Case Studies: Success of Alpha Asymmetry Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Mood Disorders One to Five Years Post-Therapy
Bob, Thirty-Eight Year-Old Male, Initial Diagnosis: Dysthymic Disorder
Bob is a professional man, who initially sought therapy when his marriage was breaking up. Bob complained of feeling depressed and irritable for the majority of the day, more days than not. He frequently expressed difficulties with insomnia, and had very low self-esteem. Bob’s condition was chronic, first appearing when Bob was a teenager. There is a history of Depression in Bob’s family, his father also having suffered from Dysthymia.
Bob’s initial score on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) prior to beginning alpha asymmetry neurofeedback to treat his Dysthymic Disorder was thirty-one, indicating Severe Depression. Under the supervision of a trained neurofeedback specialist, Bob underwent twenty-two bi-weekly therapy sessions consisting of alpha asymmetry neurofeedback. At the conclusion of his therapy, Bob’s BDI score had decreased dramatically from thirty-one to three, indicating a level of normative functioning in the absence of Depression. Bob maintained his BDI score of three, one year after terminating therapy. Bob also reported no longer feeling depressed and having been divorced, was now initiating a new relationship.
Celia, Thirty-Six Year-Old Female, Initial Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder
Celia is a single woman who teaches in a private school. She sought therapy eighteen months prior to beginning neurotherapy, complaining of experiencing symptoms of Major Depression. Her mood was depressed for the majority of the day, every day, and she was also experiencing difficulties with insomnia, decrease in energy, feelings of worthlessness and recurrent suicidal ideations. There is a history of Depression in Celia's family, her father being diagnosed with Dysthymia also.
Celia's initial depression level was indicated as a score of forty on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Her therapist suggested she undergo alpha asymmetry neurofeedback in conjunction with her psychotherapy sessions to treat her Major Depression. At the conclusion of thirty-two bi-weekly neurofeedback sessions, Celia's Depression level was reevaluated using the BDI. Her follow-up BDI score dropped significantly from forty to four, indicative that Celia was no longer depressed, her score signifying a level of functioning well within the normative range for non-depressed individuals. Two years following the termination of neurotherapy, Celia had maintained her BDI score of four, and reported significant improvements in self-esteem. She also reported being able to handle two disturbing life-situations; her mother's illness and a recent job loss due to downsizing, without experiencing Clinical Depression.
Ann Rose, Seventy Year-Old Female, Initial Diagnosis: Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder
Ann Rose is a semi-retired librarian, referred to treatment twelve years ago by a psychiatrist who had been treating her for episodes of Major Depression over a period of twenty-eight years. Ann Rose would typically stay in psychotherapy for brief periods of time until her depressive symptoms remitted.
Ann Rose underwent thirty-four bi-weekly sessions of alpha asymmetry neurofeedback at her psychiatrist's recommendation. Five years after the termination of neurotherapy, Ann Rose scored a two on the Beck Depression Inventory, a score consistent with the non-depressed score of one she earned immediately following the termination of therapy. Ann Rose has not experienced Clinical Depression in more than five years, the longest period of time she has gone without experiencing depressive episodes.