Displaying items by tag: neurofeedback depression

Depression is a common and often-times debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. With such a widespread issue comes a variety of treatment options. Neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive treatment that aims to regulate brain activity and improve symptoms of depression. If you're interested in trying neurofeedback for depression treatment, it's important to understand what it is, how it works, and what to expect. In this article, we'll explore the basics of neurofeedback, its potential benefits, and some things to consider before trying it.

Published in Depression

Depression is one of America’s most common mental health disorders. Depression affects nearly 18 million people each and every day. Approximately 64% of people who suffer from depression report having had at least one major depressive period during their lifetime. As such, many people will explore options for depression therapy in Denver.

Published in Depression

Drug-free depression treatment may sound too good to be true. However, what if all it took to alleviate your symptoms was to retrain your brain to function at optimum levels? That’s exactly what neurofeedback in Denver can do.

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback therapy that uses EEG and/or EKG technology to monitor the electrical activity of the brain, which plays a key role in mood regulation. The goal of neurofeedback is to help individuals learn how to regulate their own brain waves so they can achieve optimal mental health.

What part of the brain is responsible for your mood?

Are you suffering from depression symptoms like loss of energy, lethargy, or anxiety? If so, you might want to learn more about the part of the brain that's responsible for these conditions. Pinpointing the areas of the brain that contribute to your mental conditions may help you best navigate treatment.

Depression and anxiety can be caused by different things such as genetics, environmental factors, stress, trauma, and more. However, there are specific areas of the brain associated with both depression and anxiety. Depression has been linked to several areas of the brain including the:

  • Prefrontal cortex
  • Hippocampus
  • Amygdala
  • Hypothalamus
  • Cingulate gyrus
  • Corpus callosum
  • And basal ganglia

How does neurofeedback target these areas of the brain to treat depression?

The idea behind neurofeedback is to train the brain to produce more positive or less negative patterns of brain wave activity by using real-time feedback from an external device. This training involves learning how to control one's brain waves through self-regulation.

At Braincode Centers, our neurofeedback brain training process follows to essential steps:

  1. You receive a baseline assessment called a qEEG brain map where a trained neurofeedback specialist measures your brainwave activity while you are relaxed.
  2. Your treatment begins and you start the brain training phase. In this phase, you'll take part in a series of neurofeedback sessions following a personalized training plan based on your brain map. During these sessions, you’ll receive real-time feedback about how well you are controlling your brain waves.

Which depression symptoms can be treated by neurofeedback in Denver?

When you suffer from mental health issues like a depression disorder, there are many symptoms that can manifest. These symptoms can be difficult to live with. That's why it's important to find an effective way to get relief from those symptoms and have a better quality of life.

Neurofeedback can treat many different types of depression symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms you can see relief from are:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Panic attacks
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep problems
  • Low energy
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Suicidal thoughts

Is neurofeedback safe?

Yes! Neurofeedback is generally considered safe because it doesn't involve any drugs or invasive procedures. It also helps people who have tried other treatments without success. Neurofeedback is a science-backed method that is effective and safe for treating depression.

What evidence supports neurofeedback therapy?

Research has shown preliminary evidence for using neurofeedback to treat adult depression. For instance, a study published in 2019 showed that patients who received neurofeedback were able to reduce their depression scores significantly. The results suggest that neurofeedback treatment may be effective as a depression treatment, not only for depressive symptoms but also for functional recovery, even when someone has been treatment-resistant.

When should I start neurofeedback?

If you have mild to moderate depression, you can begin neurofeedback in Denver as soon as possible. If you have severe depression, you may want to consult a local psychiatrist before starting neurofeedback and consider it as a therapy alongside your psychiatrist-prescribed medication therapy or treatment.

Learn more about neurofeedback depression treatment in Denver, CO

Natural treatments for depression offer numerous benefits. Not only are there no side effects, but a neurofeedback depression treatment in Denver can lead to long-lasting symptom relief. Here at Braincode Centers, we know how frustrating it can be when you don't respond to the common treatments.

If medication and talk therapy aren’t giving you the relief you need, contact us today to learn more about this drug-free depression treatment in Denver, CO.

Published in Depression
Wednesday, 13 October 2021 16:57

Where to Find Biofeedback Therapy Near You

If you've ever searched for "where to find biofeedback therapy near me," then you may be looking for a non-drug option to address your mental and brain health. Whether someone referred you to biofeedback or you stumbled upon it as a potential solution, you may still have a lot of questions about what biofeedback is and how it can help you. Today we’ll work to answer some of your top questions about biofeedback and inform you about providers of biofeedback therapy near you.

