Neurofeedback FAQ's

1. What is the evidence base supporting ILF neurofeedback’s effectiveness?

Recent systematic reviews and large-scale practice-based studies have demonstrated significant symptom reductions for ADHD, mood disorders, PTSD, and epilepsy using ILF neurofeedback. Controlled clinical trials, open-label studies, and longitudinal follow-ups support improvements in both clinical and real-world functioning, especially in treatment-resistant populations.

2. How consistent and replicable are the symptom and cognitive improvements?

Symptom improvements are robust across multiple studies, especially with adequate session numbers. Both self-report and objective measures (such as reaction time, attention, and executive function testing) reflect gains, though results can vary based on diagnosis, protocol adherence, and comorbidities.

3. What neurophysiological mechanisms underlie ILF neurofeedback?

ILF neurofeedback targets slow cortical potentials and infra-slow brain activity, which play a key regulatory role in arousal, homeostasis, affect, and the default mode network. Training at these frequencies is proposed to stabilize neural networks, improve neurovegetative function, and enhance brain self-regulation at a systems level.

4. How individualized is ILF versus standardized protocols?

ILF is highly individualized: electrode placement and feedback parameters are adjusted session-by-session based on the client’s evolving symptoms, arousal levels, and session feedback. This contrasts with rigid, diagnosis-driven traditional protocols and is considered key to its efficacy across diverse presentations.

5. What are the limitations and contraindications?

ILF neurofeedback is not a cure for progressive neurodegenerative diseases or acute structural brain injury. Benefits are typically minimal in individuals without regulatory symptoms, and it is not a replacement for necessary medical or pharmacologic care. Side effects are rare and generally mild (e.g., transient headache, fatigue).

6. How do subjective client reports correlate with measurable cognitive or behavioral outcomes?

In most studies and clinical case series, symptom improvements are supported by gains in cognitive performance, emotion regulation, or daily functioning. However, there can be individual variability, and both subjective and objective markers are recommended for outcome tracking.

7. What are the practical training requirements for clinicians?

Effective ILF neurofeedback should be administered by clinicians with certified training in this method, ideally with licensure in a relevant health profession. Training covers neurophysiology, protocol design, safety monitoring, and session adjustment, with ongoing supervision or continuing education encouraged.

8. How does ILF neurofeedback compare to other neurofeedback modalities or treatments?

ILF differs in targeting infra-slow frequencies, using continuous, threshold-adaptive feedback, and focusing on global network stability rather than discrete event reinforcement. This makes ILF especially effective in trauma, instability, developmental disorders, or cases unresponsive to conventional fast-frequency protocols.