What is the difference between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback have the same intention: to make people aware of their internal state by reflecting on the body-mind connection.
Biofeedback works with the body's functions: breathing, heart rate, sweating... It consists of patients learning how their bodies function so that they can then actively influence them (for example, relaxing when tense).
Neurofeedback works with cortical, or brain, functions.
When we speak of Neuro-biofeedback, we are talking of a therapy to integrate body and mind.

What is Neurofeedback?

In Neurofeedback we observe patients' brain activity on a screen and return the information obtained to the patient on a computer. This type of training teaches the brain to operate with greater control and stability.
With the goal of producing changes in brain activity, prizes are offered by way of optical or acoustic rewards: for example, an airplane that moves according to changes in brain activity appears on the screen. Patients' task is to make the plane more up and down.

What are EEG waves?

EEG waves provide information on the state and cognitive processes of the central nervous system. The wave pattern seen depends on the patient's psychological and physical conditions.
Electrical activity is made up of low and high frequencies. The frequency of predominant brainwave bands increases as one moves from sleepiness, sleep, calm and relaxed states to alert and mentally stressed states.

What is the relationship between Neurofeedback and ADHD?

There are changes in the EEGs of patients with ADHD, both in states of rest and of activity. These changes can be improved with Neurofeedback training.

ADHD is caused by important difficulties with activating regulation of the central nervous system. Children with ADHD shown increased ratios between low frequencies (i.e. theta) and high frequency bands (i.e. beta). They also present anomalies at the level of slow cortical potentials.

Can Neurofeedback cure?

Neurofeedback therapy is not a 'miraculous therapy', but is instead an important and useful component in integrative therapy.
We do not understand Neuro-biofeedback as a curative procedure, but more as a medium to improve brain function and establish mind-body interaction. Unlike medication (passive therapy), it is an active therapy in which patients' motivation and work are very important.

Can there be side effects?

This method does not tend to have side effects and is proving successful primarily in treating ADHD, anxiety, stress, insomnia and migraines. The success of Neurofeedback training lets patients do without medicines or reduce their daily dosage, thanks to recovering brain skill in own self-regulation.

Who benefits from treatment?

Children, adolescents and adults with attention or impulsiveness difficulties, insomnia, high levels of anxiety and stress, and migraines. The technique is also applied to improve personal and professional performance, whether it may be in sport or work.

How long to the effects of treatment last?

BF and NF are treatments that help individuals to 'learn' new skills and habits.
After a person acquires these tools, they can be employed to control their behavioural patterns in the future. Achieving an automation level is the final goal, which is why motivation and involvement is fundamental for therapeutic success.