Clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms of neurofeedback by Sharon Niv

• Sharon Niv^,

  Abstract

  Although many psychological disorders have significant basis in neurobiological dysfunction, most treatment approaches either neglect biological aspects of the problem, or approach dysfunction through pharmacological treatment alone, which may expose individuals to negative side effects. In recent decades, neurofeedback has been promoted as an alternative approach to treating neurobiological dysfunction. Neurofeedback helps individuals gain control over subtle brain activity fluctuations through real-time rewards for pre-established target brainwave frequencies at specific cortical locations. This paper reviews the effectiveness of neurofeedback in a range of conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, substance use, PTSD, and learning difficulties. Neurofeedback has emerged as superior or equivalent to either alternative or no treatment in many of the examined studies, suggesting it produces some effects worthy of further examination. In light of its potential to address neurobiological dysfunction directly, future research is suggested in order to refine protocols, as well as to establish effectiveness and efficacy. Potential mechanisms of neurofeedback are discussed, including global connectivity, neuroplasticity, and reinforcement of the default mode network, central executive network, and salience network.

  
  

  Highlights

  ► Neurofeedback is an alternative treatment to psychotherapy or psychopharmacology. ► This paper reviews rigorously designed RCT studies of different conditions. ► Potential mechanisms are global connectivity, plasticity and core network involvement. ► Future directions to investigate effectiveness, efficacy and mechanism are proposed.

  Keywords

  • Neurofeedback;
  • Psychopathology;
  • Alternative treatment;
  • Neurotherapy

  
  

  
  

  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886912006241