Comparing the Efficacy of Two Neurofeedback Protocols for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Comparing the Efficacy of Two Neurofeedback Protocols for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Sensory Motor Rhythm and Alpha-Theta

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in adults, marked by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various events or activities. It is accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, problems with sleep, and somatic symptoms.

In addition, a critical and up-to-date comparison of different treatments for GAD is crucial due to their high costs and unsatisfactory outcomes. EEG neurofeedback training has not reached the same level of evidence as more extensively validated non-pharmacological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two protocols: one targeting alpha-theta amplitude increase and the other concentrating on SMR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Normal hearing and vision,
• had never undergone neurofeedback sessions,
• diagnosed as GAD by a psychiatrist,
• no history of neurological disorders
• undergoing other therapies

Exclusion Criteria:

• started other treatments during the study
• missed more than one session