Recently, a small study was published about neurofeedback and the impact on people’s brains. Neurofeedback is where people concentrate on modifying brainwave patterns which can potentially bring positive treatments to people with many disorders, including “treatment-resistant” depression (TRD). Learn more about why neurofeedback is having such a positive impact on this challenging diagnosis.
How it Helps
Different brain waves have been shown in the past to be associated with varying moods and brain states. When the people in the study were asked to concentrate on changing levels of brain wave types as displayed on a computer screen, people’s psychological progress was measured on a depression questionnaire.
This showed how treatment impacted factors such as:
- Interpersonal relationships
- Work ability
- Family life
In the study group, 8 of 12 participants responded to treatment with 5 of them well enough to be classified as in remission. Many remained under long-term observation to see if remission continued. The control group did not show significant jumps in improvement from baseline after 12 weeks.
What it Suggests
Neurofeedback has been trialed with psychological conditions in the past but not necessarily with people who are dealing with treatment-resistant depression. This has been a formerly untreatable group of people who may now have hope for symptoms. Results suggested that neurofeedback might be an effective treatment for people who want to feel better again and engage in life. Even more promising is that it did not have any side effects. Though the study was relatively small in size, that does not mean it can’t be extrapolated out to a wider group and studied even further to look at the benefits of neurofeedback for people with depression that was formerly untreatable. The hope is that more studies will be conducted and people will continue to seek out clinical trials and find ways of getting past these symptoms which are sometimes so debilitating a person cannot work or function on a day-to-day basis. The idea that hope may exist to lessen symptoms without many side effects is a welcome scientific advancement.
Oceanfront believes in trying many methods of treatment in combination to support a person in recovery. If you are struggling with addiction or a co-occurring mental health disorder, there is hope. We will help you find the path that is right for you. Call us to find out how to get started: 877-279-1777
