Neurofeedback Research
Research Studies on Neurofeedback
Research Review: 50 years of Neuromodulation Studies:
Perl, M. & Perl D. (2019). EEG amplitude neurofeedback: a review of the research. Asia Pacific Journal of Neurotherapy (APJNT), 1(1), 44-55.
Neurofeedback and ADHD:
Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M. & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of Neurofeedback Treatment in ADHD: the Effects on Inattention, Impulsivity and Hyperactivity: A Meta-Analysis. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience 40(3): 180-189. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940904000311
Gevensleven, H., Holl, B., Albrecht, B., Vogel, C., Schlamp, D., Kratz, O., Studer, P., Rothenberger, A., Moll, G., & Heinrich H. (2009). Is neurofeedback an efficacious treatment for ADHD? A randomized controlled clinical trial. Child Psychology and Psychiatry 50(7): 780-789. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02033.x
Levesque, J. & Beauregard, M. (2006). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation of the Effects of Neurofeedback Training on the Neural Bases of Selective Attention and Response Inhibition in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback 31: 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-006-9001-y
Monastra, V.J., Monastra, D.M., & George, S. (2002). The effects of stimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback, and parenting style on the primary symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(4): 231-249. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021018700609
Van Doren, J., Arns, M., Heinrich, H., Vollebregt, M.A., Strehl, U. & Loo. S.K. (2019). Sustained effects of neurofeedback in ADHD: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 28: 293-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1121-4
Neurofeedback and PTSD:
Peniston, E. & Kulkosky, P. (1991). Alpha-theta Brain Wave Neurofeedback for Vietnam Veterans with Combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medical Psychotherapy 4(1): 47-60.
Neurofeedback and Depression:
Lee, YJ., Lee, GW., Seo, WS., Koo, BH., Kim, HG., & Cheon, EJ. (2019). Neurofeedback Treatment on Depressive Symptoms and Functional Recovery in Treatment-Resistant Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: an Open-Label Pilot Study 34(42). https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e287
Paquette, V., Beauregard, M., Beaulieu-Prevost, D. (2009). Effect of psychoneurotherapy on brain electromagnetic tomography in individuals with major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 174(3): 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2009.06.002
Neurofeedback and Seizure Disorder:
Sterman, M.B. (2000). Basic Concepts and Clinical Findings in the Treatment of Seizure Disorders with EEG Operant Conditioning. Clinical Electroencephalography 31(1): 45-55. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940003100111
Neurofeedback and Addiction:
Trudeau, D.L. (2005). Applicability of brain wave biofeedback to substance use disorder in adolescents. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America 14(1): 125-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2004.07.006
Research Studies Using EEGer Software
Neurofeedback and PTSD:
Nicholson, A. A., Densmore, M., Frewen, P. A., Neufeld, R. W., Théberge, J., Jetly, R., Lanius, R, & Ros, T. (2023). Homeostatic normalization of alpha brain rhythms within the default-mode network and reduced symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder following a randomized controlled trial of electroencephalogram neurofeedback. Brain Communications, 5(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad068
van der Kolk, B.A., Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., Musicaro, R., Suvak, M.K., Hamlin, E., Spinazzola, J. (2016) A Randomized Controlled Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD. PLOS ONE 11(12). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166752
Neurofeedback and Developmental Trauma:
Rogel, A., Loomis, A. M., Hamlin, E., Hodgdon, H., Spinazzola, J., & van der Kolk, B. (2020). The impact of neurofeedback training on children with developmental trauma: A randomized controlled study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(8): 918-929. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000648
Neurofeedback and Anxiety:
Mutang, J.A., Seok, C.B., & Ee, G.T. (2021). Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Anxiety Symptoms Among University Students. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research 530: 82-89. 10.2991/assehr.k.210423.012
Neurofeedback and Learning a Complex Tasks:
Ros, T., Moseley, M. J., Bloom, P. A., Benjamin, L., Parkinson, L. A., & Gruzelier, J. H. (2009). Optimizing microsurgical skills with EEG neurofeedback. BMC neuroscience 10(1), 87. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2202-10-87
Research Link
Research References
Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M. & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of Neurofeedback Treatment in ADHD: the Effects on Inattention, Impulsivity and Hyperactivity: A Meta-Analysis. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience 40(3): 180-189. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940904000311
Bauer, G. & Bauer, R. (1999). EEG, drug effects, and central nervous system poisoning. In E. Niedermeyer & F. Da Silva (Eds.), Electroencephalography: Basic Principles, Clinical Applications, and Related Fields (pp. 671-691)). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Beauregard, M. & Levesque, J. (2006). Functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the effects of neurofeedback training on the neural bases of selective attention and response inhibition in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 31 (1), 3-20.
