ABOUT ocd
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related condition that affects people differently, but common symptoms include:
Obsessions: Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety. Examples include fears about contamination, harm, or needing things to be symmetrical.
Compulsions: Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to neutralise the anxiety caused by obsessions. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or arranging items.
These behaviours can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships, leading to significant distress.
Symptoms of OCD in Adults and Children
In adults, OCD may manifest as:
Obsessions related to fear of contamination, doubts, or disturbing thoughts (e.g., fear of harming someone).
Compulsive rituals like excessive handwashing, checking locks, or repetitive counting.
Feelings of guilt, anxiety, or distress when rituals are not performed.
In children, OCD may present as:
Repetitive behaviours like touching objects a certain number of times or arranging toys in a particular order.
Excessive fears about harm coming to themselves or loved ones if rituals are not performed.
Difficulty concentrating at school due to intrusive thoughts or the need to complete rituals.
If you or a loved one are seeking support for OCD symptoms, help for OCD is available through alternative options like QEEG brain mapping and Neurofeedback, which offer non-invasive and medication-free approaches.
QEEG brain mapping is a powerful tool for assessing brain function and identifying patterns of abnormal brainwave activity in individuals with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). QEEG provides a deeper understanding of the neurological underpinnings of OCD, highlighting areas of dysregulation that contribute to these symptoms. In individuals with OCD, QEEG often reveals suboptimal brainwave patterns in regions associated with:
Anxiety and emotional regulation: Excessive fast-wave activity (beta waves) is often observed in areas of the brain that control anxiety and emotional responses, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This overactivity can make it difficult to regulate emotions and manage obsessive thoughts.
Impulse control and behaviour regulation: Overactivity in the frontal lobes, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex, is frequently seen in individuals with OCD. The frontal lobes are responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and behaviour regulation. Dysregulation in these regions can lead to the rigid, compulsive behaviours that characterise OCD.
Cognitive flexibility: Individuals with OCD may exhibit reduced connectivity between the frontal lobes and other areas involved in cognitive flexibility and processing, making it difficult to shift focus or break free from repetitive thought patterns and behaviours.
qeeg brain mapping for OCD
HOW NEUROFEEDBACK CAN HELP OCD symptoms
Neurofeedback works by helping the brain learn to regulate these abnormal brainwave patterns. By targeting areas of the brain where overactivity or dysregulation is present, neurofeedback can help the brain function more efficiently, reducing the intensity of OCD symptoms. Benefits may include:
Reduced anxiety and intrusive thoughts: Neurofeedback can help train the brain to regulate anxiety levels, decreasing the frequency of distressing thoughts.
Improved emotional regulation: Clients often report feeling more in control of their emotions, leading to a reduction in compulsive behaviours.
Better impulse control: Neurofeedback may support the brain in managing urges, reducing the need for repetitive behaviours.
Enhanced focus and attention: Improved cognitive regulation can help individuals focus better on daily tasks without being overwhelmed by obsessive thoughts.
Improved cognitive flexibility: Neurofeedback can also enhance communication between brain regions, promoting cognitive flexibility and reducing the rigid thinking patterns that often accompany OCD.
Several studies support the effectiveness of neurofeedback in managing OCD symptoms:
A study published in Clinical EEG and Neuroscience showed that neurofeedback training helped reduce OCD symptoms by normalising brainwave activity, particularly in the frontal lobes. Participants reported improvements in anxiety levels and a reduction in compulsive behaviours. Research from the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that neurofeedback significantly improved OCD symptoms in participants. By regulating brainwave activity, individuals experienced a decrease in both obsessions and compulsions, with lasting effects observed after the completion of the training. A review published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience highlighted that neurofeedback could be particularly useful for individuals with OCD who do not respond well to traditional treatments like CBT and medication. The study emphasised the role of neurofeedback in modulating brainwave activity related to anxiety and impulse control, which are central to OCD.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
-
If you or your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback at Optiminds, Manchester can provide a personalised, non-invasive, and medication-free option. Schedule a free telephone consultation today to learn more about how QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback can help improve your symptoms of ADHD.
-
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, medication-free therapy that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to train the brain to function more efficiently. During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwaves. Individuals engage in activities (like playing a game or watching a video) that give feedback based on their brain's activity. When the brain produces optimal brainwave patterns, the activity continues smoothly, rewarding the brain and promoting lasting changes in brain function.
-
A QEEG is a brain mapping tool that measures electrical activity in different parts of the brain, identifying areas where brainwave patterns are dysregulated.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
At Optiminds, we do not diagnose or treat any medical or psychological conditions. Our services, including neurofeedback, are designed to support individuals by addressing specific symptoms related to attention, focus, mood, stress, sleep, and overall cognitive function. While neurofeedback has been shown to benefit many individuals with various challenges, our work focuses on improving wellness and self-regulation rather than providing medical or psychological treatment.
We encourage all clients to consult with a licensed healthcare provider for any diagnosis or treatment of medical or psychological conditions. Neurofeedback is intended to complement—not replace—any existing care plans or therapies under the guidance of your healthcare team.
