Frequently asked questions.
30 November 2020
What is neurofeedback? How does neurofeedback work? Why is it so important for people with ADHD, especially children? All these questions were explained in our earlier publictions. At the same time many people look for answers to other questions, for instance: How do I know that it will work? When should I expect to see results? How will playing games or watching movies help improve focus? And etc.
So, we start our frequently asked questions explanation.
If you have some questions don't hesitate to contact us - hello@pigpug.co
We will be glad to answer all your questions!
How do I know that it will work?
A recent meta-analysis specifically looked at long-term effects of neurofeedback, compared to active treatments (including psychostimulants) and semi-active treatments (e.g., cognitive training), found that after on average 6 months followup, the effects of neurofeedback were superior to semiactive control groups and no different from active treatments including methylphenidate. Interestingly, this meta-analysis confirmed the trend for medication effects to diminish with time, and the effects of neurofeedback— without additional sessions being conducted — to increase with time.
There are multiple, well-controlled studies showing that neurofeedback is an effective treatment for ADHD. Neurofeedback has the highest level of evidence-based support for treating ADHD.
When should I expect to see results?
The results vary, of course. You can see some improvement in calmness and focus for 30 minutes to several hours after training within the first 5-6 sessions. These improvements tend to start increasing and lasting throughout the day between 10 and 20 sessions (optimal).
How will playing games help improve focus?
Video games are chosen, because the ability to focus on them is useful tool during training. They are fun for everyone, from childhood up to adult, and training participants are generally very cooperative with training. The training occurs on a neurological level that is not related to the content of the video game or movie. Just like being at the gym does not make you stronger, you have to actually do exercises to improve. Regular video games without the appropriate technology will not improve attention.
What is the difference between neurofeedback and biofeedback?
No difference. But biofeedback is a broader category of methods. Neurofeedback is a more specialized type of biofeedback. For example, biofeedback includes electrical activity of muscles (EMG), bladder tension, electrical activity of the skin (EDA/GSR) and etc. And neurofeedback gets signals coming directly from the Central Nervous System, it has a wider range of influence.
Neurofeedback can also be called neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback, and EEG biofeedback.
What results should I expect?
It depends. Effects depend on the disease, person's character and motivation. The most frequently listed benefits are:
- better self-control;
- better concentration;
- better attention;
- accelerated learning;
- development of self-awareness;
- more efficient memory;
- development of emotional intelligence;
- easier decision making;
- quicker and deeper relaxation;
- increased productivity;
- shorter response time;
- reduced number of errors;
- reduced anxiety and stage fright.
Does the training has an effect for everyone?
Research suggests that about 90% of users notice profitable impact from the training. Of course, the level of impact varies individually.
For some people, neurofeedback has crucial importance. Subjective estimations of improvement are confirmed in examinations of objective indicators, e.g., rates of errors, visual-auditory efficiency, and school scores. Some research also points to an increase in IQ.
To whom will the training not be useful?
Neurofeedback may not work for everyone. Unfortunately, a small % of people unresponsible to the training while a majority will. The peak performance training won't be useful for persons who:
- don't have enough motivations to increase the mind's abilities;
- don't have enough time to invest at least a quarter of an hour once in a few days;
- experience anxiety or fear from using this kind of advanced technology.
May any negative reactions occur from the training?
Theoretically, in some people a transitory excessive nervous stimulation may occur. It may occur headache, anxiety and etc. But such cases are very infrequent.
If it happened, it is necessary to shorten sessions, to train less frequently, or to stop the training cycle. In the event of intense psychological tension or sleep deficit, the training may provoke transitory drowsiness.
Will neurofeedback therapy change my personality?
No, it is excluded. Neurofeedback training sessions lead your brain's connections communicate more efficiently, and stay balanced. In the end it makes you calmer, improves your self-control, concentration and attention. It never will not change your hobbies, interests, or who you are.
How successful is neurofeedback treatment?
Most follow-up research has commonly found that about 70-80% of the time significant improvements occur.
How many sessions are required with neurofeedback?
It depends. Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities, for example, usually requires about 30-40 sessions;
Usually anxiety and insomnia - about 20 sessions;
Depression often requires about 25-30 sessions,
OCD - is one of the most severe condition - may require 30-50 sessions.
