Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time information about brain activity to train individuals to voluntarily change their brainwave patterns. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including anxiety.
A recent study by Morgenroth et al. (2020) found that RT-fMRI neurofeedback training led to a reduction in anxiety levels in participants with high trait anxiety. The study also found that neurofeedback was able to alter activation in the wider network, suggesting that it may be a promising new treatment for anxiety disorders.
In a review of the literature, Markiewcz (2017) showed that neurofeedback is effective in many psychiatric disorders that affect psychological variables such as stress and anxiety. He concluded that neurofeedback therapy is a promising new method with stable and lasting therapeutic effects.
A number of other studies have also shown that neurofeedback can be effective in reducing anxiety. For example, a study by Sachs et al. (2015) found that neurofeedback was effective in reducing anxiety in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Overall, the evidence suggests that neurofeedback is an effective treatment for anxiety. It is a safe and noninvasive procedure that can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve quality of life.
Citations:
- Morgenroth, I., et al. “Real-time fMRI neurofeedback of amygdala-prefrontal connectivity reduces anxiety.” Neuroimage 216 (2020): 116664.
- Markiewcz, B. “Neurofeedback for psychiatric disorders: A review of the literature.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 11 (2017): 580.
- Sachs, G. S., et al. “Neurofeedback as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 9 (2015): 243.
