What's New in Neurofeedback

Articles organized by title

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Neurological Basis and Treatment Alternatives.
• Clinical Use of An Alpha Asymmetry Protocol in the Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression: Two Case Studies, The.
• Cognitive Impairment Consistent with Left Fronto-Temporal Abnormality in Schizophrenic Patients.
• Commentary: Refections on Neurotherapy: Past, Present and Future.
• Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, A.
• Composite Biofeedback Conditioning and Dangerous Offenders: III.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Head Injury.
• EEG Biofeedback for the Enhancement of Attentional Processing in Normal College Students.
• EEG Biofeedback in the Schools: The Use of EEG Biofeedback to Treat ADHD in a School Setting.
• EEG Biofeedback in the Treatment of Lyme Disease: A Case Study.
• EEG Biofeedback: A New Treatment Option for ADD/ADHD.
• EEG Patterns and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• EEG Power-Spectral and Coherence Differences Between Attentional States during a Complex Auditory Task.
• Event Related Potentials of Subgroups of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the Implications for EEG Biofeedback.
• FIG (Functional Integrative QEEG) Technique and the Functional Structure of Memory Functioning in Normals and Head Injured Subjects, The.
• Gates, States, Rhythms, and Resonances: The Scientific Basis of Neurofeedback.
• Hostility Following Right CVA: Support for Right Orbital Frontal Deactivation and Right Temporal Activation.
• Human Steady-State Visual and Auditory Evoked Potential Components During a Selective Discrimination Task
• Improved Neuronal Regulation in ADHD: An Application of 15 Sessions of Photic-Driven EEG Neurotherapy.
• Master Zhu.
• Mathematically Derived Frequency Correlates in Cerebral Function: Theoretical and Clinical Implications for Neurofeedback Treatment.
• Native Americans, Neurofeedback, and Substance Abuse Theory." Three Year Outcome of Alpha/theta Neurofeedback Training in the Treatment of Problem Drinking among Dine' (Navajo) People.
• Neurofeedback Therapy for a Mild Head Injury.
• Neurofeedback and Lyme's Disease: A Clinical Application of the Five Phase Model of CNS Functional Transformation and Integration.
• Neurofeedback: One Instrument in the Orchestra.
• Neurotherapy and Drug Therapy in Combination for Adult ADHD, Personality Disorder, and Seizure.
• New Technology: A Biological Understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its Treatment.
• Normative EEG Databases and EEG Biofeedback.
• On the Nature of Artifacting the qEEG.
• PMS, EEG, and Photic Stimulation.
• Patient-Directed Neurofeedback For AD/HD.
• Positive Outcome with Neurofeedback Treatment-in a Case of Mild Autism.
• Primer on Clinical Case Study Research in Neurotherapy, A.
• Quantitative EEG Abnormalities in a Sample of Dyslexic Persons.
• Quantitative EEG Findings among Men Convicted of Murder.
• Single Case Research Designs for the Science and Practice of Neurotherapy.
• Single Channel QEEG Amplitudes in a Bright, Normal Young Adult Sample.
• Subthreshold 10-Hz Sound Suppresses EEG Theta: Clinical Application for the Potentiation of Neurotherapeutic Treatment of ADD/ADHD.
• Thoughts About the Study of Cognitively-linked Brain Dysfunction Physiology After Mild Closed-head Trauma
• Topographical Brain Mapping in Depression Following Mild Closed Head Injury: A Case Study.
• Treatment of Chronic Anxiety Disorder with Neurotherapy: A Case Study.
• Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder with Neurotherapy and Group Self-Exploration.

NEW BOOKS

Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind
  by V. S. Ramachandran, Sandra Blakeslee

Eloquent descriptions of neurological phenomena and their physiological mechanisms, all integrated into a philosophy of mind. Neurologist Ramachandran and science writer Blakeslee attempt to account for various unusual phenomena, including: how someone who has lost a leg may still report sensation in it. Did James Thurber's visual hallucinations affect his cartoons? Why should a child feel his parents are impostors? Is there really a barrier between mind and matter?

