Anxiety Program

A successful and alternative treatment for Anxiety

Do you suffer from anxiety, whether it be in the form of just being anxious in general, fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult, or suffering panic attacks? If so, we at the Scottsdale Neurofeedback Institute have been offering a successful alternative treatment for Anxiety Disorders here in Arizona for over 18 years.

We use QEEG brain map based EEG Neurofeedback in concert with other forms of biofeedback and behavioral therapies to achieve this high success rate.

Anxiety involves such symptoms as excessive worry, fears, excessive stress and tension, panic and or anxiety attacks, social withdrawal, and avoidance of people, places, or activities (e.g., flying, public speaking). It may interfere with memory and concentration. Insomnia or other sleep disturbances may be present and physiological symptoms such as muscle aches and pains, gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches etc.

QEEG Brain Mapping Research for Anxiety

In 2000 we at the Scottsdale Neurofeedback Institute looked at 100 brain maps of individuals who met the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (G.A.D.). All had one or more of the 6 QEEG abnormalities to a statistically significant degree. The maps below show the results of the research, which has been confirmed by the analysis of thousands more individuals over the last 12 years:

In the image below you will see that the top map, which is all black, represents a normal working brain. This map is zero deviations from the New York University Medical School Database. The remaining maps review the six sub-types of anxiety.

QEEG Brain Map Based Neurofeedback for Anxiety

All of these QEEG anxiety subtypes are treatable with EEG Neurofeedback. It is just necessary to perform a QEEG brain map to determine precisely which sub-types are present, and which speeds of electricity and which parts of the brain are abnormal. These areas can then usually be trained back sufficiently to within a normal range to reduce symptoms dramatically. The improvements have been lasting.

To do this, we place a cap with 19 electrodes on the scalp which picks up the brain electricity (EEG). The recorded EEG is then processed through 6 normative databases, including the New York University Medical School Normative Database. The statistical data demonstrates which abnormalities are present and the degree of severity. We can then normalize these aberrant areas using Neurofeedback Training.

A Multi-modal approach to the treatment of Anxiety at the SNI

EEG Based Neurofeedback is combined with other forms of biofeedback known to also reduce anxiety such as thermal biofeedback and heart rate variability biofeedback. Cognitive therapy, behavior modification, and counseling are also available.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us on 480-625-4123