Neurofeedback and Mental Health Insights

Oct 6, 2024

Neuron Noodles Neuro Feedback and Neuropsychology Podcast

Featuring:

  • Tech Legend, Jak Gunkelman
  • Dr. Marie Swingle, author of "Ey Minds"

Goals:

  • Provide information and promote options for better mental health.

Support:

  • Supported by listeners and businesses.

Main Discussion Points

ADD/ADHD Overview

  • Common misconceptions about ADD/ADHD
    • Often thought to involve slow content, but can include excess beta spindling in frontal lobes.
  • Frontal lobes' attentional and affective control is disrupted.
  • Importance of EEG in detecting what is wrong with executive control over attention.

EEG and ADD/ADHD

  • EEG helps in identifying the failure mode (whether alpha, theta, or beta issues).
  • Different failure modes require different assessments and treatments.

Treatment Insights

  • Methylphenidate: Needed for frontal theta issues.
  • Guanosine: Appropriate for beta spindles.
  • Combination Therapy: Both medications needed if mixed patterns are present.

Tourette’s Syndrome

  • Role of EEG in diagnosing Tourette's
    • Spikes in temporal area linked to vocalizations.
    • Tail of the caudate connected to limbic structures.
  • Lamotrigine used successfully to suppress ticks.
  • Importance of understanding the links between brain areas and symptom expression.

Challenges and Errors in Diagnosis

  • Misunderstandings between neurologists and psychiatrists on EEG interpretations.
  • Neurologists focus on epilepsy, specific neuropathies, and focal slow waves.
  • The absence of spikes in one EEG does not rule out their presence in another.
  • Personalized medicine based on EEG readings can guide treatments effectively.

ADHD Medication and EEG

  • Different EEG patterns require specific medications.
    • Example: Beta spindles might need anticonvulsants.
  • 85% improvement observed in psychiatric conditions with anticonvulsants in non-seizure cases.

Broader ADHD Treatment Insights

  • Evidence-based medicine vs authority-based opinions.
    • Barkley's influence on ADHD treatment questioned due to pharmaceutical ties.

Neurofeedback and ADHD

  • Neurofeedback efficacy supported by research.
  • Courtroom evidence and insurance approval being sought.
  • Mention of authors contributing to the discussion, including Jay Gunkelman.

EEG and Medical Practice

  • EEG can provide prognostic insights beyond DSM-based diagnosis.
  • Proper EEG interpretation can guide treatment choices effectively.

Conference and Events

Upcoming Conferences

  • Suisson Summit 2024
    • Focus on EEG and raising funds for students.
    • Live streaming available for broader participation.

Community Engagement

  • Weekly Q&A sessions.
  • Fundraising activities, including raffles and unique events.

Conclusion:

  • Emphasis on the importance of EEG in understanding and treating neuropsychological issues.
  • Continuous education and community involvement are vital for advancing mental health treatment options.

Note: The podcast is available for listening and is supported by its audience.