Treating Depression with Neurofeedback

Depression is a disorder that can interfere with a person’s overall feeling of well-being. Foremost, this condition affects how a person thinks or feels. It can also trigger a reduction in brain activity.  

People struggling with depression may experience tearfulness or have difficulty smiling. They also tend to appear gloomy and flat. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are often pervasive and may be accompanied by changes in appetite, irritability and sleeping patterns.

There are three types of depression that generally are seen by professionals:

• Reactive depression: often resulting from an affliction of a disease, injury to oneself or loved ones, death in the family or other trauma
• Endogenous depression: often long-term with no external trigger
• Chronic low-grade depression: commonly regarded as persistent low mood

Once a person experiences depression, it is believed that subsequent occurrences are more probable. Frequently, antidepressants or stimulant medications are used to treat depression. Response to antidepressant medication varies with individual and requires close supervision of a physician.

Can neurofeedback help depression?

Depression is associated with changes in brain wave activity. In general, depression is a state of imbalance in the brain wave activity. Neurofeedback rewards and trains the brain waves to change, which results in changes in the behavior and emotions associated with depression. Depression is a common diagnosis in neurofeedback practice and is readily remediated. Psychotherapy, counseling therapy, stress management and relaxation training are also effective in helping individuals cope more favorably with environmental stressors.

Often during the course of treatment, individuals find antidepressant or stimulant medication are not needed. The patient should be monitored by their prescribing physician for any prescription changes that may be necessary. We recommend that all our patients taking medication consult with their prescribing physician regarding neurofeedback treatment in order to monitor their progress. Neurofeedback is also recommended for those who do not have a favorable response to medication and those counseled to avoid medication, particularly pregnant women.

Experience highly attentive and compassionate care for depression at Achievement & Wellness Center. Patients come to us from Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer, Burlington and Philadelphia counties, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

To learn more about our treatment solutions for depression, please contact our friendly office staff at 215.321.9502 with your questions or scheduling needs. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.