Clinical Applications of
Hypnotherapy and Neurofeedback (NF):
ADHD Based on solid empirical research1, Neurofeedback is now regarded a leading treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. NF instrumentation offers ADHD patients the opportunity to retrain brain activity of their frontal lobe, which has been documented as lower in this group of patients. This training may eliminate or significantly reduce the need for stimulant medication, and enhance efficacy of other treatment plans, thus it is an excellent supplement to any other treatments in place.
Anxiety & The Phobias Anxiety, panic attack and the phobias also have a distinct neurological pattern on recorded, live EEG: excess high beta waves, usually evident in the right hemisphere. Individuals can be trained to suppress, or lower these frequencies, resulting in alleviation of symptoms2. Desensitization training can be done thereafter, or simultaneously, under hypnosis, to reduce the associative power of the triggering stimulus.
Autism, PDD’s NF is being used to help bolster temporal lobe function in autistic and PDD cases3.
Chronic Pain & Illness Most physicians understand full well the interface between an organic, physical condition that causes chronic pain, and the psycho-emotional reaction to this, which can exacerbate the pain and reduce effects of treatment. In treating pain, physicians often have to ignore this latter effect, in the hope that it will not interfere with treatment. Biofeedback and hypnotherapy provide highly effective tools for these cases, for they reduce stress levels, raise tolerance thresholds, and alter the interpretive valence that patients attach to their physical distress4. Feeling better can also revive hope, which raises compliance.
Dementias, and Cognitive Decline NF provides the facility of tracking memory changes over time, and training for maximum retention of cognitive capacity. Thus, after diagnosis of a dementia, brain training with NF can help slow the progression of the disease5.
Depression Reduced brainwave activity within the beta bandwidth in left temporal lobe has been linked to various depressive states6; through NF, patients can train their brains to produce the target brainwaves, resulting in quick alleviation of affect and greater potential for success in the application of traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy. Hypnotherapy can also benefit these patients, by embedding auto-suggestions in their sub-conscious that restore self esteem, effectively augmenting traditional therapy.
Learning Disability Taking EEG readings from key sites around the brain, it is possible to identify less functional areas. This would in turn have impact on cognitive function relative to the affected site. With this knowledge, we can then train a patient to produce brainwaves of a target frequency range at the affected site (low and medium beta, or ‘cognitive processing’ waves), resulting in improved function7.
Migraine headaches NF has been proven effective in the treatment of migraine headaches as well, and thus could be an excellent choice for patients with persistent, resistant headaches8.
PTSD, Suppressed Trauma, Addictions and Eating Disorder Although these conditions are not all similar, they tend to be equally responsive to hypnotherapy or NF, which can deliver quicker and more enhanced alleviation of distress9. In the case of hypnotherapy, patients are provided with a safe environment within which to explore memories, while receiving auto-suggestions that enhance their sense of well-being and self esteem. In NF, a protocol that is often applied very successfully with these conditions is alpha-theta training in the occipital lobes.
TBI, Recovery from Stroke The benefits of NF have also become evident in the area of brain-injury, whether due to impact (Traumatic Brain Injury), or resulting from stroke or multi infarct. Live EEG assessment provides the opportunity to determine areas that were most affected, and to provoke recovery through ‘brain training’ on NF equipment. Likewise, with respect to the dementias, as detailed below.
Sleep Disorder NF and hypnotherapy are both used effectively in the treatment of insomnia and various sleep disorders10.
Seizure Disorder One of the most fascinating finds of Neurofeedback was the serendipitous discovery by Barry Sterman, while studying cats, that training sensori-motor rhythm can help contain a seizure disorder, providing a non-drug method to reduce or eliminate seizure activity in the brain. This is now being used nationwide as a treatment for seizure disorder, with excellent results.
Weight loss, quitting smoking, peak performance training In areas where most people struggle to bring about the life changes that are needed for healthier living, hypnotherapy and/or NF can often provide that extra measure of needed strength. Once again, alpha-theta training is the choice protocol for generating an enhanced sense of well being and self worth, and can help break the dependency on substances or habits. There are also specific protocols that render benefits for peak performance in athletes and others seeking accelerated success in general.
1. Alhambra, M.A., Folwer, T.P., & Alhambra, A. (1995) EEG Biofeedback: A new treatment option for ADD/ADHD, Journal of Neurotherapy, I(2), 39-43
Amen, Daniel G. (1998) Healing ADD, New York, G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Fuchs, T., Birbaumer, N., Lutzenberger, W., Gruzelier, J., & Kaiser, J., (2003) Neurofeedback treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a comparison with methylphenidate. Journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 28(I), 1-12.
2. Hawkins, R.C. II, Doel, S.R., Lindseth, P., Jeffers, V., & Skaggs, S. (1980) Anxiety reduction in hospitalized schizophrenics through thermal biofeedback and relaxation training. Perceptual & Motor Skills, 51(2), 475-482.
3. Boddaert, N., & Chabane, N, (2002) Temporal lobe dysfunction in childhood autism. Journal of Radiology, 83, 1829-1833.
4. Hadhazy, V.A., Ezzo, J., Creamer, P. & Bergman, B.M. (2000) Mind-body therapies for the treatment of fibromyalgia: A systemic review. Journal of Rheumatology, 13(3), 487-492.
Moore, L.E., & Wiesner, S.L. (1996) Hypnotically-induced vasodilation in the treatment of repetitive strain injuries. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 39(2), 97-104.
5. Andreassi, J.L., (1995) A psychophysiological investigation of short term memory. Psychophysiology, 17, 423-419.
6. Davidson, R.J., “Anterior electro-physiological asymmetries, emotion, and depression: Conceptual and methodological conundrums. Psychophysiology, 35, 607-614.
7. Chabot, R.J., diMichele, F., Prichep, L. & John E.R. (2001) The clinical role of computerized EEG in the evaluation and treatment of learning and attention disorders in children and adolescents. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 13(2), 171-186
8. Andreassi, J.L. (1995) A controlled evaluation of temperature biofeedback in the treatment of migraine headaches. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41, 121-127
Arena, J., Bruno, G., Hannah, S.L., & Meader, K.J. (1995) Comparison of frontal electromyographic biofeedback training, and progressive muscular relaxation therapy in the treatment of tension headache. Headache, 35(7), 411-419. Also in The Biofeedback Foundation of Europe – www.bfe.org - 1997.
9. Peniston, E., Marrinan, D., Deming, W., & Kulkosky, P. (1993) EEG alpha-theta brainwave synchronization in Vietnam theatre veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse. Advances in Medical Psychotherapy, 6, 37-50.
10. Morin, C M., Hauri, P.J., Espie, C.A., Spielman, A.J., Buysse, D.J., & Bootzin, R.R. (1998) Nonpharmacological treatment of chronic insomnia. An American Academy of Sleep Review. Neuroscience and Behavior Psychology, 28(3), 330-335.