Feelings of fear and anxiety are a normal part of life, but these feelings become a problem when they are persistent, overwhelming, unrelenting, or not connected to a specific situation. Severe anxiety can lead to panic attacks, a constant feeling of worry, or obsessive thoughts and phobias. Anxiety disorders are also characterized by other symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and muscle tension. Neurofeedback for anxiety is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that helps to reduce these symptoms and improve overall mental health.
Scientists haven’t fully understood the causes of severe Anxiety yet, but they believe that anxiety is generated by two separate pathways in the brain. One pathway begins in the cerebral cortex and involves our perceptions and thoughts about situations. The other pathway starts in the amygdala, a small area of the brain that generates physical responses like adrenaline and blood pressure. The amygdala pathway operates much faster than the cortex, and it can produce many of the symptoms of anxiety in less than a tenth of a second.
Neurofeedback and biofeedback are non-invasive brain training techniques that help to increase calmness by promoting the production of certain types of brain waves. For example, alpha waves are associated with relaxation, while beta waves tend to lead to feelings of worry and stress. In most cases, anxiety is caused by decreased alpha and increased beta waves. During neurofeedback sessions, patients watch a computer screen that becomes brighter when their brain produces brainwaves that are conducive to relaxation, and the screen gets dimmer when they produce brainwaves that are detrimental to relaxation. By practicing this therapy, patients learn how to control their thoughts and brainwaves and eventually can achieve their goal of reducing or eliminating Anxiety symptoms.
There are several different types of neurofeedback, including frequency power neurofeedback, slow cortical potential neurofeedback, and low-energy neurofeedback system LENS. This type of therapy involves attaching electrodes to the skin to detect brainwave frequencies that are related to mental health issues. For instance, the frequency of brainwaves in certain areas of the head correlate to anxiety, insomnia, and ADHD.
In addition to these neurofeedback treatments, there are also lifestyle changes that can help to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation. These include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and taking a mindfulness approach to everyday events that may trigger anxious or stressful thoughts.
Neurofeedback is an exciting new treatment for anxiety that has shown promise in a number of clinical trials. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in larger groups of patients. Until then, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor and follow their recommendations for managing anxiety symptoms. To find a provider who can help you, visit our directory of qualified practitioners.