What is Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback therapy is a unique, non-invasive treatment that uses sensors on the body to monitor physiological functions like heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, skin temperature, respiration, etc. The purpose of using these sensors is to train people to control their own bodies by becoming more aware of their physical condition. This type of treatment has been used for decades in other parts of the world, but has only recently begun to gain popularity in the United States.

How Does It Work?

The philosophy behind biofeedback is simple: if you know something about yourself, then you are able to make better decisions about your life. For example, if you know your blood pressure is high, you might take extra steps to avoid having a stroke or heart attack. Or if you know your breathing pattern is shallow, you may better notice when you're anxious or stressed. These types of self-awareness tools can be extremely helpful for people with mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, stress, pain, etc.

What is the Difference Between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?

Because neurofeedback is a form of EEG biofeedback, there's a difference between the areas of focus for biofeedback and neurofeedback. Both treatments use technology to provide feedback to a patient about his/her bodily functions. However, there are 2 key differences in treatment goals and focus between the two therapies:

  1. Biofeedback provides information about the patient's physiology as a whole, while neurofeedback focuses on the electrical activity solely in the brain.
  2. Biofeedback is often used to treat conditions such as chronic pain. Neurofeedback typically hones in on improving cognitive abilities such as mental health, focus, memory, attention, sleep, and learning ability.

Who Can Benefit from Biofeedback?

Almost everyone can benefit from biofeedback therapy, but some individuals can find more benefit from this natural intervention. Some of the most common conditions treated by biofeedback include, but are not limited to:

Does Biofeedback Work for Depression?

Depression affects millions of Americans every year. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 16 million adults suffer from major depressive disorder each year. That means nearly one in four adults will experience this debilitating disease at some point during their lifetime.

Many seek out various treatments including medication, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy to treat their depression. However, many patients don't respond well to medications or they may experience side effects. Others choose not to pursue traditional methods because they feel there's nothing else available.

That's why biofeedback therapy could be an effective treatment option for those suffering from depression in Denver or Dallas. Biofeedback therapy teaches people to take charge of their emotions and improve their overall wellbeing. When you learn to control your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through the use of feedback devices, you tend to develop a greater sense of awareness about yourself. You also gain insight into your own behavior patterns and begin to understand how certain situations affect your mood.

Biofeedback therapy allows depressed individuals to learn to control negative thoughts by regulating their bodily functions. It lets them learn to breathe deeply and relax. Through practice, this technique can help reduce negative thinking and increase positive thoughts. Over time, people learn to recognize when they are experiencing symptoms of depression and when they are experiencing normal ups and downs.

What Kind of Doctor Does Biofeedback Near Me?

Doctors can sometimes offer biofeedback therapy as part of their treatment plans. However, a primary care doctor will not typically specialize primarily in biofeedback if at all. At biofeedback clinics like Braincode Centers, we have staff that specialize completely in biofeedback and neurofeedback. Our biofeedback specialists are Board Certified Professionals and hold degrees in clinical mental health counseling and psychology or a related degree.

For example, our founders and owners, Rachel Ragsdale and Carli Streich, hold Masters degrees in Clinical Counseling and have undergraduate degrees in Psychology.

At Braincode Centers, our specialists offer biofeedback therapy to clients suffering from a wide array of mental health disorders and brain conditions. If you're searching for “biofeedback therapy near me,” you may want to consider contacting one of our multiple locations in Denver and Dallas.

How Much Does Biofeedback Cost?

Biofeedback therapy can typically cost anywhere between $50-$500 per session depending upon the area you live and your insurance coverage. You'll first require a consultation before starting any type of treatment plan. During the initial visit, you'll meet with your biofeedback specialist to discuss your condition and determine if biofeedback therapy would benefit you. If so, you'll then receive instructions on how to prepare for your first session and how many sessions you will need.

Where Can I Find Biofeedback Therapy Near Me?

If you're searching for biofeedback therapy near me, then look no further! At Braincode Centers in Denver and Dallas, we strive to offer support for a variety of struggles in both a mental and physical capacity. We take a well-rounded, holistic approach to wellness to ensure that our clients can achieve their best lives.

Because we want to offer the best-in-class resources to our clients, our biofeedback therapy clinicians are continuously performing ongoing education and professional development in the field of biofeedback and supporting treatments and therapies.