Broadbent, D. (1958). Perception and Communication. London: Pergamon Press.
Coben, R., Padolsky, I. (2007). Assessment-Guided neurofeedback for autistic spectrum disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy, 11(1), 5-23.
Das, J.P., Naglieri, J. A., & Kirby, J. R. (1994). The Assessment of Cognitive Processes: The Pass Theory of Intelligence. Boston : Allyn and Bacon, 1994 : A Longwood Professional Book.
Deutsch, J., & Deutsch, D. (1963). Attention: Some theoretical considerations. Psychological Review, 70, 80-90.
Drechsler, R., Strau, M., Doehnert, M., Heinrich, H., Steinhausen, H., & Brandeis, D. (2007). Controlled evaluation of a neurofeedback training of slow cortical potentials in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Behavioral and Brain Functions, 3(35).
Egner, T. & Gruzelier.J. H. (2001). Learned self-regulation of EEG frequency components affects attention and event-related potentials in humans. NeuroReport, 12, 411-415.
Egner, T., Gruzelier, J.H. (2003). Ecological validity of neurofeedback: Modulation of slow wave EEG enhances musical performance. Neuroreport, 14, 1221-1224.
Egner, T. & Gruzelier.J. H. (2004). EEG biofeedback of low beta band components: Frequency-specific effects on variables of attention and event-related potentials. Clinical Neuropsychology, 115, 131-139.
Fuchs, T., Birbaumer, N., Lutzenberger, W., Gruzelier, J.,H., & Kaiser, J. (2003). Neurofeedback treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity in children: A comparison with methylphenidate. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 28(1), 1-12.
Gani, C., Birbaumer, N., & Strehl, U. (2008). Long term effects after feedback of slow cortical potentials and of theta-beta-amplitudes in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). International Journal of Bioelectromagnetism, 10(4), 209-232
Gevensleven, H., Holl, B., Albrecht, B., Vogel, C., Schlamp, D., Kratz, O., Studer, P., Rothenberger, A., Moll, G., & Heinrich H. (2009). Is neurofeedback an efficacious treatment for ADHD? A randomized controlled clinical trial. Child Psychology and Psychiatry 50(7): 780-789. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02033.x
Gruzelier, J.H. & Egner, T. (2004). Physiological self-regulation: Biofeedback and neurofeedback. In Williamon, A. (ed), Musical excellence: Strategies and techniques to enhance performance (pp. 197-219). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gruzelier, J. & Egner, T. (2005). Critical validation studies of neurofeedback. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Emerging Interventions, 14, 82-104.
Gruzelier, J.H., Egner, T., Valentine, E., Williamon, A. (2002). Comparing learned EEG self-regulation and the Alexander technique as a means of enhancing musical performance. In Stevens C., Burnham, D., McPherson, G., Schubert, E., Renwick, J. (eds), In Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (pp. 89-92). Adelaide, Australia: Causal Productions.
Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Emerging Interventions, 14, 105-123.
Heinrich, H., Gevensleben, H., Freisleder, F.J., Moll, G.H., Rothenberger, A. (2004). Training of slow cortical potentials in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence for positive behavioral and neuroyphysiological effects. Biological Psychiatry, 55, 772-775.
