A neurofeedback qEEG brain map can be a valuable method for identifying specific brainwave patterns that are indicative of mental health challenges. Using this tool, mental health experts can help create individualized treatment plans for addressing common mental health concerns and start you on the path to a lasting recovery.
What Is a Neurofeedback qEEG Brain Map?
A neurofeedback quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) brain map is a sophisticated technology that detects brainwave activity. It can also identify regions that aren’t functioning as they should.
Understanding where the tool gets its name can give insight into the function it performs. A qEEG is quantitative, which means it provides measurable results, and it is “electro,” which indicates that it measures electrical activity. Additionally, it is called an encephalogram because it is a map or image of the brain.
A qEEG is a completely non-invasive procedure. All clients need to do is sit comfortably in a chair and place a specialized cap outfitted with scanning technology upon their heads.
This cap detects brain wave activity and maps it to specific regions of the brain. This gives your mental health providers a better understanding of your baseline brain activity and highlights any areas that are less active than they should be.
The results of a qEEG brain map are broken into several sets of brain waves, each associated with certain patterns of thought and mood. A qEEG result appears like a heat map, showing which regions experience high activity, which are low, and which brain wave frequencies are most active.
The Purpose of Neurofeedback qEEG Brain Mapping
A qEEG is just the first part of the neurofeedback procedure. It provides a baseline of activity to identify any glaring abnormalities and give a reference for how treatment is progressing.
A neurofeedback expert then interprets this map. They present you with insight into your brain’s daily functioning and where you can improve. From there, they can develop targeted treatment interventions to help bring brain activity back into the normal range.
Understanding the purpose of brain mapping requires a brief explanation of different brain waves and their functions. Your brain is constantly producing electromagnetic waves, often called brain waves, which resonate at different frequencies. For neurofeedback, there are many different types of brain waves to consider.
Gamma Brain Waves
Gamma brain waves are the highest frequency brain wave detected in most qEEGs. Gamma waves are associated with deep focus and engagement and are typically connected to experiences such as:
- Being engrossed in intellectual work
- Working hard on problem-solving activities
- Intense focus
- Learning and concentration
Essentially, gamma brain waves occur when you are extremely focused on a particular problem or subject. They show up when you’re exerting a high amount of mental energy and being extremely productive.
Beta Brain Waves
Beta brain waves are the second-fastest set of brain waves that are usually assessed using qEEG mapping. While these waves are slower than gamma waves, they still appear during focused work and productivity. Common activities associated with beta brain waves include:
- Focus
- Problem-solving
- Concentration
- Logical thinking
Beta waves aren’t only associated with these positive effects, however. Having substantially elevated beta brain waves can be an indication of anxiety, an inability to relax, or a stress response. Having lower beta wave levels can be a sign of an impaired ability to focus or concentrate. This is often seen in individuals who have ADHD.
Alpha Brain Waves
Alpha brain waves are slower than beta waves and fall roughly in the middle of the brain waves focused on during neurofeedback and qEEG brain mapping. Alpha brain waves are typically indicative of a person who is awake and alert but in a more restful state than you’d see with faster brain waves.
Alpha waves are typically associated with activities such as:
- Relaxing
- Engaging in art, music, or other creative hobbies
- Meditating
Essentially, alpha waves indicate a sense of calm relaxation. They demonstrate wakefulness without intense mental effort and are often most active during restful periods.
Theta Brain Waves
Theta waves are slow brain waves that are often associated with sleep. Theta waves are highest in the moments between being awake and falling asleep, and a high level of theta waves may indicate drowsiness or dreamlike feelings.
Delta Brain Waves
Delta brain waves are the slowest of all and are typically only observed during deep sleep states. Most people won’t show signs of delta wave activity while awake, though they may appear in people with ADHD when attempting to concentrate.
How Mental Health Professionals Use Neurofeedback qEEG Brain Maps
A neurofeedback qEEG brain map can provide professionals with a number of useful insights. Typically, when people seek out neurofeedback treatment, they’re experiencing challenges in daily life that they can’t seem to control on their own. This could include experiences such as:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Struggles with impulse control
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Sleep challenges
- Unstable mood
Your qEEG results show professionals whether specific brain wave activity may be related to the problems you’re experiencing. For example, a qEEG can illustrate the following:
Symptoms of ADHD
While qEEG is not typically a tool for diagnosing ADHD, there are a number of patterns that can appear in a qEEG brain map when symptoms of ADHD are present. For example, many people with ADHD will show these and other indications on a brain map:
- Elevated delta and theta brain wave activity while awake
- Brain wave abnormalities in the front of the brain
- Reduced levels of alpha waves
- Higher presence of theta waves than beta waves
- Reduced beta waves in the front of the brain
This provides our team with a baseline for where to focus neurofeedback treatment. The intention is to bring these brain waves back into balance and reduce the symptoms of ADHD as a result.
