Cognitive-Bias Modification Therapy Helps Addicts Develop An 'Avoidance Bias'
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The International Society of Neurofeedback (ISNR) petitioned state Attorney Generals to commence a “restraint of trade action” against health Insurance Carriers in June 2009. The author(s) of the letter put forth a strong rationale for mandated insurance coverage of neurofeedback / biofeedback, including that insurance carriers hold neurofeedback / biofeedback efficacy research to a higher [...]
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an acute medical condition that results from a significant impact to the human skull. Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs when mTBI symptoms, such as dysphoria, anxiety, and chronic pain continue for an extended period. There is much debate over the causes of PCS with physical attributions (i.e., physiological/neurological changes) on [...]
The fundamental design concept of Z score biofeedback [also known as Z-Score neurofeedback] was first introduced in 1998 (Thatcher, 1998; 1999; 2000a; 2000b). The central idea of the instantaneous Z score is the application of the mathematical Gaussian curve or ‘Bell Shaped’ curve by which probabilities can be estimated using the auto and cross-spectrum of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in order to identify brain regions that are de-regulated and depart from expected values in real-time. Linkage of symptoms and complaints to functional localization in the brain is best achieved by the use of a minimum of 19 channels of EEG evaluation so that current source density and LORETA source localization can be computed. Once the linkage is made, then an individualized Z score protocol can be devised. However, in order to make a linkage to symptoms an accurate statistical inference must be made using the Gaussian distribution.
The Scientist Research News Update series was created to give our readers a sample of ongoing genetics and hardcore science research and trends, and today’s 10-19-09 update certainly fills the bill. Read on to find out more about how late nights and irregular sleep might contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s, researchers translate complex genetic [...]
I am excited to share with you an important biometric that we are able to observe with Valsalva Wave Pro, the new Coherence instrument. I am presently calling this biometric the “whole Valsalva Wave,” whole because it provides us with a much more complete view of what the blood is doing, including respiratory, heart beat, and vascular components, than traditional heart rate variability (HRV) measures.
The National Institutes of Health / Mental Health (NIH/NIMH) Research News Update for October 2009 details very interesting and, at times, cutting-edge research. For example, scientists have started to assemble the first Transcriptional Atlas of Human Brain Development, patterns of cerebral “neuronal avalanches” in may be related to mental illness, high tech robots may have [...]
I am pleased to announce that The Behavioral Medicine Report will republish select editions of the Coherence Newsletter. Best selling author, researcher, noted presenter, and all around nice guy Stephen Elliott writes and publishes The Coherence Newsletter. His monthly writings cover very interesting research-based and theoretical aspects of the mind-body-heart connection, including heart rate variability [...]
The APA Practice Organization released a formal Information Alert just minutes ago to its members. This latest announcement details that the senate finance committee passed healthcare reform legislation. Only briefly mentioned was that a republican “crossed the isle” to sign on to the reform bill. No matter your opinion on the current debates over healthcare [...]
In a soon-to-be published meta-analytic study*, researchers report that neurofeedback benefits people with treatment refractory (resistant) epilepsy. The authors’ review of current research revealed that almost 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, or 0.8% of the general population, and that approximately 33% of patients with this unfortunate medical condition do not benefit from traditional medical [...]
There is an increasing awareness of the role that mental health support and self-help groups play in recovery from mental illnesses. Mental health support and self-help groups, historically considered as an alternative to traditional mental health treatment, are now recognized as partners in the continuum of mental health care*. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)** gathers information that can help provide a better understanding of the extent to which these groups are used, the characteristics of the people who use them, and the relationship between the more traditional modes of mental health treatment and mental health support or self-help groups. The characteristics of adults (i.e., persons aged 18 or older) who received treatment, counseling, or support for emotions, nervousness, or mental health in the past year from an in-person support or a self-help group (support and self-help groups hereafter are referred to collectively as self-help groups) from 2005-2008 are examined.
