Neurofeedback for depression: A must read

The world is witnessing an unprecedented health crisis currently. Billions of people are confined to their houses and are cut off from their regular lives. For a lot of them, these hard times may cause mental stress.  For someone who hasn’t experienced clinical depression, the escalated distress that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused is enough to understand the unrest and related conditions. For those already battling depression, this is a double crisis.  

Depression is a common mental disorder caused by a set of social, psychological and biological factors. At the beginning of the year 2020 World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.  Some of its visible symptoms include continuous loss of interest or pleasure in daily life and the prevalence of negative feelings such as deep sadness, guilt and low self-esteem. Women are two times more likely to be affected by depression than men. 

What are the treatments available for Depression? 

Family and friends and change in lifestyle can provide support for mild depression. But in severe cases it is advisable to seek professional help. Some moderate and most severe depressions respond to antidepressant medications that are prescribed only after a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Can Neurofeedback help with Depression?

Yes. Neurofeedback was first clinically applied on depression. Also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, neurofeedback is a proven medication-free method to improve your brain function through intensive brain training exercises. Neurofeedback allows you to reshape mood networks in your brain.

A pilot study by Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network proved neurofeedback can be a complementary treatment to reverse depression and make patients feel well again. Eight out of twelve patients who were engaged in the treatment improved on various depression scales that measured both symptoms and functional impairment.

How does Neurofeedback work for Depression?

Neurofeedback, although a sophisticated technology is a simple, painless and non-invasive process. A process where you learn to alter your brain activity like learning every other skill. You excel at this skill through feedback and practice. In the human brain, different brainwaves are associated with different moods and brain states. Neurofeedback is a process by which your brain learns to regulate its own brain waves to produce long-term positive changes.

Does Neurofeedback have any side effects?

Neurofeedback has no known long-term negative effects. 

Other benefits for Neurofeedback in depression

Neurofeedback therapy for depression boosts self-esteem and brain connectivity. It helps in overall brain health and improved memory. Many people who go through neurofeedback training report having improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and ADHD symptoms. 

At Evolve Brain Training, we excel in neurofeedback and many of our clients have seen positive results and long-lasting recovery from depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, chronic fatigue and learning disabilities. For a virtual consultation and to know more information on Neurofeedback in Dubai, please contact us to book your appointment today. 

Dr. Upasana Gala is the founder and CEO of Evolve Brain Training, a Neurofeedback-centered institute that focuses on using non-invasive brain training techniques to maximize the brain's true potential.