Signs of Anxiety
People who are living with perpetual anxiety may show clear signs of brain wave alterations in a qEEG. For example, extremely elevated beta waves are often an indication that the mind is racing. This sign is frequently observed in people with anxiety disorders.
Similarly, people may have reduced levels of alpha or theta waves. Both are important components of helping people to relax, remain calm, and manage their mental states.
Sleep Disruption
People who don’t have enough theta brain wave activity may struggle to fall asleep at night, resulting in the experience of insomnia. Being able to tap into these theta waves is an important component of letting your mind rest at night because people with theta wave abnormalities can struggle to transition from wakefulness to sleep.
The Brain Mapping Process
The qEEG brain mapping process is a brief and painless procedure that happens in one of our outpatient facilities. It is completely non-invasive and highly safe. It also only takes about 30 minutes to complete in its entirety.
It starts with putting a specialized cap directly onto your scalp. This cap is equipped with specialized electrodes that are designed to detect brain wave activity. During the scan, multiple areas of the brain are measured. It’s typically performed both with eyes open and eyes closed.
The cap records this information and sends it to a computer, which uses complex algorithms to create a heat map of electrical activity in the brain. Our team then interprets this map to identify where activity is normal, elevated, or underactive, which provides insight for developing your neurofeedback treatment plan.
What Happens During Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback uses the information from a qEEG brain scan to guide the treatment process. Neurofeedback itself shares many qualities of a qEEG: it requires wearing a specialized cap outfitted with electrodes that detect brain wave activity and is a completely non-invasive and pain-free treatment option.
With neurofeedback, however, your brain wave activity is displayed in front of you in real time. This allows you to visually observe your brain’s activity and learn to control and influence your own brain waves with the help of a trained neurofeedback specialist.
Treatment usually begins by creating a customized treatment plan with a neurofeedback provider. This includes talking about the symptoms that are most disruptive to your life and what you’d like to improve. Then, your treatment team will offer professional guidance using the data from your qEEG brain scan.
Next, the neurofeedback treatment process begins. After placing the cap on your head, your brain wave activity will be displayed in front of you on a screen. Your treatment team will provide cues and direction to help you control your brain wave activity, seeking to increase the desired brain waves and reduce the ones that are causing distress.
Neurofeedback teaches you to control the inner electrical activity of your own brain. Working with a neurofeedback professional helps you practice the skills needed to lessen your mental health concerns, improve your ability to focus, or fall asleep quicker and easier using the methods you use in the treatment session.
Sessions typically last between about 30 and 60 minutes. During that time, you focus on learning to control brain wave activity to the point that it becomes a simple habit for you to maintain throughout daily life.
It typically takes several sessions to experience the benefits of neurofeedback outside the treatment office. However, you can start to feel the difference that’s possible relatively quickly.
Personalizing the Treatment Plan
Your qEEG is just one component of making neurofeedback work for you. There are dozens of neurofeedback protocols, and each is designed to help with a different set of mental health symptoms or challenges.
Meeting with a neurofeedback specialist can provide you with a space to discuss your specific concerns. You can also get detailed feedback on your qEEG results and choose the protocols that best fit your needs.
Start Neurofeedback With qEEG Today at Plus by APN
Neurofeedback qEEG brain mapping is a powerful tool. It can assist in the treatment of mental health conditions and everyday stressors that interfere with living life as you see fit.
Brain mapping can identify specific areas of slowed or heightened activity. That information can then be used to find evidence-based treatment options that help you start on the path to a lasting recovery.
At Plus by APN, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best in cutting-edge and traditional mental health treatment options. We leave no stone unturned in the treatment of mental health conditions and have the experience and expertise needed to help you or a loved one finally achieve a lasting recovery.
To get started with neurofeedback and qEEG brain mapping, call the team at Plus by APN at 424.644.6486 or fill out our confidential online form.
Our team can help answer any questions you have about the neurofeedback process. We provide a no-obligation consultation and are ready to help you make the best choice for your mental health.
References
- Nuwer, Marc R et al. “Quantitative EEG in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A companion payment policy review for clinicians and payers.” Neurology. Clinical practice vol. 6,6 (2016): 543-548. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000308