What is Depression?

Depression and depressive disorders are experienced by many millions of individuals and is a growing worldwide health concern. Sometimes depression is associated with stressful events or life changes. Other times, depression may be more persistent and associated with certain neurobiology and genetics. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness or depressed mood. Other symptoms include: loss of interest in activities and decreased motivation, fatigue, decreased energy, sleep changes (for some increased and other decreased), difficulties concentrating, low self-esteem, excessive feelings of guilt, changes in appetite (for some increased and others decreased), thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can seriously impact daily functioning, well-being, and physical health.

Neurofeedback for Depression

Neurofeedback is a treatment for depression that makes lasting changes in the brain. Chicago Mind Solutions offers two different types of neurofeedback treatments options depending on the individuals preferences and needs. Neurofeedback training helps an individual learn to naturally increase activity in areas of the brain associated with positive emotions, motivation, and energy levels. It can also help to decrease brain activity in areas of the brain related to depressive emotions, negative thoughts, and poor self-esteem. For individuals with more severe or treatment resistant depression, Neurofeedback LENS treatment can be used to more directly stimulate the relevant brain areas associated with depressive symptoms.

Individuals currently taking medication to treat depression can safely use treatment with neurofeedback. In fact, we often see clients who decide to reduce or stop their medication after seeing improvements with neurofeedback. Medications for depression mostly rely on artificial alteration neurotransmitters and temporary changes to brain chemistry – this often requires that the medication be maintained or increased, or to continue seeing results. Neurofeedback promotes changes within the brain itself so that it learns to work on its own to decrease depressive symptoms and improve functioning. At Chicago Mind Solutions, out providers want to work with each individual to meet their needs and are more than willing to consult with other health providers as part of a treatment team to find the solutions that best fit the individual.

Psychotherapy for Depression

Psychotherapy is another option to treat depression that can be used with or without neurofeedback. Some clients may benefit from psychotherapy to support neurofeedback treatment as a way to increase and maintain improvements in depressive symptoms. However, this option is available to anyone regardless of interest or participation in neurofeedback. Psychotherapy for depression focuses on learning behavioral strategies and cognitive skills to address symptoms of depression, change thinking patterns, improve emotion regulation, and encourage behaviors consistent with wellness. This also may involve processing past events or current life stressors that may be contributing to mood symptoms.