Neurofeedback with qEEG Simply Explained

1. What It Involves

Neurofeedback with qEEG is a training method in which people learn to influence their own brain activity. First, the electrical activity of the brain is measured. The procedure is called electroencephalography, abbreviated EEG. The measurements are analysed precisely by computer. This analysis is called quantitative electroencephalography, abbreviated qEEG. It identifies which brainwave patterns deviate from a norm. These deviations serve as training targets. During training, participants receive feedback, for example through games, tones or diagrams. This enables them to recognise whether they are strengthening or weakening specific brainwaves. The method originates from neurophysiology, the study of nervous system function. It is now used in cognitive rehabilitation, psychotherapy and neurology. An important point: every training session is individually adapted because brainwave patterns differ from person to person.

2. What Studies Show

Research on neurofeedback focuses primarily on attention disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The strongest evidence exists for attention disorders. In a large study with 172 children aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD, an eight-week EEG neurofeedback training led to a clear reduction in inattention symptoms. The children who completed the training improved more than a waiting-list group that initially received no training. The improvements remained stable after a further 12 weeks, during which less training took place. This is shown by study 4. Another study with 52 patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder found that EEG neurofeedback over 12 weeks reduced burden symptoms and improved the ability to regulate emotions. The effects persisted one month after training. This is study 2. For depression there are indications from another form of neurofeedback that uses real-time magnetic resonance imaging. In a small study with eight patients with depression, participants learned after four sessions to activate specific brain regions in a targeted manner. This led to an improvement in depressive symptoms. A control group without neurofeedback showed no improvement. This is shown by study 1. Whether these results can be transferred to qEEG-based neurofeedback remains open. In opioid dependence, a study with 20 patients showed that 30 neurofeedback sessions reduced craving for the substance and depressive symptoms and improved mental health. This is study 3.

3. What Remains Unclear

Many questions have not yet been clarified. The training programmes often differ considerably because each person receives an individual programme. This makes studies difficult to compare. Feedback also varies: sometimes games, sometimes tones, sometimes diagrams. Long-term studies that examine whether improvements persist over months or years are lacking. It is also unclear whether the observed effects are genuinely produced by the neurofeedback itself. It is possible that increased attention, motivation or the therapist’s care alone account for the improvements. Some studies using sham neurofeedback found no differences compared with real neurofeedback. Others demonstrated specific effects. Research is still at an early stage here. The next important study would need to compare neurofeedback with a demanding placebo condition to rule out non-specific effects.

4. What This Means in Everyday Life

Neurofeedback with qEEG is a non-invasive procedure. This means nothing is introduced into the body and it causes no pain. In the studies it showed no serious side effects. Participants reported good acceptance. The strongest indications exist for attention disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. For opioid dependence there is an initial indication from a smaller study. Anyone interested in the method should know that it is a training that requires time and practice. It is not a medication and not a quick intervention. Research on the topic is still evolving. Many questions about optimal application, duration of effect and transfer to everyday life remain open. These questions will have to be clarified in further studies.

All details with study numbers and sources: detailed page on neurofeedback (qEEG-based). For children: Neurofeedback (qEEG-based) for children.