Depression

Today, we are witnessing an important new advancement in biofeedback. It is called "Neurofeedback" because it involves learned self-regulation of the activity of the brain ("neuro" refers to the nervous system). Formerly, this area of biofeedback was called "brainwave training," but since so much important new research and clinical work has taken place, it has been given a new name. Stated simply, Neurofeedback involves the monitoring of brain activity through the use of sensors which are attached to the scalp with a dab of thick cream. The process takes about five minutes. Following this, the sensors are connected to an electroencephalograph (EEG) which is controlled by a high speed computer. The computer records and analyzes the electrical activity of the brain and converts the activity into a display on the computer's monitor. A sound is also created which represents brain activity. Taken together, this visual and auditory display enables a person to "tap into" one's own brain activity. In turn, this allows the person to learn self-control over brain activity. Sound "far out" and "futuristic?" Maybe so, but it is not. It is a scientifically proven technique which is now being employed by physicians and psychologists in over 150 clinics nationwide as well as in dozens of universities. Depression is only one of the areas in which Neurofeedback is being used. At Health Psychology / A.D.D. Institute, and elsewhere across the country, it is being used to treat such problems as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Tourette's syndrome; seizures; anxiety; sleep disorders; substance abuse; and chronic fatigue syndrome. The basic idea behind the treatment of these problems in general, and in the treatment of depression in particular, is that in each case there has been an alteration in the normal, rhythmic electrical activities of the brain. With depression, what is frequently seen is a tendency toward a slowing down of brain activity. The result is what we refer to as a state of "low arousal." The depressed person has low energy, poor attention, poor memory, a feeling of lethargy and a mood of pervasive sadness. The sessions begin by analyzing brain activity in order to look at how the EEG might show such a profile. Afterward, we design a program of self-training with Neurofeedback which allows one the opportunity to "normalize" brain activity. In the case of excessively slow activity , for example, a program will be designed which requires the individual to produce faster brain activity. Both research and clinical experience have shown the effect to be the production of a state of increased arousal.

http://www.hp-add.com/depress.htm