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Diotaiuti P, Corrado S, Tosti B, Spica G, Di Libero T, D’Oliveira A, Zanon A, Rodio A, Andrade A, Mancone S. Evaluating the effectiveness of neurofeedback in chronic pain management: a narrative review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1369487. [PMID: 38770259 PMCID: PMC11104502 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1369487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and impact of chronic pain in individuals worldwide necessitate effective management strategies. This narrative review specifically aims to assess the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an emerging non-pharmacological intervention, on the management of chronic pain. The methodology adopted for this review involves a meticulous search across various scientific databases. The search was designed to capture a broad range of studies related to neurofeedback and chronic pain management. To ensure the quality and relevance of the included studies, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. These criteria focused on the study design, population, intervention type, and reported outcomes. The review synthesizes the findings from a diverse array of studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports. Key aspects evaluated include the types of neurofeedback used (such as EEG biofeedback), the various chronic pain conditions addressed (like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines), and the methodologies employed in these studies. The review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which neurofeedback may influence pain perception and management, exploring theories related to neural plasticity, pain modulation, and psychological factors. The results of the review reveal a positive correlation between neurofeedback interventions and improved pain management. Several studies report significant reductions on pain intensity, improved quality of life, and decreased reliance on medication following neurofeedback therapy. The review also notes variations in the effectiveness of different neurofeedback protocols and individual responses to treatment. Despite the promising results, the conclusion of the review emphasizes the need for further research. It calls for larger, well-designed clinical trials to validate the findings, to understand the long-term implications of neurofeedback therapy, and to optimize treatment protocols for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Stefano Corrado
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tosti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spica
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Tommaso Di Libero
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Anderson D’Oliveira
- Department of Physical Education, CEFID, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Zanon
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Angelo Rodio
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Alexandro Andrade
- Department of Physical Education, CEFID, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
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Hannemose SZ, Laugesen Attardo H, Vindbjerg E, Carlsson J. Exploring expectations of neurofeedback treatment among trauma-affected refugees. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:46-53. [PMID: 37755151 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2261905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of Neurofeedback (NF) to assist individuals in learning to regulate their brain wave activity has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). However, few studies have focused on the patients' understandings of NF and even fewer explore the perspective of refugees. PURPOSE To evaluate NF treatment for trauma-affected refugees by focusing on their expectations and understanding of NF. METHODS This qualitative study was a part of a mixed method study carried out at an outpatient mental health centre in Denmark, offering 34 trauma-affected refugees 12 sessions of NF. In this qualitative study, a subsample of seven participants was interviewed. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, the participants' thoughts and expectations prior to participating in NF treatment were examined. The analysis was carried out in four steps, using a hermeneutic and phenomenological approach. RESULTS The analysis resulted in two themes: (1) Rationale and working mechanisms of NF and (2) Motivators for participating in the study. CONCLUSION The findings show that NF treatment for trauma affected refugees was challenged by difficulties in communicating the message about the NF equipment capabilities as well as the expected treatment outcome. These challenges included e.g. health professionals' ability to explain and the participants' cultural frame of reference. This is consistent with previous research, showing that compared to the native population, the dissemination of health information to refugees is more difficult and comprehensive. Further studies on how to ensure mutual understanding of the content of NF and expected treatment outcome are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05055037. Retrospectively registered on the 06/07-2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Zeuthen Hannemose
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Laugesen Attardo
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Vindbjerg
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica Carlsson
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dept of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Xu X, Li W, Zou S, Li Y, Wang H, Yan X, Du X, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Cheung T, Ungvari GS, Xiang YT. Sleep Disturbances and Their Association With Quality of Life in Older Psychiatric Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:229-236. [PMID: 35245994 PMCID: PMC8899840 DOI: 10.1177/08919887221078565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality of clinically stable psychiatric patients is unknown. This study examined the prevalence of sleep disturbances and their association with quality of life (QOL) in clinically stable older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study involved older patients attending maintenance treatment at outpatient departments of four major psychiatric hospitals in China. Patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and QOL were assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and 2 items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the independent associations of socio-demographic and clinical variables with sleep disturbances, while the association between sleep disturbances and QOL was explored with analysis of covariance. RESULTS A total of 941 patients were recruited. The prevalence of sleep disturbances was 57.1% (95% CI: 53.9-60.2%). Analysis of covariance revealed that QOL was significantly lower in patients with sleep disturbances compared to those without. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sleep disturbances were positively and independently associated with more severe depressive symptoms (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.26-1.37). Compared to patients with major depressive disorder, those with other psychiatric diagnoses had a significantly higher prevalence of sleep disturbances (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.00-2.08). CONCLUSION Sleep disturbances were common among clinically stable older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the negative association with QOL, this subpopulation needs regular assessment and timely treatment to reduce their sleep disturbances and improve their QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Wen Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, and Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Siyun Zou
- Guangji Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yulong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaona Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiangdong Du
- Guangji Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinge Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders Beijing Anding Hospital, The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, School of Mental Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabor S. Ungvari
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia/Graylands Hospital, Perth, Australia
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, and Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
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Sarvghadi P, Ghaffari A, Rostami HR. The effects of neurofeedback training on short-term memory and quality of life in women with breast cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION 2019. [DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2018.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among Iranian women, affects the physical, psychological and cognitive dimensions of patients' lives. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of neurofeedback training on short-term memory and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Methods In a randomised, controlled pilot trial, a convenient sample of 20 Iranian women with breast cancer who had received chemotherapy and radiotherapy were randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. The intervention group received 4 weeks of neurofeedback training. Assessment tools in pre- and post-test sessions included the Wechsler short-term memory scale and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Data were analysed by a biostatistician blinded to the study. Results Short-term memory and quality of life scores improved significantly in the intervention group after neurofeedback training compared to the control group (P=0.001). Conclusions Findings indicate that neurofeedback training is an effective technique for improving short-term memory and quality of life alongside occupational therapy interventions in women after breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooria Sarvghadi
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Ghaffari
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Rostami
- Musculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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