Before jumping into the important topic of assessing if neurofeedback works or is a sham, first a look at the different types of neurofeedback; not all devices are created equal. There are two generations of neurofeedback: linear or protocol, which is the first generation, and non-linear or Dynamical neurofeedback, which is the latest generation. With these two designs how results are assessed and the benefits received can vary enough that it's important to put them in two separate categories.
With linear neurofeedback it is very important that the trainer monitor the brainwave frequencies throughout the session and every few months, take a new brain map to see the progress. The two ways improvements with neurofeedback are assessed are: output from the devices showing changes in the frequencies and clients self-report of changes in their mood, cognitive skills and behaviors.
Over the long-term assessing progress with linear neurofeedback relies more on hard data such as brain frequencies and mapping results and less on reports by the client. Once the clinician has established a diagnosis and the protocols to use the clinicians relies on statistics to give clients a general answer to how many sessions they will need. A standard within linear neurofeedback is: 30-40 sessions, then we will assess with another QEEG.
During the course of the series of sessions the clinician will rely on client self-reporting to know if they are over or under training brainwave frequencies. For example, if the client reports they left the session feeling really groggy and tired, the clinician will make note of that effect and may alter that sessions protocols to not "over train" Theta.
To summarize, when looking for results when doing linear or protocol-based neurofeedback it is important for the trainer to be measuring and tracking brainwave frequencies during the session and uses hard data as the first sign of improvement from the neurofeedback, and self-reporting as a secondary tool for measuring success.
The latest technology in brain training, is Dynamical neurofeedback. Dynamical neurofeedback is software designed as a result of advancements in the speed of computer technology to give feedback directly to the brain (not the trainer) in real time. Major changes that happened with the advent of Dynamical neurofeedback is that it does not require an intermediary between the data (maladaptive brainwaves) and the improvement of the brain's functioning. So it does not require an expert trainer setting protocols from a snapshot of brain functioning provided by the mapping. The software gives cues to the brain when it is mobilizing to shift brainwaves so the reset can happen organically and in real-time.
This new feature also makes assessing and measuring progress different. Gone is the need for a static brain map and constant monitoring of brainwave frequencies, and the use of hard data to determine if it is working. With NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, currently the only Dynamical neurofeedback technology on the market, the assessments move from output from the software, to self-reporting tools.
Another significant change is that the results can be broader than the reasons that brought the client try neurofeedback. With Dynamical Neurofeedback the design is to optimize the health of the entire brain's functioning. It is focused on all maladaptive patterns, not just ones identified by the trainer or client. As a result clients can see improvements in areas they didn't expect. For example, a client may be focused on calming their endless worrying, and find their sleep and ability to organize and focus also shifts.
You and those around you notice the changes. The results are not as vague as: I feel better, or I feel more relaxed. There are self-reporting checklists that are filled out every 8-10 sessions and only after the latest is completed is it compared to the one prior.
Because neurofeedback is a relatively new tool for optimizing mental and emotional performance, clients are uncertain as to how to assess whether it's working and how well. Before listing the early results, the disclaimer needs to be made that every brain is different and everyone has different stressors while training that can impact the timing of results. The following list is general guidelines, and if you are someone with on-going or pronounced stressors such as with work, chronic illness, or a long history of mental health issues, the results may be slower, but they may also not be!
As mentioned, every brain is different and everyone has different stressors affecting their brain health, performance and mood. The general changes clients report in sessions 5-10, show a more consistent pattern of positive changes in mood, sleep management and focus.
After 5 to 10 sessions children show, in general, more consistent shifts than adults. We can speculate as to why. One reason may be that because children have so many more neurons (the roadways of the brain) that are unassigned tasks they can rewire more quickly. Another reason may be because they have a less fixed idea of who they are mentally and emotionally, that as their brain reset, so do their sense of selves. They do
"I noticed I wasn't as irritated as I normally get in traffic."
"I woke up feeling more refreshed."
"Usually her meltdowns are 20 minutes, and this time she recovered in 10!"
Unlike most interventions we use to improve ourselves, such as exercising or brain training games like crosswords and bridge, or learning new studying skills, NeurOptimal® does not require active conscious effort during the training in order for it to work. The brain is getting an education but not on the conscious level.
During the actual session we see the best results are when clients letting go of trying to control the success of the session by trying to listen, or trying to notice changes. When clients allow themselves to relax, follow the breath, or for children, to engage in some activity that is engaging for them, the sessions are often more enjoyable.
We coach our clients to use the changes they see on their checklists to indicate positive shifts are happening, so that during the actual sessions they do not need to worry about seeing the changes as they are happening. For people who are used to being in control, the key instruction for them for great neurofeedback results, is to encourage them to focus on counting their breathes during a session. That way they have a job, which will help them relax, and the brain training will happen through the automatic functioning brain communicating with the software millisecond by millisecond. In other words, the best results come when we get out of the way and let the brain training happen!