Research on EEG Neurofeedback for Addictions

Society for Neuronal Regulation
9th Annual Conference
Monterey, CA 27-30 October 2001

QEEG-Based Versus Research-Based EEG Biofeedback Treatment With Chemically Dependent Outpatients: Preliminary Results
Roger deBeus, PhD, Holly Prinzel, MS, Adrianne Ryder-Cook, LLD, Lynn Allen, RN
EEG Biofeedback Services, Riverside Health System, Newport News, Virginia 23606

Introduction: In the EEG biofeedback treatment of chemical dependency, most studies have focused on Alpha/Theta training with some variations. One of these variations is the addition of Beta/SMR training to generate physiological stability before proceeding with Alpha/Theta training, also known as the Scott-Peniston protocol. No studies to date have used quantitative EEG (QEEG) to guide EEG biofeedback treatment decisions.

The present study examines the difference between QEEG-based treatment, research-based (Scott-Peniston) treatment, and wait-list control for chemically dependent outpatients. This presentation will focus on preliminary results in personality change and abstinence rates.

Methods: Participants were recruited from an outpatient substance abuse program and were required to remain in the outpatient program during EEG biofeedback treatment. The study consisted of four phases: (1) pre-treatment assessment, (2) EEG biofeedback sessions, (3) post-treatment assessment, and (4) follow-up sobriety measures.

The pre- and post-treatment assessments were performed blind to group membership. The assessments included a structured clinical interview, IQ, academic achievement, personality, AD/HD rating scales, continuous performance test, and a QEEG.

After the intake procedure was performed, each participant was randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) QEEG-based EEG biofeedback, (2) Scott-Peniston-based EEG biofeedback, or (3) wait-list control. In the QEEG-based group, QEEG's were analyzed using the NX-Link Neurometric database, and participants received 40 sessions of EEG biofeedback based on these results.

In the Scott-Peniston-based group treatment protocols were based on a symptom checklist for the initial 10 to 15 Beta/SMR sessions, followed by the participants receiving 30 Alpha/Theta sessions. Sessions included 30 minutes of EEG biofeedback. Both types of EEG biofeedback occurred four times per week compared to 10 sessions per week in the original Scott-Peniston research. A script based on Peniston's protocol was read at the beginning of each session for both treatment groups.

Talk therapy was not included as part of treatment. The wait-list control group returned after three months, completed post-assessments, was offered treatment, and randomly placed in one of the two treatment groups if desired.

Post-treatment measures included personality measures, AD/HD rating scales, continuous performance test, and QEEG. Follow-up information will include sobriety at one-month, six-months, and one-year post-treatment. At the one-year follow-up, participants will be retested using the pre-treatment assessment battery.

Results: To date, seven participants have completed in each group. Both EEG biofeedback treatment groups showed improvements in personality change and maintenance of abstinence. The wait-list control group showed minimal improvements on outcome measures. Data from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) were submitted to nonparametric Wilcoxon matched pairs tests.

Of the eleven PAI clinical scales, the QEEG group showed six significant pre-post differences, the Alpha/Theta group showed four differences, and the control group showed two.

Of the five PAI treatment scales, the QEEG group showed three significant pre-post differences, the Alpha/Theta group showed two significant differences, and the control group showed no differences. All of the treatment participants have remained abstinent up to six months following treatment termination, compared to 71% of control group participants remaining abstinent.

Discussion: Although this study will be in progress until 30 participants complete each condition, the preliminary results are promising. Historically, Alpha/Theta training has been the accepted approach in treating chemical dependency. This study suggests QEEG-based training is a viable alternative, demonstrating similar outcomes for personality change and abstinence rates. Future directions include determination of those likely to benefit from one of the particular treatments or a combination of the two and analysis of long-term abstinence rates.

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