Veterans Helping to Prevent Veteran Suicide

Neurofeedback (NF) and Photobiomodulation (PBM)

The James E. Wright Veteran’s Service Center

Highway 69 Marshall County, Alabama (Planned)

IN CRISIS? CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR IMMEDIATE HELP. VETERAN PRESS 1.

Mental Health Treatment for Vets

Neurofeedback therapist

Neurofeedback, also known as EEG (electroencephalogram) biofeedback, is a therapeutic intervention that provides immediate feedback from a computer-based program that assesses a client’s brainwave activity. The program uses auditory or visual signals to help patients recognize their thought patterns and try to modify them. Through this process, clients can learn to regulate and improve their brain function and hopefully alleviate symptoms of various neurological disorders and mental health conditions.

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback. Biofeedback refers to obtaining information and metrics about physiological functions—such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature—to understand and change existing bodily processes. Neurofeedback does the same but specifically for brain activity.

Recent research is showing promise for the use of NF for trauma therapy. It does not use any type of exposure approaches so it can be tolerated during therapy. The procedure is safe and non-invasive, but it may not be for all.

Neurofeedback can help treat many different conditions, including:

  • ADHD
  • Seizure conditions
  • Brain injury
  • Insomnia and sleep problems
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Age-related cognitive loss
  • Behavior disorders
  • Developmental delays

Neurofeedback may also be used as an adjunct intervention with other forms of therapy. Devices in the form of headsets or earbuds can monitor electrical activity in the brain that people can then access and analyze on their phone or computer.

Neurofeedback brain

Neurofeedback therapy consists of regular 20- or 30-minute sessions. Some people need fewer sessions, while others require more. When the client arrives, they’ll be seated and the provider will attach electrodes to their scalp, often by fitting with them with a cap or band. The electrodes will transmit their brain activity to a computer program as they engage in the process. They may watch graphics on a computer screen or listen to music. The provider will be monitoring their brainwaves on the screen. The computer program will then begin directing the client’s brainwave activity toward more desirable and controlled patterns through visual and auditory cues. They’ll get immediate feedback from the program when their brainwave patterns improve to reinforce those changes.

Between sessions, clients may be able to notice changes in mood, stress, sleep patterns, or mental clarity. Note that neurofeedback takes place in an office or clinic. The person remains conscious and alert throughout the session, there is no sedation or medication involved, and they can return to their daily routine after the visit.

How It Works

Neurofeedback is not considered a cure, but rather a method of managing or regulating the workings of the brain so it functions in a healthier manner. This is achieved by repeated training sessions using a computerized neurofeedback program that teaches the central nervous system to reorganize and regulate brainwave frequencies. The idea is that patients can see their brain waves depicted in front of them. If they can learn to shift their thoughts to produce a desired pattern of activity, they can solve the harmful effects associated with the original pattern of activity.

For example, some research suggests that EEG may help reduce symptoms of ADHD in children or PTSD in adults. Brain activity among those with ADHD/PTSD is sometimes associated with an increased power of theta waves, slower brain waves, and a decreased power of alpha/beta waves, faster brain waves. EEG may then be used to help children or adults learn to shift the ratio of these two types of brain waves.

Neurofeedback

What to Look for When Seeking Neurofeedback Treatment

Many people are referred to neurofeedback training in the treatment of an ongoing condition or in combination with other modalities of therapy. If you are seeking a therapist with this specialty, be sure to ask about how they perform neurofeedback and in what setting. You can also look for a practitioner who is certified in neurofeedback: The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance offers a neurofeedback certificate to those who have completed relevant education and training.

Licensed mental health professionals who have been trained to use neurofeedback equipment and programs can provide neurofeedback services in their private practices and clinics. In addition to finding someone with the educational background and relevant experience, look for a therapist with whom you feel comfortable discussing personal issues, who displays an understanding of your particular case, and who can clearly explain the neurofeedback process, its potential benefits, and its limitations in a way you can understand.

Neurofeedback session

What is Photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation therapy is defined as the utilization of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures that are receptive to photons. Mitochondria is particularly receptive to this process. At the cellular level, visible red and near infrared light (NIR) energy are absorbed by mitochondria, which perform the function of producing cellular energy called “ATP”. The key to this entire process is a mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome oxidase c, a chromophore, which accepts photonic energy of specific wavelengths when functioning below par.

Read a published study (May 2022) using the Vielight Neuro Alpha on the way that living cells, cellular structures, and components such as microtubules and tubulin respond to near-infrared PBM.

Photobiomodulation

What is Photobiology?

Photobiology is the study of the effects of non-ionizing radiation on biological systems. The biological effect varies with the wavelength region of the radiation. The radiation is absorbed by molecules in skin such as DNA, protein or certain drugs. The molecules are changed chemically into products that initiate biochemical responses in the cells. Biological reaction to light is nothing new, there are numerous examples of light induced photochemical reactions in biological systems. Vitamin D synthesis in our skin is an example of a photochemical reaction

Photobiology

What is virtual reality exposure therapy?

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a form of exposure therapy that uses technology. Exposure therapy seeks to help decrease the intensity of the stress responses you might have to situations, thoughts, or memories which provoke anxiety or fear. In a controlled and safe environment you are exposed to your PTSD triggers. In some cases, it is difficult to recreate the experiences that led to your PTSD, like military-related combat or severe motor vehicle accidents, for example. VRET can safely mimic those situations and provide an environment that can simulate the person’s real-life experience.

What is virtual reality exposure therapy like?

You’ll spend time getting to know your therapist and discussing what caused your trauma. Then your therapist will create the environment for your VRET. You might use a virtual reality headset or enter a dark room with many screens that create an immersive environment mimicking what your trauma was like. There can be sights, sounds, smells, and vibrations to further recreate the traumatic experience and emotional response. The setup is designed to help you confront the situations that cause you fear and anxiety, but in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll discuss these immersive experiences with your therapist. Medication and training in coping skills may also be used in conjunction with therapy.

Virtual Reality
VRET

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