Hirshberg, L., Chiu, S., & Frazier, J. (2005) Emerging brain-based interventions for children and adolescents: overview and clinical perspective. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Emerging Interventions, 14, 1-19.
Holtman, M., Grasmann, D., Cionek-Szpak, E., Hager, V., Panzer, N., Beyer, A. et al. (2009). Spezifische wirksamkeit von neurofeedback auf die impulsivitat bei ADHS: Literaturuberblick und Ergebnisse einer prospective, kontrollierten studie. Kindheit und Entwicklung, 18, 95-104.
Jarusiewicz, B. (2002). Efficacy of neurofeedback for children in the autistic spectrum: a pilot study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 6, 39-49.
Lee, YJ., Lee, GW., Seo, WS., Koo, BH., Kim, HG., & Cheon, EJ. (2019). Neurofeedback Treatment on Depressive Symptoms and Functional Recovery in Treatment-Resistant Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: an Open-Label Pilot Study 34(42). https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e287
Leins, U., Goth, G., Hinterberger, T., Klinger, C., Rumpf, N., & Strehl, U. (2007). Neurofeedback for children with ADHD: a comparison of SCP and theta/beta protocols. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 32(2), 73-78.
Levesque, J., Beauregard, M., & Mensour, B. (2006). Effect of neurofeedback training on the neural substrates of selective attention in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Neuroscience Letters, 394(3), 216-221.
Levesque, J. & Beauregard, M. (2006). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation of the Effects of Neurofeedback Training on the Neural Bases of Selective Attention and Response Inhibition in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback 31: 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-006-9001-y
Linden,M., Habib, T., & Radojevic, V., (1996). A controlled study of the effects of EEG biofeedback on cognition and behavior of children with attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 21 (1), 35-49.
Lubar, J.F. (1995). Neurofeedback for the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In M.S. Schwartz (Ed.), _Biofeedback:__A practitioner’s guide_ (2nd Ed.). New York: Guilford Press, 493-523.
Monastra, V. J. (2005). Electroencephalographic biofeedback (neurotherapy) as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: rationale and empirical foundation. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Emerging Interventions, 14, 55-82.
Monastra, V.J., Monastra, D.M., & George, S. (2002). The effects of stimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback, and parenting style on the primary symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(4): 231-249. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021018700609
Mutang, J.A., Seok, C.B., & Ee, G.T. (2021). Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Anxiety Symptoms Among University Students. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research 530: 82-89. 10.2991/assehr.k.210423.012
Nicholson, A. A., Densmore, M., Frewen, P. A., Neufeld, R. W., Théberge, J., Jetly, R., Lanius, R, & Ros, T. (2023). Homeostatic normalization of alpha brain rhythms within the default-mode network and reduced symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder following a randomized controlled trial of electroencephalogram neurofeedback. Brain Communications, 5(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad068
Norman, D. A. (1968). Towards a theory of memory and attention. Psychological Review, 75, 522-536.
Paquette, V., Beauregard, M., Beaulieu-Prevost, D. (2009). Effect of psychoneurotherapy on brain electromagnetic tomography in individuals with major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 174(3): 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2009.06.002
Peniston, E. & Kulkosky, P. (1991). Alpha-theta Brain Wave Neurofeedback for Vietnam Veterans with Combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medical Psychotherapy 4(1): 47-60.
Perl, M. & Perl D. (2019). EEG amplitude neurofeedback: a review of the research. Asia Pacific Journal of Neurotherapy (APJNT), 1(1), 44-55.
Raymond, J., Sajid, I., Parkinson, L.A., & Gruzelier.J. H. (2005a). Biofeedback and dance performance: A preliminary investigation. Applied Psychophysiological Biofeedback, 30, 65-73.
