Health Psychology and Medicine in Kalamazoo has had a long and solid history of introducing innovation in health care to the community. With the advent of "neurofeedback" we are proud to add yet one more very exciting therapy.

Over 20 years ago, Dr. Williams established the Center for Biofeedback at Western Michigan University. At that time, biofeedback was quite new and the public knew little about it. Since then, however, it has become an accepted and highly successful form of treatment in dozens of areas of clinical applications.

Today, we are witnessing an important new advancement in biofeedback. It is called "Neurofeedback" because it involves learned self-regulation of the activity of the brain ("neuro" refers to the nervous system). Formerly, this area of biofeedback was called "brainwave training," but since so much important new research and clinical work has taken place, it has been given a new name.

Stated simply, Neurofeedback involves the monitoring of brain activity through the use of sensors which are attached to the scalp with a dab of thick cream. The process takes about five minutes. Following this, the sensors are connected to an electroencephalograph (EEG) which is controlled by a high speed computer. The computer records and analyzes the electrical activity of the brain and converts the activity into a display on the computer's monitor. A sound is also created which represents brain activity. Taken together, this visual and auditory display enables a person to "tap into" one's own brain activity. In turn, this allows the person to learn self-control over brain activity.

Sound "far out" and "futuristic?" Maybe so, but it is not. It is a scientifically proven technique which is now being employed by physicians and psychologists in over 150 clinics nationwide as well as in dozens of universities. Depression is only one of the areas in which Neurofeedback is being used. At Health Psychology / A.D.D. Institute, and elsewhere across the country, it is being used to treat such problems as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Tourette's syndrome; seizures; anxiety; sleep disorders; substance abuse; and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The basic idea behind the treatment of these problems in general, and in the treatment of depression in particular, is that in each case there has been an alteration in the normal, rhythmic electrical activities of the brain. With depression, what is frequently seen is a tendency toward a slowing down of brain activity. The result is what we refer to as a state of "low arousal." The depressed person has low energy, poor attention, poor memory, a feeling of lethargy and a mood of pervasive sadness.

At our clinic, we begin by analyzing brain activity in order to look at how the EEG might show such a profile. Afterward, we design a program of self-training with Neurofeedback which allows one the opportunity to "normalize" brain activity. In the case of excessively slow activity , for example, a program will be designed which requires the individual to produce faster brain activity. Both research and clinical experience have shown the effect to be the production of a state of increased arousal. The process is something like going to a gymnasium to exercise one's muscles . When muscles are challenged, they get stronger. When the brain is challenged, it gets stronger also. In both cases, you take the benefits home with you. They are not left in the room where you exercised.

The most common remark which we hear from our clients is that they find the training process "fascinating" Moreover, because it is a self-help process there are no side-effects such as those which accompany drug treatment. At most, for a few individuals it might not prove helpful. But then, no form of treatment is 100%!

Please understand that Neurofeedback is not offered as a substitute for proper medical and psychological care. Instead, it is a form of treatment which we offer at the same time one might be receiving other therapy. If Neurotherapy is beneficial it is possible that other forms of therapy might be needed less.

Accordingly, we will be happy to work in cooperation with any treatment which you are currently receiving. It is also possible that we will want to provide some psychological counseling in the event you are not receiving it.

We hope that this has provided some usable information for you in your search for an improved quality of life. Should you choose to call for an appointment we will, of course, be happy to furnish much more, including a demonstration of Neurofeedback. We look forward to your call and to the opportunity to be of assistance.