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0688152473/top100

Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World: Unlocking the Potential of Your ADD Child
  by Jeffrey Freed, Laurie Parsons

A step-by-step program that shows parents how to work with, not against, the special abilities of the ADD child.

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684847930/top100

From Brains to Consciousness: Essays on the New Science of the Mind
  by Steven P. Rose

Brings together 14 of the world's leading neuroscientists, psychologists, computer modellers, and philosophers to offer current insights into the brain-mind debate. For instance, can consciousness be computed? Is artificial intelligence possible? For both the specialists and the general public interested in cutting-edge thought about the fundamentals of consciousness.

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0691004692/top100

ADHD Rating Scale-IV: Checklists, Norms, & Clinical Interpretation
  by George J. Dupaul, Robert Reid, Arthur D. Anastopoulos

A rating scale for diagnosing ADHD in children and adolescents and for assessing treatment response. Contains 18 items linked directly to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Includes a parent questionnaire on home behaviors (one in English, one inSpanish), and a teacher questionnaire on classroom behaviors. Pages are formatted for easy photocopying, and permission to reproduce the scale as often as needed. This manual includes: Scoring profiles for boys and girls aged 5-17, Nationally representative norms for both parent and teacher ratings, Factor analysis data and findings on reliability and validity, Clinical interpretation guidelines for screening and diagnosis , & Clinical interpretation guidelines for treatment evaluation

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572304235/top100

Advances in the Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders
  by Herman Gerrit, Marinus Westenberg

Reviews anxiety in all its manifestations and new drug treatments for each of the major indications: panic disorder, OCD, generalised anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The latest research from leading experts provides greater understanding of the biological processes which underpin this psychiatric disease.

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471961248/top100

Findings and Current Opinion in Cognitive Neuroscience
  by Larry R. Squire, Stephen M. Kosslyn

Cognitive neuroscience has undergone explosive growth in the past 10 years as a result of new brain-imaging technologies, faster computers and new theories of neural function. These developments have made it possible to link perception, attention, memory, and other aspects of cognition to neurobiology. Because researchers come to cognitive neuroscience from a variety of fields, researchers and students alike find it difficult to ascertain the core literature. This volume provides easy access to the current state of theory and findings in the field by means of 46 review articles.

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/026269204X/top100

ADHD in Adolescents: Diagnosis and Treatment
  by Arthur L. Robin

An empirically based approach to understanding, diagnosing, and treating ADHD in adolescents is provided in this guide. Includes a structured intervention program and detailed case examples. Also included are numerous reproducible materials: handouts, rating scales and detailed checklists for evaluating ADHD, developing treatment plans, and monitoring psychological, behavioral, and academic progress.

For more info, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572303913/top100

JOURNAL PAPERS

Neuropsychological testing in adult ADHD
--Can objective neuropsychological testing be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of adult ADHD? Analyses indicated that 3 measures combined, Digits Backwards from the WAIS-R and two reaction time measures from a computerized task modeled after Luria's Competing Motor Programs, had greater than 90% accuracy for classifying ADHD and non-ADHD patients.

Relationship between traumatic events in childhood and chronic pain.
--Traumatic events in childhood, such as sexual and physical abuse, alcoholism, and drug addiction, were associated with adult chronic pain. All pain groups (facial pain, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia) had a history of abuse exceeding 48%: fibromyalgia, 64.7%; myofascial, 61.9%; facial, 50%; other pain, 48.3%. A combined history of pain, child physical abuse, and alcoholism was prevalent in 12.9 to 35.3%.

Selective attention in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
--A selective attention deficit may be involved in the symptomatology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals diagnosed with OCD were distinguished from those with panic disorder and from control participants by their relatively poorer performance on a series of psychometric tasks of selective attention.

Reduced EEG alpha power in the male and female offspring of alcoholics.
--Subjects with a family history of alcoholism had reduced relative and absolute alpha power in occipital and frontal regions, and increased relative beta in both regions compared with subjects with a negative family history of alcoholism. Deficits in resting EEG alpha appear to be associated with risk for alcoholism, although their etiological significance is unclear.