Take back control of your physical and mental symptoms and change your life for the better with biofeedback therapy at Braincode Centers. Contact our biofeedback clinicians today to set up a consultation with one of our health and wellness experts.

Published in Neurofeedback

If you're living with a mental illness, you're not alone. About 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some form of mental illness. In fact, 51.5 million adults in the U.S. suffered from some type of mood disorder in 2019. Fortunately, there are effective treatments like neurofeedback that can help you live the best life possible. So, which types of mood disorders can be treated by neurofeedback in the Dallas area?

What Is a Mood Disorder?

Everyone is different. You may have not been diagnosed with a mood disorder yet or may be unsure if your diagnosis constitutes as a mood disorder. So, before we dive into treating mood disorders, let's explore what a mood disorder is.

A mood disorder is commonly defined as "a psychiatric condition characterized by an enduring alteration in one’s emotional state." In other words, it refers to any change in your emotional state that lasts for at least two weeks and affects how you feel on a daily basis.

What Are the Different Types of Mood Disorders?

There are several common mood disorder categories. These include, but are not limited to:

  1. Major depressive disorder- A mood disorder that causes sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness, tiredness, poor concentration, disturbed sleep, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts.
  2. Dysthymia- A chronic mood disorder that causes persistent low-level depression. People who have dysthymia usually experience periods of normal moods interspersed with bouts of extreme sadness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
  3. Bipolar Disorder (BD)- A mental health disorder that causes severe mood swings between mania and depression. People who have BD experience extreme highs and lows in their moods.
  4. Mood disorders that coincide with health conditions- Mood disorders that are brought on by illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, thyroid problems, and others.
  5. Substance-induced disorders- Mood disorders caused by substance-use or toxin exposure including alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, certain types of medications, and more.

What Types of Mood Disorders Benefit From Neurofeedback in Dallas?

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free technique that uses EEG technology to help people learn how to control their brain waves. It has been used successfully for many years with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

Neurofeedback treats mood disorders by helping patients learn to regulate their own brain activity. This helps them gain control over their emotions and better manage their stress. The goal is to teach them how to self-regulate so they can better cope with everyday situations.

We treat all types of psychological conditions at Braincode Centers, including all mood disorders. However, here are the most common types of mood disorders that we treat with neurofeedback in Dallas:

  • Depression - Depression occurs when someone experiences persistent sadness and/or loss of interest in activities. There are several different types of depressive disorders, but all have a few things in common. Depression often causes people to lose energy and become lethargic. It can greatly impact your ability to participate in your normal daily activities due to some of those negative effects on your mood, energy, and behavior.
  • Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar Disorder, formerly referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is characterized by periods of extreme highs and lows. Living with BD can be extremely difficult. During a mania phase, a person can feel very energetic and happy. They can also experience increased agitation, racing thoughts, and a decrease in appetite. During a depressive phase, a person becomes extremely sad and loses interest in almost everything.

What Are the Results Seen From Neurofeedback for Mood Disorders?

At Braincode Centers in Dallas, we use neurofeedback to improve all types of mood disorders. Our goal is to get you living the life you want to lead. While each person is different, the common results you can see from these sessions are:

  • An improved mood
  • Calmer mind
  • Increased focus and concentration
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Improved sleep patterns

How Long Does Treatment Last?

While a typical neurofeedback session won’t last longer than an hour, the length of your neurofeedback treatment plan depends on your specific needs. Some people need just a couple of sessions while others require more. Our neurofeedback specialists will start with a qEEG brain map to determine your treatment plan. This will help us identify the optimal number of sessions we recommend for your unique situation.

Improve Your Life With Neurofeedback for Mood Disorders in Dallas

If you suffer from a mood disorder or suspect that you do, our neurofeedback clinicians can help! At Braincode Centers in Dallas, we've had proven success treating those living with all types of mood disorders and mental health issues. Contact us to learn how neurofeedback can help improve the quality of your life today!

Published in Mental Health Care
Monday, 25 October 2021 09:02

Top Alternative Treatments for Depression

There are so many ways you can go about treating your depression. It's possible that you have tried several avenues already. Some treatments involve medication, invasive measures, or disruptive procedures that all may come with heavy side effects. Other traditional treatment options include counseling and psychotherapy. If you've tried these traditional methods of treatment and are unhappy with the results or side effects, you may want to consider the top alternative treatments for depression.

