NeuroRegulation

Evidence-Based Interventions for Improved Psychosocial Outcomes in Harmful Alcohol Use: A Scoping Review

2023-12-20T09:58:53-05:00

Background. Harmful alcohol use is defined as a drinking pattern that lasts at least one month or has occurred often during the preceding 12 months and that negatively impacts multiple facets of life. It has a high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis, despite the availability of cognitive-behavioral and psychosocial therapy. Emerging neuromodulation techniques for treating harmful alcohol use are gaining traction in the field of psychotherapy, but knowing their efficacy in terms of psychosocial outcomes necessitates an adjuvant approach. This scoping review aims to investigate the existing evidence on the effectiveness of various psychosocial interventions that improve quality of life (QoL) dimensions in conjunction with neurotherapies for individuals with harmful alcohol use. Methods. The review utilized a five-stage technique to search for research papers from 2000 to 2022. After screening and reviewing 41 full-text papers, 29 were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Conclusion. The articles highlighted the advantages of integrated therapeutic interventions such as motivation enhancement therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, neurotherapy, multimodal therapy, supportive therapy, and 12-step facilitation programs. However, limited studies have explored the effectiveness of combining neurotherapy with psychosocial interventions. Implications. Future research should focus on the efficacy of combining neurofeedback with psychosocial therapies to improve QoL for individuals with harmful alcohol use.

Understanding Migraine: Epidemiology, EEG Abnormalities, and the Potential of Neurofeedback Training

2024-01-08T16:14:44-05:00

Introduction. Migraine is a prevalent neurovascular disorder with a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. In this paper, we focus particularly on electroencephalogram (EEG) studies, and the ability of that modality to detect abnormalities in brain waves and provide insights into migraine pathophysiology. Neurofeedback training (NFT) as a potential therapeutic approach for migraine management is also explored. Methods. The manuscript provides a review of relevant literature on the epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, and measurement techniques related to migraine. Results. Epidemiological studies highlight the high prevalence of migraine. EEG studies demonstrate delta and beta wave variations in people who experience migraine. Functional connectivity studies using EEG and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) suggest involvement of specific brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and insular cortex, in migraine pathophysiology. NFT studies indicate promising outcomes in reducing migraine frequency and severity. Conclusion. Migraine is a complex disorder with multiple subtypes and triggers. Advances in understanding its pathophysiology suggest the involvement of cortical and brainstem mechanisms, as well as cortical spreading depression. EEG abnormalities provide valuable insights into the neurobiological dysfunctions associated with migraine. NFT shows promise as a noninvasive and personalized treatment option. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms underlying EEG abnormalities and continue to develop effective interventions for migraine management.

The Confluence of Genetic Factors and Neurotransmitter Dysregulation in Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Review

2024-02-18T09:13:25-05:00

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition characterized by a profound mental illness that impairs an individual's capacity to function in both social and cognitive domains. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia display psychopathological symptoms that are categorized as positive, negative, and cognitive. According to some estimates, nearly 98% of people with schizophrenia have cognitive deficits and perform below their expected cognitive capacity, which depends on their premorbid intelligence and parental educational attainment. Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million individuals worldwide, which translates to a prevalence rate of 0.32%, or 1 in 300 people. In the interim, the prevalence of the condition among adults is 0.45% or 1 in 222 individuals. The heritability of schizophrenia is widely recognized to be significant, ranging from 60% to 90%. As a result, identifying specific risk genes is crucial for comprehending this disorder's underlying causes and physiological mechanisms. The pathophysiology of schizophrenia involves the dysregulation of various neurotransmitters and the pathways associated with it, various environmental factors, and heredity are also associated with it. Dopamine and other neurotransmitters associated with it like serotonin, glutamine et cetera have been the main drug targets of schizophrenia. The purpose of this review is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and manifestations of schizophrenia. Overall, there is still insufficient evidence to prove the underlying cause of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize the unknown and unidentified reasons underlying schizophrenia.

EEG Activation During a Mindfulness Session and Its Effects on Memory Encoding

2024-01-23T18:36:12-05:00

This paper investigates the potential impact of a single mindfulness session on explicit memory recall, employing quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to compare a study group to a control group. Phase synchronization in alpha, theta, and gamma frequency bands across various brain regions involved in memory processes was analyzed. Twenty-eight adults, balanced in gender and age, participated in both groups. Memory encoding and retrieval were assessed using word lists presented over four successive sections, with EEG recordings taken before, during, and after mindfulness sessions. Results revealed increased theta and decreased gamma band activation in the right hemisphere during mindfulness, with synchronization between temporal and parietal cortices and frontal cortex during encoding. Higher gamma activation in specific brain regions correlated with better recall. While the study group showed no significant decline in posttest scores compared to controls, suggesting mindfulness may serve as a protective factor in free recall, further research with larger datasets is needed for validation.

