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Übersichtsarbeit

Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von Neurofeedback

Published Online:February 27, 2020https://doi.org/10.1024/2235-0977/a000293

Abstract

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Artikel möchten wir einen kurzen Überblick über die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von Neurofeedback geben. Neurofeedback ist eine Methode, in der man lernen kann über direkte Rückmeldung der eigenen Gehirnaktivierung diese willentlich zu modulieren. Dies kann zu kognitiven, motorischen und / oder affektiven Verbesserungen führen. Neurofeedback wird bereits in der Praxis zur Behandlung verschiedenster klinischer Symptome eingesetzt. Doch obwohl Neurofeedback als sehr vielversprechende Methode zur Veränderung neuronaler Korrelate des Erlebens und Verhaltens erscheint, gibt es doch einige Grenzen und Einschränkungen. Eines der größten Probleme ist die zum Teil mangelhafte und unstandardisierte Evaluation der Effekte von Neurofeedback. Daher ist es noch schwer, spezifische von unspezifischen Effekten, wie etwa Erwartungs- und Placebo-Effekten, von Neurofeedback zu differenzieren. Aktuell sind verschiedene Forschergruppen, die sich mit dem Thema Neurofeedback befassen, bemüht, geeignete Standards für die Evaluation und Berichterstattung von Neurofeedbackeffekten zu erstellen. Dies könnte zukünftige Studien aber auch die praktische Anwendung und Ausbildung von Neurofeedback-Therapeut_innen bzw. -Trainer_innen positiv beeinflussen und somit den Stellenwert von Neurofeedback-Training im klinischen Kontext steigern.


Possibilities and limitations of neurofeedback

Abstract. In this review, we will give a brief overview of the possibilities and limitations of neurofeedback. Using neurofeedback, people can learn how to modulate one’s own brain activity in a desired direction. Successful neurofeedback control can lead to cognitive, motor, and affective improvements. Neurofeedback is already being used to treat a variety of clinical symptoms. Although neurofeedback seems to be a promising method to modulate neuronal correlates of behavior, it is also associated with some limitations. A major drawback is the lack of empirically sound evaluation studies. Therefore, it is hard to distinguish between specific and unspecific effects (e. g. placebo effects) of neurofeedback training. Recently, different research groups try to define standards for reporting and performing neurofeedback studies to increase the significance and impact of future studies. A more sophisticated evaluation of neurofeedback effects might also improve the training of neurofeedback therapists / trainers and its application in clinical contexts.

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