Is Neurofeedback a Sham?
Is Neurofeedback a Sham? My Take as a Parent and What We Do at the Togetherness Project
Let’s dive into the big question: is neurofeedback a sham? You might have heard the skeptics—“It’s all just fancy tech with no real science!” or “It’s the placebo effect!” And yes, the idea of hooking up to machines and watching your brainwaves play out on a screen sounds a bit like a sci-fi movie. But as a parent who’s seen neurotherapy work wonders for my son’s ADHD—especially in managing his emotions—I can confidently say it’s not a sham. It’s an emerging field backed by evidence and grounded in the brain’s incredible ability to change and adapt.
What Exactly Is Neurofeedback?
So, what is neurofeedback? Imagine sitting in a comfy chair with sensors attached to your scalp that read your brainwaves in real-time. These signals are translated into visual feedback on a screen—maybe a calming animation or a game your brain “controls.” The goal? To teach your brain how to regulate itself by rewarding it when it hits certain states, like focused calm or relaxation. Over time, your brain learns to maintain these states on its own, just like building muscle at the gym—except the muscle here is your brain!
For my son, the protocols targeted focus and emotional regulation area. And let me tell you, the difference has been amazing. ADHD often means big emotions and lots of ups and downs, but after neurofeedback sessions, he became better at managing his feelings and staying focused during tasks. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but it was real, and it made a huge impact on his daily life.
What the Science Says: Evidence Beyond the Placebo Effect
Before trying it out, I had the same questions you probably do—“Does it really work, or is it all hype?” Turns out, there’s solid evidence backing neurofeedback, especially for ADHD and emotional regulation.
ADHD: Research shows neurofeedback can significantly improve attention, focus, and emotional control. In one study, neurofeedback was as effective as medication in reducing ADHD symptoms, without the side effects (Arns et al., 2009). It trains the brain to manage those tricky areas, and I’ve seen this firsthand with my son.
Emotional Regulation: If you’re dealing with ADHD, you know those emotional meltdowns can be part of the package. Neurofeedback has been shown to strengthen the brain regions responsible for emotional control, such as the prefrontal cortex. Studies have shown that neurofeedback can reduce emotional outbursts and improve overall stability (Lofthouse et al., 2012). Watching my son use the skills he learned to calm himself down instead of spiralling has been all the proof I need.
It’s Not Just a Placebo: Some critics argue neurofeedback’s effects are all placebo, but controlled studies show otherwise. Trials with sham (fake) neurofeedback setups still find that real neurofeedback has greater effects, especially on ADHD symptoms (Van Doren et al., 2019). This suggests that something real and measurable is happening in the brain during neurofeedback sessions.
How We Do Neurofeedback at the Togetherness Project
At the Togetherness Project, we use the term Neurotherapy to describe our comprehensive approach, which includes neurofeedback and other brain-based interventions designed to promote optimal brain function and mental well-being. We use state-of-the-art technology to make Neurotherapy as effective and personalised as possible. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation; we tailor our programs based on the individual’s specific brain patterns. Here’s how we do it:
QEEG Brain Mapping: We start with a quantitative EEG (QEEG) to create a detailed map of your brain’s activity. This helps us identify which areas may need support and gives us a baseline to track progress.
ERP (Event-Related Potential) Assessments: We also use ERP assessments, which provide real-time data on how your brain reacts to stimuli. This helps us understand more about how your brain processes information, particularly in cases of ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.
Tailored Neurotherapy Programs: Based on this data, we design a program that targets your specific needs. By combining scientifically supported techniques with expert training, we create personalised and effective neurotherapy sessions.
We’ve seen neurotherapy make real changes for people dealing with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The brain has an incredible ability to adapt (neuroplasticity), and neurofeedback taps into that potential. It’s not a magic fix, but when done correctly and consistently, it can promote long-lasting improvements in mental health and cognitive well-being.
Is Neurofeedback a Miracle Cure?
Nope. And that’s the honest truth. Neurotherapy isn’t magic, and it’s not a miracle solution. It takes time, commitment, and regular sessions to see results. It’s also an investment; sessions can be costly. But when you’re watching your child go from meltdowns to managing emotions calmly, you realise it’s worth it. It’s part of the toolbox—working best alongside other therapies and support strategies.
Is Neurofeedback a Sham? My Answer
In my experience, no. Neurotherapy is far from a sham. It’s an evidence-backed, effective approach that’s helped my son develop emotional regulation and focus that we hadn’t seen before. At the Togetherness Project, we see Neurotherapy as a valuable tool for people dealing with a range of challenges, and our tailored, data-driven programs are designed to make the most of it.
If you’re curious about Neurotherapy and whether it could help your loved one, I’d say it’s worth a shot. The science supports it, and the changes I’ve seen speak for themselves. Plus, with the right support and technology, Neurotherapy can be more than just a buzzword—it can be a game changer.