Loss of an Eye: A Case Study of a First Responder’s Neurofeedback Treatment

2024-02-08T17:23:39-05:00

A case study is presented of a first responder injured in the line of duty who experienced the loss of an eye and sought neurofeedback treatment. That there are no known studies reporting qEEG or ERP findings, nor the efficacy of neurofeedback for the condition, emphasizes the importance of reporting on this case. A literature review of neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies relevant to the loss of binocular vision is presented with application to the case at hand. Hypotheses regarding the measurable effects of monovision on qEEG and ERP assessments, and the possible efficacy of neurofeedback treatment, are explored in light of the findings. Possible improvements in visual processing were found after a course of neurofeedback treatment as measured by pre-post qEEG and ERP assessments.

Quantitative EEG Significantly and Clinically Differentiates Acute Mild TBI Patients From Matched Neurotypical Controls: Power Spectral and Connectivity Analyses

2024-03-25T21:27:23-04:00

Concussive head injuries result in not only coup–contrecoup trauma to neurological tissue at injury sites but also a mechanical shearing of neurological pathways throughout the brain. Unfortunately, however, the diagnosis of concussion has long been based largely on self-reports of overt symptoms and virtually never includes an assessment of involved neurological tissues and pathways. This deficiency then leads to premature return to play or duty, to the risk of subsequent neurological reinjury and, in worse cases, to chronic traumatic encephalopathy. We offer here a test of quantitative EEG (qEEG) as a convenient, low-cost remedy to this problem in the evaluation of acute head injury in 19 diagnosed concussion patients matched to neurotypical controls. Results of qEEG indicate numerous Brodmann area functional clusters of highly significant and very large effect sizes in the differentiation of these two groups in EEG connectivity measures of coherence and phase difference. These findings indicate that qEEG can be used as a “hard” neurological measure of traumatic brain injury that directly assesses this neuronal shearing process as well as direct tissue injury and may offer an essential biomarker of readiness to return to play or duty and the avoidance of subsequent retraumatization of the brain.

Exploring Effect of Chamber Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy on Salivary Cortisol and Information Overload in Young Adults

2024-01-11T11:55:42-05:00

Environmental challenges like noise, light exposure, and information overload impact young adults' overall health, reducing time for self-care. Restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), specifically chamber REST, offers a cost-effective intervention for stress management. In our study, 49 participants in chamber REST
(N = 35) and a control group (N = 14) were compared. Measures, including cortisol, information overload, anxiety, stress, rumination, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, were assessed before and after treatment, and selected at 1 week follow-up. Results showed no cortisol concentration differences, but at the 1 week follow-up, the chamber REST group reported significantly lower information overload, t(45) = −3.04, p = .004, η² = .17 and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, t(46) = −2.1, p = .042, than the control group. Correlational analysis revealed a calming effect in the chamber REST (r = .421, p = 0.015) but not in the control condition (r = −.096, p = 0.744). In conclusion, chamber REST seems to foster adaptive self-reflection, aiding coping, and resilience against information overload and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in young adults, suggesting its potential as an effective preventative intervention.

Implementation Science Application to EEG Neurofeedback Research: A Call to Action

2023-09-24T16:02:37-04:00

This article is a call to action for implementation research in the field of electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback. While the effectiveness of neurofeedback in improving clinical outcomes has been well established and is continuing to expand into a variety of symptom presentations and mechanisms of action, there is lack of research bridging the gap between the research setting and neurofeedback’s implementation in mental health clinics. Our review of the published research to date revealed no articles incorporating the burgeoning utility of implementation science into neurofeedback research to bridge the gap and provide practical information about how to use neurofeedback in real-world settings. Research is urgently needed to explore the feasibility and process of implementing neurofeedback in the clinical setting, without which the applicability and usefulness of outcome studies are called into question.

Reflections on the Increase in Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression: Part 2 – Exposure to Neurotoxins and Ultraprocessed Foods

2023-12-07T09:58:35-05:00

Mental health symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, and depression have increased over the last 15 years. An additional risk factor that may affect mental and physical health is the foods we eat. Even though our food may look and even taste the same as compared to 50 years ago, it contains herbicide and pesticide residues and often consist of ultraprocessed foods. These foods (low in fiber and high in sugar, animal fats, and additives) are a significant part of the American diet and correlate with higher levels of inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Due to affluent malnutrition, many children are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. We recommend that diet and lifestyle are assessed before beginning neurofeedback and behavioral treatments (we call this Grandmother therapy assessment). If the diet appears low in organic foods and vegetable, and high in ultraprocessed foods and drinks, then nutritional deficiencies should be assessed. The next intervention step is to then reduce the nutritional deficiencies and implement diet changes from ultraprocessed foods to organic whole foods. Meta-analysis demonstrates that providing supplements such as vitamin D, reducing simple carbohydrates and sugars, and eating more vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats during regular meals can ameliorate the symptoms and promote health.