2018 ANSA Conference
We were fortunate to be able to attend and record the 2018 Conference in Brisbane Australia. The conference material covered a range if interesting topics which have been listed on Owl Talks and are described below.
Evidence for Efficacy of LENS Neurotherapy
Len Ochs presents Evidence for Efficacy of LENS Neurotherapy.
This paper demonstrate that (1) the LENS changes the EEG, and (2) leads to symptom reduction with the use of feedback and without the use of operant conditioning or qEEG-based electrode placement. The LENS uses an hydraulic model of EEG energy flow in the brain, that includes energy flow of suppressive energy, that is tied to EEG changes, and not symptom-tied EEG placements, although all of the usual symptoms are strongly, expeditiously, and non-linearly reduced. One of the features of the LENS, aside from not using operant conditioning at all, is that any 10-20 site may receive as little at .02 seconds of feedback to effect reduction in the usual symptoms.
LENS and Neural Regulation: Brain & Body
The use of LENS Neurofeedback and its integration with psychotherapeutic interventions is discussed. LENS is unique in the field of neurofeedback in that it applies the concept of neural regulation not only to the brain but also to the body, reflecting both Top-down and Bottom-up interventions. Such an integrated bodymind approach dovetails uniquely with other information processing interventions.
On that basis it is suggested that LENS is ideally suited as either a stand-alone or adjunctive intervention for individuals with a history of developmental trauma who routinely exhibit disorganized and dysregulated neural activity that interferes with effective psychotherapeutic interventions. Approaches unique to the LENS, like the notion of EEG suppression that is specifically relevant to developmental trauma are discussed, as well as adaptations of LENS to this population that include interventions drawn from integrating the neuroscience literature, traditional neurofeedback and clinical observations.
Case studies are presented to demonstrate the integration of LENS neurofeedback and associated neural regulation approaches into standard trauma treatment interventions. Particularly emphasis is on how such interventions can be interwoven and integrated with more traditional trauma treatment interventions, such as Ego-State Therapy, EMDR and Somatic Psychotherapy. It is proposed that the addition of LENS neurofeedback during all three trauma treatment phases (stabilization phase, trauma processing, re-integration) can assist in increasing therapeutic response by directly intervening at the level of the electrical or frequency domain of brain function.
qEEG as a Base to Neurofeedback Treatment: Is it Reliable Enough?
Dr Rivi Sela presents qEEG as a Base to Neurofeedback Treatment: Is It Reliable Enough?
In 2004 a position paper on the standards of use of QEEG in neurofeedback was published by a group of leading therapists. The paper states that a growing number of clinicians use qEEG to decide on neurofeedback protocols, and that a growing body of peer reviewed research attests to the utility of the qEEG in providing a scientifically objective and clinically practical assessment of a wide range of psychiatric, psychological and medical conditions. The paper also reached the following conclusion: “It is not necessary for a physician to screen raw EEG data as part of a qEEG evaluation for neurofeedback training.”
In the last 14 years since that position paper was published, many neurofeedback therapists accepted qEEG as their basis for deciding on training protocols, and they use automatic analysis software for holding spectral analysis and comparison to age norms. By the maps and diagrams that the software produces, they decide where to place the electrodes and which frequencies to train.
The presentation demonstrates why a deep understanding of the raw EEG is crucial to reading the qEEG maps and diagrams accurately, in order to reach the correct neurofeedback protocols. The 45-minute presentation will use EEG/qEEG examples to show the following:
- . Common EEG artifacts that might distort the information presented by qEEG
- Common mistakes in reading the qEEG maps
- What extra information the raw EEG gives us
- Paroxysmal EEG and its effect on the qEEG
A Model for a Multidisciplinary Approach to Integrate Neurofeedback Protocols in the Treatment of Childhood Disorders
Dr David Cantor presents A Model for a Multidisciplinary Approach to Integrate Neurofeedback Protocols in the Treatment of Childhood Disorders
Neurofeedback therapies need to consider the influence of factors of diet, toxins, and the application of allied health intervention techniques in order to optimize clinical outcomes in developmental disorders.
This presentation will provide an overview illustrating the importance of examining patient symptoms in the context of developmental and medical history and how such information either facilitates or undermines neurotherapeutic success. The future of using multivariate discriminant functions to help define functional ability for the purposes of diagnostics but also for treatment will be proposed.
Which Neurofeedback Methodology Shows Best Results: 50 Years of Research on Neurofeedback.
Dr Moshe Perl presents Which Neurofeedback Methodology Shows Best Results: 50 Years of Research on Neurofeedback. A review of neurofeedback and neuromodulation literature was undertaken. The comprehensive bibliography available at the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) was analysed and augmented by a search for neurofeedback publications over the past three years. Modalities reviewed included single and two-site amplitude training (including beta-smr, alpha theta, theta-beta ratio, z-score, alpha training, alpha asymmetry training), coherence training, slow cortical potential training, 19 channel z-score training, LENS neurofeedback, infra low frequency training, TMS training, DCS training and fMRI training. The studies were analysed for year published, subjects, research design, target symptoms and outcomes.
Conclusions were drawn as to what can reasonably be stated concerning the efficacy of these modalities.
qEEG Changes in Stroke, Ageing and Cognitive Decline
Dr Simon Finnigan presents qEEG in Stroke, Ageing and Cognitive Decline.
Dr Finnigan discusses QEEG research in acute stroke, also ageing and cognitive decline.
The appearance of slow delta activity (1-4 Hz) is typical in acute stroke, and alpha activity is also affected (e.g. slowed) in more severe strokes. Our studies have shown that QEEG measures of delta power, and delta/alpha power ratio, are very informative for assessing response to acute treatments and also in relation to predicting functional outcomes from stroke.
Dr Finnigan’s current hypothesis is that delta activity may reflect a functional disconnection between cortical and thalamic regions (thalamo-cortical dysrhythmia).
Dr Finnigan then discussed the potential implications of QEEG findings such as these, with regard to neurofeedback protocols aiming to address and ameliorate particular conditions or symptoms.