Neurofeedback Session #1

Hi all,

As promised here is my experience with my very first neurofeedback session today.

Long story short, direct neurofeedback is small imperceptible signals sent to your brain via little electrodes that are attached to the scalp. It's designed to essentially unfreeze your neural signals in the CNS. The doctor says its like rebooting a slowly working computer.

Per the recommendation of my psychiatrist, I tried it.

First, it began with a consultation of all medications I had ever taken, what main symptoms I experience, and an explanation of the science behind it. I sat there jittering in my chair at a level 8 anxiety attack while he spoke so it sort of went over my head initially. The doctor was this buddhist, bald, and retired ER doctor who reminded me a lot of Ed Harris; he had a naturally relaxing persona to him and my white coat syndrome dissipated a bit.

The process itself took a total of 1 and a half minutes. He asked me what my anxiety levels were at before sending the signals which he controlled behind a computer, which I said were at an 8 and told me he would check in every 15-30 seconds to see what level I was at. We all sat there in silence as these signals went off and at first I felt absolutely nothing. Within a minute, I immediately felt a sense of calm wash over my body and my level 8 went to a level 4. As the session ended, it went to a 2. My shaking stopped, my nausea completely gone, my sweating halted. It was WEIRD. At first I was thinking it was placebo effect, but its lasted all afternoon. I was actually able to go to the dog park and interact socially with strangers without having anxiety. As much as I explained how it all works above (which is nothing at all), there is so much more to it that I don't even really understand, but for me, its worked thus far. From here on out, I will have regular sessions 2x a week for 10 sessions, and then maintenance after that. He was hopeful that this would be sufficient for my treatment.

Very cool experience to say the least, and I'm really looking forward to the future sessions.

sort of an ect, without the seizure. i will seek feedback from my shrink on this. good on ya blu.

Hi Blu

Thanks for your update I am pleased it has had such a big effect on you and hope it continues.

I think I will look into it myself.

Hibee

Thank you so much for sharing this. I don't think a lot of us have heard about neurofeedback, and if we have, I don't think a lot of us know what it entails.

I wonder how that would work with someone who is bipolar. Hmmmmm.

Any more updates on the neurofeedback?

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this treatment journey. I know what you've documented here will not doubt help others in seeking the right treatment for themselves.

You rock my friend!

May your progress continue, as I know it will!

XOXO

S.C.

I am currently undergoing TMS therapy and while I do see some improvements I still am looking for plan B & C & D etc and so on.Just want to innahialate this depression and anxiety. Wonder if both neurofeedback and TMS can be used simultaneously? I just still have these bouts where I just have a rage and pace all over and have racing thoughts.Also winter is near so the SAD is getting stronger.Gotta get this done.Need my life back the one I had.

Blu
No they treat anxiety with TMS and it seems to work well for me just want to give the brain some more ammo to fight with so was thinking about going for neurofeedback next.

Blu
No not really every day but as many in a row as you can.Its not something you can benefit from going once a week but 3x a week to start works.Really has helped with the depression and moved the needle on the anxiety.