What does alternative treatment mean?

The term "alternative treatment" may sound slightly intimidating and may feel outside of your comfort zone. But alternative treatments are nothing to be concerned about and they are as conventional of a treatment these days as some traditional medical forms of depression treatment.

All that alternative treatment really means is that there is another way to treat a given illness or condition other than what has been prescribed by your doctor. Many of these treatments can even be complementary to your traditional treatment plan.

How do I know which alternative treatments for depression work best for me?

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression there are several drug-free, natural options you can try. Each option comes with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. Some of the most common alternative treatments for depression include:

  • Herbs: Natural treatments and home remedies may be good for milder forms of depression. Some herbal supplements have been shown to help treat depression in a handful of studies. However, herbal supplements are not approved by the FDA as safe or effective treatment options for this condition. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
  • Acupuncture: A treatment that involves the use of fine needles that prick the skin, acupuncture may be effective in decreasing depression. For people who suffer from both pain and depression, acupuncture may be better than counseling and other standards of care at reducing both (my.clevelandclinic.org). However, it can be unsafe if you have a bleeding disorder and results require further scientific confirmation.
  • Meditation and Yoga: People who meditate or practice yoga report feeling calmer and less stressed than those who don't. Studies suggest that these practices may improve moods and reduce symptoms of depression. Yoga has also been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the brain.
  • Massage therapy: Multiple scientific research studies have shown that massage therapy has helped people with depression. However, most of these studies were small and had limited follow up.
  • Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback is a science-backed, drug-free treatment focused on retraining the brain to improve depression. In this practice, the medical treatment and support are focused exclusively on the chemical frequencies in the brain. However, symptoms of depression can often be directly linked to the electrical frequencies in your brain, so effective treatment frequently requires a more inclusive and also more targeted approach. Neurofeedback offers that.
  • The good news is that there are many different types of alternative treatments out there to treat depression and major depressive disorder. Natural therapies such as neurofeedback are science-backed to help improve brain health and may help treat a wide number of psychological conditions. You just need to find one intervention technique that works best for you!

Treat Your Depression with Neurofeedback in Denver and Dallas

There are many reasons to opt for drug-free alternative treatments for depression. If you're looking for a treatment with virtually no side effects and that can lead to long-lasting relief, neurofeedback is right for you. Here at Braincode Centers in Denver and Dallas, we know how frustrating it can be to try treatment option after treatment option with no success, or with unwelcome aftereffects.

If conventional therapies aren’t giving you the relief you need, contact us today to learn more about your options for an alternative depression treatment in Denver and Dallas.

Published in Depression

It’s estimated that major depressive disorder affects 17 million people in the United States (NIH). This equates to just over 7% of the adult population in the U.S. Depression is usually treated with a mix of medication, counseling, and lifestyle modifications. But even with those treatments, some people experience significant difficulty managing their symptoms. If you're one of these folks, you may want to consider leveraging EEG biofeedback for depression. It's an all-natural, alternative treatment that addresses the source of the problem rather than just managing the symptoms of your depression.

Published in Depression

1 in 8 Denver residents is clinically depressed, according to a new study from Denver Public Health. Depression is an exceptionally difficult mental health disorder to deal with. It can interfere with your daily tasks, ability to work, and emotional capacity to build and maintain relationships in your life. While there are many treatment options available for depression, such as talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, many people still struggle on a daily basis. The good news is, those aren't the only treatment options available to you. If you're interested in drug-free depression treatment in downtown Denver, you've come to the right place. Neurofeedback is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a more natural approach to treating mental health disorders.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a type of bain-based training that uses EEG technology to measure brainwave frequencies and provide real-time feedback to help patients learn how better self-regulate their brainwave patterns.

Typically, there are 5 different brainwave frequencies and each one is responsible for different states of thought or experience. These include:

  • Gamma brainwaves - With a frequency of 32 - 100 Hz, Gamma brainwaves are associated with heightened perception, problem-solving, and learning. Some refer to these waves as the "peak mental state."
  • Beta brainwaves - With a frequency of 13 - 32 Hz, Beta brainwaves are produced when we are alert and actively thinking.
  • Alpha brainwaves - With a frequency of 8 -13 Hz, Alpha brainwaves are produced when we are physically and mentally relaxed. They are often found when our eyes are closed, during activities such as yoga and art, or right before falling asleep.
  • Theta brainwaves - With a frequency of 4 - 8 Hz, Theta brainwaves are associated with creativity, dreaming, reduced consciousness, and meditation.
  • Delta brainwaves - With a frequency of 0.5 - 4 Hz, Delta brainwaves are produced when we're enjoying restorative sleep in a dreamless state.

