EEG Biofeedback for Depression

EEG biofeedback offers a new method for treating depressive conditions, including but not limited to primary unipolar depression, reactive depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, and PMS. EEG training affects the basic mechanism by which the brain controls physiological stimulation. In this manner, normal regulation of stimulation may be restored, which means that sleep may normalize in the depressed person, and normal range of affect may return.

Other benefits of the training may occur as well. If the person is experiencing chronic pain, which may be either a cause of depression, or its effect, such pain may be alleviated as well.

EEG biofeedback training is effective regardless of how or why the person has become depressed, whether this results from a genetic pre-disposition, early childhood trauma, or a subsequent traumatic (physical or emotional) experience, or simply a physiological change of unknown causation.

As the training proceeds, the client may find that anti-depressant or stimulant medication will no longer be needed. Therefore, the person should be under continuing medical care for his condition, so that the medication dose may be monitored. Often the requirement for anti-depressant medication will be reduced or eliminated entirely as the training proceeds.

It is true of all remedies for depression that they are accompanied commonly by the recall of prior traumatic memories, which may have been totally suppressed over the years. It is, therefore, important that counseling be available in the event of such traumatic recall, and for other profound emotional changes which can be elicited by the training.

The training has also been found to be helpful in cases of depression caused by specific traumatic events, such as rape, and by medical procedures which may have effects on the brain, such as chemotherapy, or general anesthesia in the elderly. EEG biofeedback training is often a favorable alternative and beneficial for those clients who do not respond favorably to medical management, and for those who are advised to avoid certain medications by their doctor. This category includes in particular pregnant women.

There is evidence that once a person experiences a depressive episode, subsequent episodes are more likely. Hence, training the brain to remediate depression may have the beneficial effect of tending to make subsequent recurrences less likely. The training also appears to be effective for a variety of conditions which sometimes coincide with depression, such as alcohol dependence and violent behavior.

(*NOTE: Using EEG Biofeedback and Hypnotherapy treatment plans that are customized for each patient's individual needs, The Attention & Achievement Center has had tremendous success treating both children and adults with behavior and mood disorders, including depression.)

For additional information, call the
Attention & Achievement Center at 925-280-9100

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the expert and professional advice of your physician, psychologist, or therapist. Always seek help from qualified professionals in the field of your interest. Our treatments are considered complimentary or alternative to traditional pharmacology and are not licensed or endorsed by the State of California, nor are we licensed healing arts practitioners by the State.