Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (or EEG Biofeedback) is a method that uses feedback of the electrical activity of the brain (the EEG) in order to retrain and recondition brainwave patterns. The EEG activity can be observed in several frequency bands whose activity correlate with states of attention, alertness, drowsiness and sleep. Numerous studies have indicated that by training the brainwave activity directly, the level of attention or mental states such as relaxation and anxiety can be changed or positively conditioned.

Neurofeedback is based on the so called "operant conditioning" which involves immediate reward of desirable behavior or states and discouragement of undesirable behavior or states. Essentially therefore it is a learning process where the state of the EEG is constantly monitored and fed-back. Because it is a learning process, there are no known negative side effects and is generally considered a safe method.