Research on EEG Neurofeedback for Bipolar Disorder
Society for Neuronal Regulation
9th Annual Conference
Monterey, CA 27-30 October 2001
Neurofeedback For The Bipolar Child
Siegfried Othmer
EEG Spectrum International, Encino, CA
Bipolar Disorder used to be a rare diagnosis in childhood. Recent research
has elevated the importance of Bipolar Disorder as an issue in perhaps
20% of children formally diagnosed as ADHD. The medical management of
these children is problematic, tending to involve anti-convulsants and
neuroleptics rather than stimulants and anti-depressants.
Neurofeedback
can be very helpful with this condition. In fact, this population has
probably been heavily represented in the ADHD clinical population seen
by neurofeedback therapists over the years because of poor outcome with
standard treatment.
This presentation will cover our historical approach to Bipolar Disorder
in children and adults. Prior to the current prominence of this diagnosis,
children with this condition might have been identified alternatively
with Impulse Control Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
or Complex Partial Seizures, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Intermittent
Explosive Disorder, or simply anxiety and depression. Much of our historical
clinical experience with these conditions is still relevant upon the reclassification
of this clinical population.
The current clinical approach takes as its point of departure that the
fundamental issue in these disorders is the inability of the brain to
maintain stability, and that neurofeedback can enhance overall stability
in cerebral state regulation. The condition is characterized by hemisphere-specific
failure modes, with the left hemisphere tending toward depression, whereas
the right tends toward mania. This duality can account for the fact that
symptoms of depression and mania can be simultaneously prominent.
The
specific neurofeedback approach that has been found most effective is
to address the issue of bi-hemispheric communication by challenging communication
linkages between them, and then to optimize the functioning of each hemisphere.
Case histories will be discussed in the context of the formal models,
and data on adults will also be drawn upon to complete the picture.
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.
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