Rogel, A., Loomis, A. M., Hamlin, E., Hodgdon, H., Spinazzola, J., & van der Kolk, B. (2020). The impact of neurofeedback training on children with developmental trauma: A randomized controlled study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(8): 918-929. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000648
Roth, S. R., Sterman, M. B., & Clemente, C. D. (1967). Comparison of EEG correlates of reinforcement, internal inhibition and sleep. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 23, 509-520.
Rossiter, T.R. (2004). The effectiveness of neurofeedback and stimulant drugs in treating AD/HD: Part II. Replication Applied Psychophysiological Biofeedback, 29(4), 233-243.
Rossiter, T.R. & Lavaque, T. J. (1995). A comparison of EEG biofeedback and psychostimulants in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, 48-59.
Sacks, O. (1999). Migraine. New York City: Vintage.
Scott, W.C., Kaiser, D., Othmer, S., Sideroff, S.I. (2005) Effects of an EEG Biofeedback protocol on a mixed substance abusing population. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 31:455-469
Sterman, M. B. (1972). Studies of EEG biofeedback training in man and cats. In: Highlights of 17th Annual Conference: VA Cooperative Studies in Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, 50-60
Sterman, M.B. (2000). Basic Concepts and Clinical Findings in the Treatment of Seizure Disorders with EEG Operant Conditioning. Clinical Electroencephalography 31(1): 45-55. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940003100111
Sterman, M.B., Egner, T. (2006). Foundation and practice of neurofeedback for the treatment of epilepsy. Applied Psychopathology and Biofeedback, 31 (1), 21-35.
Strehl, U., Leins, U., Goth, G., Klinger, C., Hinterberger, T., & Birbaumer, N. (2006). Self-regulation of slow cortical potentials: a new treatment for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics, 118, 1530-1540.
Thompson, M. & Thompson, L. (2003). The Neurofeedback Book: An Introduction to Basic Concepts in Applied Psychophysiology. Wheat Ridge, CO: The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
Thorton, K. & Carmody, D. (2005). Electroencephalogram biofeedback for reading disability and traumatic brain injury. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Emerging Interventions, 14, 137-162.
Treisman, A. (1960). Contextual cues in selective listening. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12, 242-248.
Treisman, A. (1964). Selective attention in man. British Medical Bulletin, 20, 12-16.
Trudeau, D.L. (2005). Applicability of brain wave biofeedback to substance use disorder in adolescents. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America 14(1): 125-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2004.07.006
Van Doren, J., Arns, M., Heinrich, H., Vollebregt, M.A., Strehl, U. & Loo. S.K. (2019). Sustained effects of neurofeedback in ADHD: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 28: 293-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1121-4
Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T. Neilands, C., Sheri, A., & Gruzelier, J. H. (2003). The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocls on aspects of cognitive performance. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 47, 75-86.
Yerkes, R. M., & Dodson, J. D. (1908). The Relation of Strength of Stimulus to Rapidity of Habit-Formation, Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology, 18, 459-482
University programs / Researchers
M. Barry Sterman, UCLA
Joel Lubar, Univ of Tennessee [*]
Peter Rosenfeld, Northwestern University [*]
Bethel College, Dept. of Nursing, North Newton, KS
Eugenia Bodenhamer-David, Univ of North Texas
D. Corydon Hammond, Ph.D., UT Sch of Med [*]
Sebastian Striefel, Ph.D., Ctr for Persons with Disabilities, UT State Univ
Widner University, Philadelphia, PA
Richard Silberstein, Univ of Swinbourne, Australia
Christian Loos, Univ of Swinborne, Australia
Jiri Tyl, Charles Univ, Prague, Czech Republic
John Gruzelier, Ph.D., Imperial College, London, UK
Hospital Programs
Daniel Freeman Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
Occupational Health, Comanche Cty Memorial Hospital, Lawton, OK
St. Peters Hospital, Helena, MT
Wellness Clinic, St. John’s Hospital, Jackson, WY
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Univ Medical Ctr, Salt Lake City, UT