How Neurofeedback May Support Adults With Neurological and Mental-Health Conditions
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of brain training that uses real-time information about brainwave activity to help individuals develop greater self-regulation. Research suggests that neurofeedback may support certain symptoms associated with neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric conditions.
Although neurofeedback is not a cure or a replacement for medical or psychiatric care, it may be incorporated into a broader, individualized treatment plan.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease can affect movement, coordination, balance, and other aspects of daily functioning. Neurofeedback may help by training patterns of brain activity associated with motor control.
Research suggests that targeting areas involved in movement—particularly the sensorimotor cortex—may support certain motor functions and help regulate atypical brain activity in adults with Parkinson’s disease (von Altdorf et al., 2025).
Neurofeedback should be considered a complementary therapy and used alongside care provided by qualified medical professionals.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can influence mood, emotional regulation, relationships, and social functioning. Some research suggests that neurofeedback targeting the prefrontal and frontal regions of the brain may support emotional recognition, empathy, and social cognition.
One study found improvements in empathy among individuals with bipolar disorder following neurofeedback training, indicating its potential to support social-emotional functioning (Mohammadi et al., 2018).
Because bipolar disorder requires careful clinical management, neurofeedback should only be considered as part of a comprehensive care plan developed with qualified healthcare providers.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric condition that can affect thinking, emotional expression, motivation, communication, and social functioning.
Studies examining EEG neurofeedback have reported potential improvements in cognitive functioning, negative symptoms, psychosocial abilities, and patterns of brain activity among individuals with schizophrenia (Oprea et al., 2024; Markiewicz et al., 2021; Naimijoo et al., 2015).
Training focused on frontal areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, may also support executive functioning and the self-regulation of brain activity (Naimijoo et al., 2015).
Neurofeedback is not a substitute for psychiatric treatment, medication, or other professionally recommended interventions. Any use of neurofeedback should be coordinated with the individual’s healthcare team.
Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Changes in memory, attention, language, and processing speed may become more noticeable as people age. Emerging research suggests that neurofeedback may offer supportive benefits for some older adults experiencing cognitive decline.
When neurofeedback targets frontal and central brain regions, it may positively influence memory and related cognitive abilities (Laborda-Sánchez & Cansino, 2021). Training involving theta and alpha brainwave activity has also been associated with improvements in general cognition, memory, language, and attention (Wiłkość-Dębczyńska et al., 2024).
Results can vary depending on the individual, the cause and severity of the cognitive changes, and the neurofeedback protocol used.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression
Anxiety, chronic stress, and depression can affect mood, sleep, concentration, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.
Neurofeedback protocols involving alpha and theta brainwave activity have been explored as a way to help individuals regulate brain activity associated with mood and stress responses. Research has reported reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, along with improvements in emotional regulation, among some participants (Hammond, 2005).
Neurofeedback may be most beneficial when combined with counselling, healthy routines, medical care, and other evidence-informed supports appropriate to the individual.
A Supportive, Individualized Approach
Overall, neurofeedback may help support certain cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and motor-related symptoms associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions. It aims to encourage healthier self-regulation by helping individuals recognize and gradually modify patterns of brain activity.
However, neurofeedback is not a cure, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Its suitability depends on the individual’s needs, symptoms, medical history, and existing care plan. A professional assessment is essential before beginning treatment, particularly for complex neurological or psychiatric conditions.
At Touch Brain Counselor, neurofeedback may be incorporated into an individualized combination-therapy plan alongside counselling and other appropriate brain-based supports. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized care that considers the whole person—not only a diagnosis.
