Neurofeedback for Anxiety

How does Neurofeedback help?

Exaggerated anxiety is correlated to impaired prefrontal regulation of the amygdala—the part of the brain that processes emotions. The dysfunctional communication between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala can be corrected as a way to potentially regulate anxiety.

Neurofeedback works to control symptoms of anxiety at the subconscious level, which makes up about 95% of brainwave activity. A person receives positive reinforcement for changing brainwaves at the subconscious level through a computer. Self-regulation calms the central nervous system to reduce or eliminate symptoms of anxiety.

It can be beneficial for people who:
• Have a history of being non-responsive to drug treatments
• Have had adverse effects on medications
• Are seeking a natural alternative to medication
• Would benefit from neurofeedback as a supplement to current treatment

Anxiety Neurofeedback Protocol

The first step in neurofeedback therapy is to complete a brain map. This is a non-invasive procedure that involves placing sensors on your head to record the electrical activity of the brain. These are recorded and statistically analyzed to see brainwave patterns so our team can design your care plan.
A combination of psychological treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and supplements can be used to treat anxiety. Medications are only a temporary solution and can have many ill side effects. Behavioral therapies work for those who are willing to invest time and effort into them.

Why Neurofeedback Therapy?

This type of therapy is chosen for people seeking help for anxiety because it’s an option other than medication. Although medicine can be a good choice for some people, it treats symptoms but does not correct the root cause of anxiety. Neurofeedback is drug-free, although this therapy is found to be most effective when used in conjunction with other natural therapies and/or medication. Many clients may reduce other types of treatment after several weeks of neurofeedback therapy.
A report of the effectiveness of neurofeedback on mood or anxiety disorders in adults found that there was a “statistically significant improvement in symptoms with neurofeedback treatment in clients with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)” compared to those who had received no treatment at all.
Neurofeedback is non-invasive and painless. It involves learning to modify brainwave activity by the same means that other skills are learned- through practice, repetition and feedback. With neurofeedback, the information about changes in your brain’s electrical activity is instantaneous. It’s a way to train the brain to reduce anxiety at the source. All Neurotherapy sessions at our clinics are individualized to our clients’ needs.

Please contact us at our New Berlin or Menomonee Falls location.