Can I reduce medication throughout the treatment period?
You need to speak about it with your doctor. Theoretically, you can. It's possible to start reducing medication during treatment with Neurofeedback.
So, we start our frequently asked questions explanation.
If you have some questions don't hesitate to contact us - hello@pigpug.co
We will be glad to answer all your questions!
How do I know that it will work?
A recent meta-analysis specifically looked at long-term effects of neurofeedback, compared to active treatments (including psychostimulants) and semi-active treatments (e.g., cognitive training), found that after on average 6 months followup, the effects of neurofeedback were superior to semiactive control groups and no different from active treatments including methylphenidate. Interestingly, this meta-analysis confirmed the trend for medication effects to diminish with time, and the effects of neurofeedback— without additional sessions being conducted — to increase with time.
There are multiple, well-controlled studies showing that neurofeedback is an effective treatment for ADHD. Neurofeedback has the highest level of evidence-based support for treating ADHD.
When should I expect to see results?
The results vary, of course. You can see some improvement in calmness and focus for 30 minutes to several hours after training within the first 5-6 sessions. These improvements tend to start increasing and lasting throughout the day between 10 and 20 sessions (optimal).
How will playing games help improve focus?
Video games are chosen, because the ability to focus on them is useful tool during training. They are fun for everyone, from childhood up to adult, and training participants are generally very cooperative with training. The training occurs on a neurological level that is not related to the content of the video game or movie. Just like being at the gym does not make you stronger, you have to actually do exercises to improve. Regular video games without the appropriate technology will not improve attention.
What is the difference between neurofeedback and biofeedback?
No difference. But biofeedback is a broader category of methods. Neurofeedback is a more specialized type of biofeedback. For example, biofeedback includes electrical activity of muscles (EMG), bladder tension, electrical activity of the skin (EDA/GSR) and etc. And neurofeedback gets signals coming directly from the Central Nervous System, it has a wider range of influence.
Neurofeedback can also be called neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback, and EEG biofeedback.
What results should I expect?
It depends. Effects depend on the disease, person's character and motivation. The most frequently listed benefits are:
- better self-control;
- better concentration;
- better attention;
- accelerated learning;
- development of self-awareness;
- more efficient memory;
- development of emotional intelligence;
- easier decision making;
- quicker and deeper relaxation;
- increased productivity;
- shorter response time;
- reduced number of errors;
- reduced anxiety and stage fright.
Does the training has an effect for everyone?
Research suggests that about 90% of users notice profitable impact from the training. Of course, the level of impact varies individually.
For some people, neurofeedback has crucial importance. Subjective estimations of improvement are confirmed in examinations of objective indicators, e.g., rates of errors, visual-auditory efficiency, and school scores. Some research also points to an increase in IQ.
To whom will the training not be useful?
Neurofeedback may not work for everyone. Unfortunately, a small % of people unresponsible to the training while a majority will. The peak performance training won't be useful for persons who:
- don't have enough motivations to increase the mind's abilities;
- don't have enough time to invest at least a quarter of an hour once in a few days;
- experience anxiety or fear from using this kind of advanced technology.
May any negative reactions occur from the training?
Theoretically, in some people a transitory excessive nervous stimulation may occur. It may occur headache, anxiety and etc. But such cases are very infrequent.
If it happened, it is necessary to shorten sessions, to train less frequently, or to stop the training cycle. In the event of intense psychological tension or sleep deficit, the training may provoke transitory drowsiness.
Will neurofeedback therapy change my personality?
No, it is excluded. Neurofeedback training sessions lead your brain's connections communicate more efficiently, and stay balanced. In the end it makes you calmer, improves your self-control, concentration and attention. It never will not change your hobbies, interests, or who you are.
How successful is neurofeedback treatment?
Most follow-up research has commonly found that about 70-80% of the time significant improvements occur.
How many sessions are required with neurofeedback?
It depends. Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities, for example, usually requires about 30-40 sessions;
Usually anxiety and insomnia - about 20 sessions;
Depression often requires about 25-30 sessions,
OCD - is one of the most severe condition - may require 30-50 sessions.
Can I reduce medication throughout the treatment period?
You need to speak about it with your doctor. Theoretically, you can. It's possible to start reducing medication during treatment with Neurofeedback.