The link between irregular brainwaves and depression

People with depression often have irregular brainwave patterns. Their brains don't produce the right waves, at the right times, in the right amounts. Neurofeedback can help correct this. With real-time feedback about the state of your brain, you can gain better control of your brainwave frequencies. And with enough practice, producing "normal" or "optimal" brainwaves will become second nature.

Treating the problem at the source, not just managing the symptoms

One of the many reasons neurofeedback is so effective in treating depression is because it addresses the problem at the source rather than just helping you manage or cope with the symptoms. By retraining your brain to function more optimally, you can find long-lasting relief.

Will I still need to take SSRIs and see a therapist?

While it is possible that you can cut back on or even eliminate your medication altogether, you should always consult with your doctor first. Many people find that neurofeedback is best used in conjunction with more traditional treatment options such as SSRIs and talk therapy.

Learn more about drug-free depression treatment in downtown Denver

If you're interested in learning more about drug-free depression treatment in downtown Denver, reach out to us at Braincode Centers. Our neurofeedback specialists will pinpoint the areas of your brain that aren't functioning optimally and create a personalized treatment plan to help you better manage your depression.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your drug-free depression treatment.

Published in Depression
Wednesday, 05 February 2020 15:04

Why Try Neurofeedback In Colorado?

Mental health is something of a trendy topic in 2020. More and more people are recognizing the need to prioritize their own mental health and wellness and are taking the necessary steps to care for themselves. Braincode Centers is a proud partner in this effort to ditch the stigmas associated with mental health and make non-invasive, effective care widely available to the public. That’s why we’ve opened 8 locations across the Metro area to provide neurofeedback in Colorado. Let’s talk about some of the benefits of neurofeedback to see if this innovative therapy should be part of your mental health care.

An Overview of Neurofeedback In Colorado

Neurofeedback has been around for many years, but has only recently become a more mainstream therapy with increased visibility and availability. In layman’s terms, neurofeedback is a method of brain training using positive reinforcement. Ultimately, it’s a way of better controlling your bodily functions and behaviors to overcome symptoms and achieve goals.

Our approach to neurofeedback in Colorado includes leveraging data from a qEEG brain map. This process provides us with information about the specific areas of the brain, including what pathways may be over- or under-performing, to customize the neurofeedback therapy to the client. So, what are the benefits of trying neurofeedback therapy? It’s hard to narrow the list, but we’ll do our best to highlight the key benefits of neurofeedback in Colorado.

#1 Enhance Focus

Whether you are a client suffering from a focus-related disorder, like ADHD, or you simply want to improve your ability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively, neurofeedback can be a highly beneficial way of doing so. Trouble focusing is often related to slow theta-waves. With neurofeedback in Colorado, we can target those specific waves to help you overcome symptoms of ADHD and improve your ability to focus.

#2 Reduce Stress & Anxiety

More than 40 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with anxiety. Understanding not only the underlying triggers that make you feel anxious, as well as how those triggers and feelings affect your brain is key to overcoming the symptoms. Neurofeedback can help you address those crucial areas of your brain and train different behaviors to negative stimuli.

#3 Improve Sleep

In our fast-paced society, insomnia and other sleep-related disorders are becoming increasingly more common. In most of our qEEG brain maps of patients with sleep troubles, we find that under-performing delta waves are the cause of unregulated sleep. Who’d have thought you could train yourself to sleep better when you’re awake? Neurofeedback therapy in Colorado can do exactly that by helping you target the brain waves affecting your ability to sleep and retraining them to be active or relaxed at the appropriate times.

#4 Increase Your Overall Brain Health

No matter the affliction that’s preventing you from leading your best life, neurofeedback can play a role in control or recovery. Your brain is just like any other part of your body. It requires attention, care, and exercise to stay healthy and function properly. Our neurofeedback services in Colorado can be key to improving your overall health and leading a long, happy life.

Try Neurofeedback in Colorado at Braincode Centers

Whether you’re struggling with a mental health condition like anxiety or you simply want to improve your overall health, neurofeedback could be the answer you’re looking for. Braincode Centers is the leading provider of neurofeedback and supporting mental health care services across Colorado.

Contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn more about neurofeedback in Colorado today.

Published in Neurofeedback