Neurofeedback

The Brain the Heals Itself

Dr. Rhone D’Errico, DNP, APRN, MBA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, ENP-C

Program Lead and Assistant Professor
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
School of Nursing
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Disclosures
• I have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest to report
Learning Objectives
• Upon completion of this learning activity, the participant will be able
to:
• Describe the history of electroencephalogram-based biofeedback, also known
as neurofeedback (NFB)
• Discuss some mental health conditions that are currently treated by NFB
• Explain uses of NFB for performance enhancement
• Evaluate strengths and limitations of the literature supporting the use of NFB
Biofeedback
• Biofeedback: “a process that enables an individual to learn how to
change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and
performance” Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)
• Precise instruments measure physiological activity
• brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature
• Instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user
• The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in
thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes
• Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an
instrument.
Neurofeedback (NFB)
• Brainwave [Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based] biofeedback
• Foundations in basic and applied neuroscience as well as data-based
clinical practice
• Takes into account behavioral, cognitive, and subjective aspects as
well as brain activity
• Meets the American Psychological Association's definition of an
evidence-based intervention since NFT is '...the integration of the best
available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient
characteristics, culture, and preference.’
• International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR)
Operant Conditioning
Conditions Treated