Psychiatric illness one year after traumatic brain injury.
--Neurobehavioral symptoms are not uncommon after a traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the type and extent of psychiatric syndromes in Nearly one-fifth of patients with traumatic brain injury had a psychiatric illness one year post-trauma. A depressive illness was six times more common in this population than the general public (13.9% vs 2.1%) and panic disorder was ten times more prevalent (9.0% vs. 0.8%).

Long-term prognosis of bipolar disorder.
--Although most clinical and demographic variables were not strong prognostic indicators in bipolar disorder, switching polarity within episodes was. Most episodes among the poor-prognosis patients were polyphasic, while most episodes among the comparison group with a better prognosis were monophasic. Of particular importance to neurofeedback training, the relevance of these findings to the 'kindling' model was discussed.

Ritalin for bulimia nervosa
--The symptomatology of certain bulimics (those with comorbid cluster B disorder) resembles ADHD patient, in particular, both groups frequently have a high level of impulsivity. Ritalin may be useful for bulimics with cluster B personality disorder who respond poorly to conventional treatment.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, CNS stimulants and sport.
--CNS stimulant medication such as Ritalin used in the management of ADHD is not permitted for use in competition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Fine motor coordination and balance are improved after methylphenidate administration. Stimulant medication for atheletes with ADHD may provide an unfair advantage in competition.

Personality traits in late adolescence predict mental disorders in early adulthood
--High "negative emotionality" (a propensity to experience aversive affective states) at age 18 was associated with affective, anxiety, substance dependence, and antisocial personality disorders at age 21. Low "constraint" (difficulty inhibiting the expression of affect and impulse) at age 18 was associated with substance dependence and antisocial personality disorders at age 21.

Health care costs associated with depression and substance abuse
--Individuals with self-reported depressive syndromes or substance abuse had health care costs $1,766 abover normal. Depressive syndromes produced increases in both inpatient and outpatient costs; substance abuse increased inpatient costs only.

New Offices online

• Paul Goldring, Ph.D. - West Barnstable, MA
• Carol A. Reiners, D.C. - Parkersburg, IA
• Mediplan - in Norwegian
• Sharon Rae Deacon & Associates - Glendale, MA

New Neurofeedback Clinicians / New Offices

Clinic of Neurofeedback
Apoquindo Medical Building
Apoquindo 4100, Room 1009
Santiago, Chile
(562) 2280818  Fax 2241062
E-mail: fmorgado@ctc-mundo.net

Leslie Coates, LCSW
Wellness Resource
600 Sandtree Drive, Suite 206B
Palm Beach Garden, FL 33403
561-625-8806   Fax: -8823
E-mail: lcoates@pb.quik.com

EEG Spectrum International Of Centerville, Ohio
Fred Sinay, M.Ed., LPCC
537 Windsor Park Drive
Centerville, Ohio 45459
(937)-434-4882
Email: fsinay@msn.com

Beryl R. Davis, Ph.D.
5805 Capistrano Ave., Suite E
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 466-4892, Fax -0742
Email: brdavis@tcsn.net

Beverly Cross
2535 Townsgate Rd. #209
Westlake Village, CA 91361
(805) 379-1009
Email: Psychsaver@aol.com

Marysville Naturopathic Medical Clinic
Lyndon C Capon, ND, RN, LMP
316 #A State Ave
Marysville, WA 98271
(360) 651-9355

Lauren Gerber, Psy.D.
550 Carlisle Ave
Deerfield, IL 60015
847-317-1307

In the 1982 film "Firefox", the Russians develop an advanced jet fighter that is faster and more maneuverable than Uncle Sam's. This nimble jet has a secret, its revolutionary new human-computer interface: it is flown by brainwaves. Because thought precedes action, neural control is believed to be faster than human control. Once a pilot decides to bank left, for example, a good fraction of a second may pass before he moves the stick and the plane responds. A hundred milliseconds here, 50 ms there, pretty soon you're talking air supremacy. To stop this, the Pentagon sends Clint Eastwood, a washed-up Air Force pilot, to Siberia with orders to steal the prototype. Eastwood spends much of the film in the cockpit of the stolen jet, being chased by Russians, unable to brain-link into the controls. I won't ruin the ending, but having worked on an EEG project for the Air Force, I see an incredible advantage in using brainwaves to fly a plane. Of course I'm referring to those brainwaves which direct the hand muscles to move the stick.

