeable after just a few sessions and are usually felt in the form of more clarity, less mental fatigue, better concentration or less distress. The important thing, as Muñoz clarifies, is the patiencethe constancy and the commitmentsince progress comes little by little.

In general terms, changes are usually noticed after about 10-15 sessions, although some people feel them sooner. The expert cites some examples in this sense because some people who suffered stress constant, as professionals with demanding days, they may begin to feel a “lightness” after these sessions that they did not feel before. Others, like those who struggle with lack of concentrationdescribe that they no longer feel so dispersed. “The results depend on the frequency of the sessions and how each person responds, but most patients feel that their quality of life improves with each visit,” he says.

As for people who are already being treated psychologically, the therapist explains that neurofeedback can be combined with any of them because it works with a different language for the brain and proposes a different way of speaking with the mind, so in addition to Being compatible with any psychological therapy ensures that it improves the learning and changes generated by that therapy.

Applications and practical uses

According to the Capital Psychologists therapist, the ‘neurofeedback’ technique is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their mental health, whether they are an adult, adolescent or child (from 5 years old). «People with ADHD, anxiety, insomnia either chronic stress, obsessive or pessimistic thoughts and problems of anxiety They tend to be the ones who look for it the most,” he says; although it is also advisable for people who claim that their mind “does not turn off” or for those who want improve your mental performancesuch as students or people who work in very demanding environments.

As the expert assures, it usually gives good results in cases of ADHD, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, stress, emotional problems. concentrationdisorders of dream and headachesamong others. As for cases of schizophrenia or complex personality disorders, the expert assures that it can help but other additional interventions are necessary.

It is also used to increase brain capabilities such as concentration, attention, memory, mental processing and emotional control.