Neurofeedback for Anxiety
Train your brain out of anxiety naturally. Evidence-based brain training that reduces anxiety without medication or side effects.
Why Neurofeedback Works for Anxiety
The Anxious Brain
Anxiety isn't just "in your head"—it's visible in your brain waves. Common patterns include:
- •Excess high beta: Racing thoughts, rumination, hypervigilance
- •Frontal asymmetry: Right-dominant activity linked to withdrawal
- •Unstable alpha: Difficulty "turning off" and relaxing
How Neurofeedback Helps
- 1Map your brain — QEEG identifies your specific anxiety patterns
- 2Personalized protocol — Training targets your unique brain patterns
- 3Train calmer patterns — Your brain learns to self-regulate
- 4Lasting change — Changes persist long after training ends
Research on Neurofeedback for Anxiety
Multiple studies demonstrate neurofeedback's effectiveness for reducing anxiety symptoms.
Biofeedback Treatments of Generalized Anxiety Disorder ↗
Rice K. M., Blanchard E. B., and Purcell M.
All biofeedback treatments resulted in reductions of trait anxiety and psychophysiologic symptoms. Improvements were maintained 6 weeks after treatment. Alpha-increase training also reduced heart rate reactivity to stressors.
Treatment of Anxiety Disorder with Neurofeedback: A Case Study ↗
Moradi A., Pouladi F., Pishva N., et al.
All nine anxiety symptom dimensions showed significant improvement after 10 weeks of neurofeedback. Improvements were maintained at one-year follow-up.
Effects of Neurofeedback on Patients with Psychiatric Disorders ↗
Cheon E., Koo B., Seo W., et al.
Patients with anxiety disorders showed significant decreases in symptom severity. Improvements noted in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and attention.
Biofeedback Approach in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety ↗
Agnihotri H., Paul M., and Sandhu J.S.
Both EMG and alpha-EEG biofeedback were more effective than control. Significant decreases in both state and trait anxiety after 12 days of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does neurofeedback help with anxiety?
Neurofeedback trains the brain to reduce overactivation patterns associated with anxiety. Many anxious brains show excess high-frequency activity (high beta) or asymmetries in frontal regions. Neurofeedback provides real-time feedback to help the brain learn calmer, more balanced patterns.
What types of anxiety can neurofeedback treat?
Neurofeedback has been shown to help with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, performance anxiety, and stress-related anxiety. A QEEG brain map helps identify the specific brain patterns contributing to your anxiety type.
How long until I see results?
Many people notice initial improvements within 10-15 sessions, with more significant and lasting changes typically occurring after 20-30 sessions. Some research shows improvements maintained at one-year follow-up.
Is neurofeedback safe?
Yes, neurofeedback is non-invasive with no known negative side effects. Unlike anti-anxiety medications, there is no risk of dependency or withdrawal.
Ready to Reduce Your Anxiety?
Get a free consultation to learn how QEEG-guided neurofeedback can help
Deep Dives from Dr. Hill
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