QEEG Guided Neurofeedback to Treat Schizophrenia: A Case Study

Abstract

The subject in this case study was a 21-year-old man who had to leave college at the beginning of his senior year after being diagnosed with adult onset schizophrenia, undifferentiated type. For 18 months, the only interventions the subject utilized were varying doses of aripiprazole and intensive neurofeedback training. Data derived from five serial quantitative EEGs identified statistically significant coherence abnormalities that appeared as the schizophrenia progressed. Neurofeedback training to enhance cortical stability and normalize neural connectivity was directed by the convergence of data from each quantitative EEG and clinical assessment. Results showed a dramatic increase in functional abilities and a decreased need for medication. The subject resumed his challenging college curriculum and graduated. However, he then stopped neurofeedback and, in spite of increased medication, became floridly psychotic. This study supports other research showing neurofeedback training may be a useful treatment in the management of schizophrenia.