The Therapeutic Efficacy of Neurofeedback in Depression

The Therapeutic Efficacy of Frontal EEG Asymmetry Neurofeedback in Depression

The investigators examined the therapeutic efficacy of neurofeedback in depression subjects. The investigators hypothesize that 5 weeks neurofeedback training will be able to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Subject

• Fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for depressive disorders.
• Persons who had organic disorders were excluded.
• Who had been treated by psychoactive drugs for at least 2 months prior to the study were excluded.

Design

• Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (EEG biofeedback /psychotherapy placebo) by block randomization.
• EEG biofeedback training was provided for 5 weeks(10 sessions, twice per week). Each training session was composed of 6 four minute trials followed by 5 thirty second rest periods
• Psychotherapy placebo session was provided for 5 weeks. These sessions consisted of additional assessment, interpretation of the test results and providing information on course and treatment of mood disorder.
• After subjects completed the training, they participated in a month-long (twice per week) self-training session to maintain a similar mental state during neurofeedback training sessions without feedback system's assistance.
• Subjects who had finished the psychotherapy placebo were referred to other therapists as necessary.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical diagnosis of mood disorder
• right handed
• current BDI-2 score exceed 10

Exclusion Criteria:

• with psychotic symptom
• with organic disorders
• treated by psychoactive drugs for at least 2 months prior to the study
• history of pathologic alcohol use