But suddenly its one year shy of the millenium and we are one step closer to Firefox, according to the media. Science headlines around the world are crowing about the recent(?) invention of an EEG-based communication device for severely paralysed patients. (see http://abcnews.go.com:80/sections/tech/DailyNews/brain_computers990324.html That Newsweek jumped onto the EEG feedback bandwagon on this story is particularly pleasing given the fact that about four years ago Newsweek proclaimed EEG dead, passe, its glory days over in the larger scheme of things (the larger scheme being cognitive neuroscience). Four years ago, in the cover article on cognitive neuroscience in Newsweek, there was not a single mention of EEG, save for the last frame of a sidebar where it was called the "grandfather" of the newer, sexier, and oh-so-expensive measures such as PET, fMRI, SPECT. EEG was indicated as being less powerful than these newer acronyms.

But try to create a feedback device with PET -- without making your subject glow. Or how about cursor-control with fMRI? No problem, as long as you don't mind spending your days inside a giant electromagnet. The sensitivity, portability, and inexpensiveness of EEG are unparalleled in cognitive neuroscience. In no other measure does high temporal and functional resolutions converge. But enough about that old story -- let's talk about the the new story.

Two aspects of this story seem to be off. One is technical, the other involves the media coverage. First: the scientists involved focused on the CNV, one of the slowest components of the EEG. If one wants a rapid response, or requires multiple responses to construct a single action (here, selecting a letter or German word), why use a slow measurement of the EEG? Others have trained faster EEG measures with great success. And done so years ago. One lab invented a EEG-based cursor control, essentially what the present team achieved, eight years ago! Where was the media fanfare then? The head scientist of current approach partly acknowledged this: “Worldwide there are now three groups who are doing this but we are the first group that has achieved real writing with the brain.”

Ahh, the new guys had sizzle in their work. Teaching the mute to speak!

But that's what's wrong with the much of the current science coverage in the media. Sizzle over science. The media wants Christopher Reeve to walk, a cure for cancer, microbes on Mars, and HAL 9000 on every desktop before they take notice. In doing so, they miss out on many important happenings in science. They missed this story when it first appeared eight years ago. J.R. Wolpaw reported in 1991 that "over several weeks, subjects learned to change mu rhythm amplitude quickly and accurately, so that the cursor typically reached the target in 3 sec." This speed is equal or better than the current system, and with significantly less practice. In fact, only 2 of the 3 subjects studied with the CNV approach were able to achieve any accuracy (70% accuracy that is), and that after hundreds of sessions. Two successes + one failure = worldwide attention? That doesn't add up.

Why complain about a breakthough, you may ask.... because this was not a breakthrough. It was a "media breakthrough" only. The breakthrough occurred 8 years ago when the first reliable evidence of an EEG-based communication device was published. Prior research used a cursor to select a target on a PC screen but because these targets were not letters, their success went unreported in the popular media. The new team is toasted as saviors for using cursor control to generate words (at a pace which makes us pine for Stephen Hawking's slow steady synthesized monotones). The moral of the story being: add a Ouija board to your PC screen, and you get ink.

That EEG has resurrected itself in the eyes of the media (for only a week...) is fantastic, but all in all, the coverage leaves me with less confidence in science reporters. The coverage reminds me of the opening scene from another film "Real Genius". In this little-known classic, a young prodigy presents a laser at his science fair. When asked by his father what's so special about his award-winning device, the young genius explains how this laser is "coherent light" -- Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

The father nods in comprehension, and replies. "Oh, so it can talk."

Further reading:

20+ papers on EEG-based communication - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=9749910&dopt=m

The thought translation device: a neurophysiological approach to communication in total motor paralysis.
Kubler A, Kotchoubey B, Hinterberger T et al
Exp Brain Res 1999 Jan;124(2):223-32
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9928845&form=6&db=m&Dopt=b

Firefox (VHS) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6300269639/top100

Real Genius (VHS) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6302824559/top100

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