Neurofeedback is a practice devised to optimize the electrical activity within a person’s brain a.k.a. adjust their brain waves. It is based on the premise that abnormal electrical activity in certain regions of the brain may contribute to various psychological conditions and may compromise mental performance. The goal of neurofeedback is to correct electrical abnormalities …
Neurofeedback is a training technique that helps you learn how to consciously change the electrical activity (brain waves) in your brain. All electrical oscillations influence your state of consciousness, arousal, and ability to function. Neurofeedback is based on the idea that many individuals, particularly those with psychological conditions (e.g. ADHD) have suboptimal brain waves in …
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a psychological condition that hijacks the brain, forcing us to think unwanted, “obsessive” thoughts and perform behaviors to reduce anxiety associated with these thoughts called “compulsions.” The obsessive thoughts are unpredictable and provoke extreme anxiety that leads us to believe we’ll never have control of our thoughts. To cope with …
Antipsychotics are drugs that alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. These medications are considered highly effective interventions for mitigating “positive symptoms” such as hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices) and various types of delusions (e.g. assuming others are plotting against you). Approved uses for antipsychotics include treating individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and cases of …
Many people find recreational horseback riding pleasurable and relaxing. However, many individuals are unaware that there’s a therapeutic form of horseback riding [often integrated with psychotherapy] called “equine assisted therapy.” In recent years equine therapy has garnered attention as a potential intervention for the treatment of PTSD, troubled youth, and even autism spectrum disorders. From …
Belsomra (Suvorexant) is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of insomnia. It didn’t hit the market until 2015 and is regarded as the first of a new generation of sleeping pills called “orexin receptor antagonists.” Belsomra functions by binding to orexin (hypocretin) receptors OX1 and OX2 to inhibit …
Some sources estimate that nearly 60 million Americans have difficulties falling asleep a.k.a. a condition known as insomnia. There are many causes of insomnia, including circadian rhythm disturbances, poor diet, inadequate or excessive exercise, high stress, drugs, overworking, and mental illness. In many cases, insomnia can lead to deficiencies in both sleep quality and quantity. …