EEG Neurofeedback: A Beginner's Guide

A women is fitted with an EMOTIV EEG headset to receive neurofeedback therapy

If you've been learning about mental health and wellness, you may have heard of neurofeedback (NF). Let's explore this fascinating and effective method for improving mental health, managing chronic pain, and enhancing overall well-being.

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, a biofeedback technique often used in neurotherapy, is a non-invasive brain training technique. It is based on giving real-time feedback on their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to control and direct it.

This feedback helps people learn how to control and optimize their brain function, which can lead to improvements in mental and physical health. For example, someone with ADHD can practice focusing on demand, making the task easier over time.

"In recent years, neurofeedback has been used as a cognitive training tool to improve brain functions for clinical or recreational purposes." - Loriette et al., 2021

How Does Neurofeedback Work in Neurotherapy?

Neurotherapy is a broad term encompassing various therapeutic approaches such as Neurofeedback aimed at improving brain function. The process typically involves the use of an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:

Initial Assessment: A trained practitioner will conduct an initial assessment to understand the individual's brain wave patterns and identify areas that need improvement.
EEG Setup: Sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brain waves. These sensors are connected to an EEG device, which records the electrical activity of the brain.
Real-Time Feedback: The EEG data is displayed on a computer screen in real-time. This visual or auditory feedback helps the individual recognize when their brain activity is in a desired state.
Training Sessions: Through repeated sessions, the individual learns to alter their brain wave patterns (e.g. improve alpha waves). This training can lead to better self-regulation of brain function, resulting in improved mental and physical health.

Above: Sensor x frequency maps displaying the significant clusters (in the power spectra) for the NF group in the within-group (pre vs. post) comparison. (Escolano et al., 2014)

Researchers have extensively studied Neurofeedback and have found potential for treating various neurological and psychological conditions. For example, a pilot study used EMOTIV EPOC headsets to allow depressed senior citizens to adjust the volume and tempo of music based on their emotional states. This neurofeedback approach was shown to reduce depression by an average of 17.2% in participants. Read more

Applications of Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback has shown promise in a variety of areas, including:

Mental Health: Conditions such as anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD) [1], Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [2][9], and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [3] can benefit from neurofeedback training by helping individuals regulate their brain activity and improve emotional stability.
Chronic Pain: Research suggests that neurofeedback can be used to increase an individual’s resilience to pain. [4]
Addiction: Studies have shown the effectiveness of neurofeedback training as a therapeutic method in opiate dependence disorder, in supplement to pharmacotherapy. [5]
Cognitive Enhancement: Research suggests that individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) have improved working memory after NF treatment. [6]
Sleep Disorders: Neurofeedback can help improve sleep quality by promoting healthier brainwave patterns associated with restful sleep. [7]
Sports Performance: Research has shown cyclists improve their endurance with NF training. [8]

Above: A novel system for cognitive training uses a drone as powered by an EMOTIV EPOC headset. (Cervantes et al., 2023)

EEG Neurofeedback Devices

EMOTIV EEG devices are ideal for neurofeedback training because they are wireless, scientifically validated, and set up in minutes. Traditional laboratory equipment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, whereas most EMOTIV neurotechnology is available for around the cost of an iPhone Pro or less. In addition, EMOTIV EEG headsets are whole-brain sensing, while some consumer-grade EEG devices cover specific areas only.

The device you select should be based on your budget but also your planned use. For example, saline or gel sensors take longer to set up than dry or semi-dry sensors. If you are working with patients, consider comfort, setup time, and privacy.

Neuroprivacy has been a cornerstone of EMOTIV's research and business model since day one. Learn more about how we keep your brain data secure.

FLEX: 32 Channels	EPOC X: 14 Channels	Insight: 5 Channels

MN8: 2 Channels	EMOTIV PRO	Headset Comparison Guide

Note: EMOTIV products are intended to be used for research applications and personal use only. Our products are not sold as Medical Devices as defined in EU directive 93/42/EEC. Our products are not designed or intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of disease.

Conclusion

EEG Neurofeedback is an exciting and emerging field that offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to improving mental and physical health. By harnessing the power of brain wave monitoring and feedback, individuals can learn to self-regulate their brain activity, leading to lasting positive changes. Whether you're dealing with mental health issues, chronic pain, or simply looking to enhance your cognitive abilities, neurofeedback might be a viable option for you.

If you want to try neurofeedback, make sure to work with a certified practitioner for safe and effective results. If you are looking for neurofeedback devices for your business, our customer support team would be thrilled to assist you in your selection. Contact us here or email hello@emotiv.com.