A new study suggests neurofeedback may show promise in helping young people learn to manage their emotions. As was discussed in detail in a previous blog, neurofeedback is an advanced treatment technique that uses real-time brain activity displays to enhance brain function and teach self-regulation. Although it has been routinely used with adults, it has more recently shown impressive effectiveness with adolescents with ADHD and now possibly mood disturbances.
The study, which was published in the journal NeuroImage, demonstrates that neurofeedback may hold promising efficacy as a treatment modality for young individuals in general. Investigators explained that emotional events in childhood often cause various psychological issues and even lead to full-blown psychiatric problems (in cases of significant childhood trauma). Trauma experienced in childhood is linked to later problems in life such as depression, anxiety, and even more serious conditions.
The study used neurofeedback on a sample of children and adolescents ranging in age from 7 to 16-years-old. Participants observed emotionally charged images while investigators monitored their brain activity and looped it back to subjects to view. The major brain region studied was the insula (in the cerebral cortex).
The young participants could see the level of activation in their insula on a “thermometer” presented on the MRI projector screen and were instructed to reduce or increase activation with cognitive strategies. The results show that the effect of neurofeedback was very significant and way beyond superficial. It not only activated the insula but also influenced the entire brain network that is involved in regulating emotions.
Researchers believe that this study demonstrates that neurofeedback is a methodology that can be used successfully with young people. Childhood and adolescence is ultimately a crucial time for young people’s emotional development, and the ability to shape brain networks associated with the regulation of emotions could play a significant role in preventing future mental health problems.