Applicability of brain wave biofeedback to substance use disorder in adolescents

EEG Biofeedback as a Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: Review, Rating of Efficacy and Recommendations for Further Research

“…However the Scott et al (2005) To be considered Level 5 (''efficacious and specific''), modified alpha-theta training would need to be shown to be superior to sham or bona fide treatment. It has not been demonstrated that the Peniston type alpha-theta feedback is more efficacious than sham treatment (Lowe, 1999;Moore & Trudeau, 1998;Trudeau, 2000Trudeau, , 2005aTrudeau, , 2005b or alternative treatment that involves meditation (Taub & Rosenfeld, 1994).…”

“…A critical analysis of the Peniston Protocol is discussed at length in the previous reviews (Trudeau, 2000(Trudeau, , 2005a(Trudeau, , 2005b). Several controlled studies of the Peniston protocol for addictions, completed by Lowe (1999), Moore and Trudeau (1998), and Taub and Rosenfeld (1994), suggest that alpha-theta training for addictions may be nonspecific in terms of effect when compared to suggestion, sham or controlled treatment, or meditational techniques.…”

“…ADHD has been found to be associated with an earlier onset of SUD (Horner & Scheibe, 1997). It is generally assumed that untreated ADHD is a risk factor for SUD development (Biederman, Wilens, Mick, Faraone, & Spenser, 1998;Biederman et al, 1997;Mannuzza et al, 1989Mannuzza et al, , 1998Trudeau, 2005aTrudeau, , 2005b.…”

“…This article represents an update of earlier reviews (Trudeau, 2000(Trudeau, , 2005a(Trudeau, , 2005b of EEG biofeedback for addictive disorders extended with a review on qEEG in SUD. This review is presented as one of a series of articles in both the Journal of Neurotherapy and the Journal of Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback describing and reviewing biofeedback applications for adult populations.…”

Effects of neurofeedback therapy in healthy young subjects

“…Positive effects of neurofeedback in adults, for example, have been found for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [3], traumatic brain injury [4], epilepsy [5], depression [6], migraine [7], addiction [8], anxiety disorders [9] and general cognitive performance [10]. Neurofeedback protocols that aim at inhibiting theta activity while rewarding beta activity have led to successful alleviation of symptoms associated with ADHD, such as deficits in sustained attention, impulsivity and control over hyperactive behaviors (reviews in Butnik, 2005; Fox, Tharp, & Fox, 2005).…”