Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues, affecting millions of people worldwide. In Australia, anxiety affects as many as 10% to 15% of the population. While medications can be an effective treatment for anxiety, they often come with side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Neurofeedback offers a promising drug-free alternative for managing anxiety. This non-invasive technique leverages the brain's natural ability to self-regulate, providing a pathway to relief without medication.
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. Sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. Typically, individuals with anxiety exhibit overactive brainwave patterns. Overactive brains can lead to a constant state of “fight or flight”, making it difficult for people to rest. It also can lead to fixations and rumination (overthinking). Electroencephalograph (EEG) recordings have shown that there is an elevated right frontal cortex in anxious patients compared to non-anxious healthy controls.
Neurofeedback provides real-time feedback to the individual through visual or auditory cues. This feedback helps individuals learn how to “calm down” their overactive brain, teaching themselves to achieve a more balanced and calm state.
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. Sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. Typically, individuals with anxiety exhibit overactive brainwave patterns. Overactive brains can lead to a constant state of “fight or flight”, making it difficult for people to rest. It also can lead to fixations and rumination (overthinking).
Neurofeedback provides real-time feedback to the individual through visual or auditory cues. This feedback helps individuals learn how to “calm down” their overactive brain, teaching themselves to achieve a more balanced and calm state.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback in reducing anxiety symptoms. Neurofeedback has been associated with clinical improvement in generalised anxiety, phobic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD1. In many cases, neurofeedback showed statistically significant improvements in neurological functioning.
More importantly, follow-up studies suggest that these improvements are maintained over the long term2. One study examining anxiety and fear in cancer patients found that after neurofeedback sessions, participants reported improvements across several key measures of anxiety3. Overall, researchers seem to agree that neurofeedback can lead to a significant and long-lasting decrease in anxiety symptoms. While research is ongoing, current findings are promising and support neurofeedback as a viable treatment option for anxiety.
Neurofeedback is drug-free, offering a natural alternative to medication-based treatment for Anxiety. This is especially significant for those seeking drug-free treatments or those who haven't found relief for their anxiety symptoms through medication.
Neurofeedback training is tailored to each individual's unique brainwave patterns and needs.
Neurofeedback is painless and non-invasive, making it suitable for children (over eight years old) and adults struggling with symptoms of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.
Neurofeedback for Anxiety can continue to provide benefits long after treatment ceases. Research has shown that the benefits of neurofeedback can provide sustained reductions in amygdala activation (associated with anxiety), rumination and feelings of stress.
When considering neurofeedback, working with a certified and experienced practitioner is important. Look for licensed professionals with a strong background in neurofeedback therapy. They can provide the guidance and expertise necessary to ensure a safe and effective treatment experience.
Mindstate Psychology is certified with
It is difficult to predict how many treatment sessions are required to see improvements in your symptoms. Typically, we expect to see improvement at 20-40 sessions, although this can vary depending on several individual factors. Some individuals may see improvement as early as ten sessions.
No, there are a number of different treatment options for anxiety treatments, including medications and psychological therapy. Depending on your individual circumstances, we may recommend additional treatment options for you to peruse in conjunction with neurofeedback.
We encourage you to explore the various options available and choose the one that best suits your circumstances.
There are no simple answers. Neurofeedback can be beneficial for individuals of all ages experiencing anxiety. It is particularly useful for those seeking a drug-free treatment or who have not found relief through traditional methods. Consulting with a qualified neurofeedback practitioner can help determine if this approach suits your specific needs.
Neurofeedback does not work for everyone and like medication, the benefit varies depending on the individual.
No, neither neurofeedback nor Quantitative Electroencephalography constitutes a formal diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. While these processes may uncover patterns of brain activation consistent with anxiety disorders, individuals requiring a formal diagnosis should speak to their local GP or consider getting an assessment by a clinical psychologist.
Unfortunately, neurofeedback is not available for Medicare rebates. While some private health insurers may cover parts of the neurofeedback process, this varies dramatically between funds. You should check with your insurer directly to see what they cover.
