What causes those with an Eating Disorder (ED) to look in a mirror and see an obese person? The answer is found in the brain. The Electroencephalograms (brain wave analysis) in the 50 plus women studied in an Eating Disorder residential center revealed serious brain dysfunction in all. And, the good news is that these brain dysfunctions can be remedied, offering the greatest possibility of restoring healthy life patterns.

Reflecting the source; addressing the problem

As generally acknowledged by therapists involved in ED treatment for Anorexia and Bulimia, intervention has proven only modestly effective. Because of this known difficulty, Psychologist Dr. Peter Smith of Tucson, Arizona added Neurofeedback to the more traditional treatment modalities at a major ED residence center. Three different Neurofeedback training approaches were used:

• Symptom based (neurological training based on the symptoms only with no Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave analysis) before training.
• QEEG analysis with traditional Neurofeedback training protocols.
• The NeuroMatrix™ approach with Clinical/QEEG (evaluating the brain wave patterning plus computerized evaluation), and training with researched- designed training protocols)

The objectives of the study were: 1) To determine if Neurofeedback would improve clinical outcomes for Anorexics and Bulimics, and 2) to evaluate outcome differences in the three Neurofeedback (brain wave training) approaches in use at the time.

Dr. Smith showed that adding Neurofeedback to the ED resident treatment plan clearly had benefits beyond traditional treatment. BDI (depression) scores, neuroticism scores, and EDI (Eating Disorders Inventory) scores demonstrated significant improvement over traditional treatment. Weight changes were all in the desired direction.

At the end of the study in a follow up telephone survey, it was found that 22% had decreased meds in the No QEEG before training group, 21% in the QEEG and traditional Neurofeedback protocols, and 61% in the NeuroMatrix™ Neurofeedback group.

For those interested, abstracts of these studies are found here:

"Out-Patient" versus Residential NeuroMatrix Training™

At The Sams Center, we have worked with several women with Eating Disorders in our training facility with excellent results. Thus, NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ has also proven itself effective in an "out-patient" setting. However, due to the complex physiological, psychological, and emotional nature of Anorexia and Bulimia, we ask that those with Eating Disorders be in therapy with a professional qualified to work with those with Eating Disorders during the NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ process, or have completed an ED residential program, successful or not.

The Neurology of Eating Disorders

The most common neurological findings in those with Anorexia and Bulimia were found to be right brain dysfunction, increased slow waves under task, and major instabilities in the brain wave patterning.

Right Hemisphere Dysfunction

The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for "gathering" information. That is, this is where information from the external world first enters the brain system. Incoming data is initially processed in a "fuzzy," indistinct way in the right hemisphere. From there, the information is rapidly transferred over to the left hemisphere, where it is "sharpened up" and we are made conscious of what is going on "out there." Also, it is in the left hemisphere that personal meaning and value is assigned and we are become aware of our thoughts and attitudes.

If the right side of the brain is dysfunctional and doing its job poorly, the information sent over to the left hemisphere is "distorted." The left hemisphere, with no mechanism to judge whether the incoming information is accurate or not, accepts the imprecise and misleading data as a valid and true representation of what is going on in the world. To put it in other words, what our brain believes is true, we believe is true. This, of course, can lead to big problems. When there is a conflict between our personal experiences and those of others, life becomes confusing and frustrating.

It appears that in those with Anorexia nervosa and perhaps Bulimia as well, the right sided neurological issues produce a visual body distortion that the brain and subsequently the person accept as true.

In addition to the body image problem, the right brain dysfunction often leads to not trusting ourselves and subsequently others. The typical reaction is to either emotionally retreat (social anxiety) or "get angry for no reason" (anger management issues).

The Quantitative EEG and Normative Reference Database (a computer library of the brain wave patterning of normal subjects) detects and defines neurological issues in the right hemisphere. Specific Neurofeedback/neural efficiency training then help the brain remediate the dysfunction.

Delta Slow Waves

Slow waves in the EEG reflect an "internalization" of consciousness. When the brain wants us to go to sleep, for example, it increases slow waves and we quickly become unconsciousness to the physical world. As the brain further slows and increases the amplitude of the Delta slow waves, we become even more unconscious ("deeper asleep"). So, when we start to perform a complex task on purpose, Delta should ideally decrease (or increase only slightly, depending on the nature of the task) so we can become more conscious of our efforts. In those with Eating Disorders, there tends to be a rather dramatic increase in the slow wave activity when asked to perform a complex task such as a video game. While this may be caused by a malnourished brain that is poorly equipped physiologically to focus and process complex information, the practical implication is that when those with Eating Disorders try to focus and apply logic, the brain falters. The person then must struggle to understand complex issues and situations.

NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training is done under task, usually a traditional video game. The brain is then given information through audio feedback about the increasing Delta activity (see our Front Page for details) so that it can learn to reduce the slow activity while under task. Once done, this allows greater understanding and participation in the complexities of life.

Unstable Brain Patterns

The electrical instabilities are seen as high voltage irregular discharges that appeared suddenly like "explosions" in the brain wave patterning. The appearance was not unlike that seen with a certain type of epilepsy. It was not possible to determine whether these discharges reflect a causative factor for the troubled eating patterns in the deep brain, the result of starving the brain over a long period of time, or a type of epilepsy. However, the influence of the brain instabilities on mood is unavoidable: When the brain is unstable, mood is stable. Conversely, when the brain is stable, mood can be stable.

A new QEEG is done before each session and compared to the initial brain wave data to determine the level of remediation, including the stabilization of the brain wave patterning.

What is NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™?

As briefly described, NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ offers the greatest opportunity of remediating the brain dysfunctions producing Eating Disorder symptoms. The Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave analysis) detects, and, in a highly specific and detailed way, defines where and in what way the brain is struggling neurologically. NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ addresses and remediates the dysfunctions found and optimizes healthy brain functioning.

Based on 20 years of research, sessions include:

• Proprietary, clinically proven Neurofeedback (brain wave training) protocols created and developed by Dr. Marvin Sams, a medical professional with almost five decades of clinical and research EEG experience.
• Exclusive Audio-Visual Entrainment (flashing light and pulsing sound) programs developed by Dr. Sams help "pull" or "nudge" the brain out of "stuck" brain patterns.
• Transcranial DC Stimulation helps modulate ("normalize") brain function with a gentle DC current across the scalp. Over 60 scientific studies document its ability to safely modulate and stabilize brain function.
• Heart Rate Variability, a biofeedback based breathing technique, is taught for greater emotional resilience and applied intelligence.

To measure progress, a Quantitative EEG is recording before each session and statistical comparisons made to the initial QEEG evaluation and the previous session. Normative Reference Database reports are also frequently done to evaluate changes in under and over firing brain areas, Coherence (locked in or under connected communication networks), and Phase Lag (overly delayed or accelerated timing of signals between brain areas). This attention to detail allows the determination of how much progress has been made session to session. This important benefit is offered only at The Sams Center.

Symptoms of a depressed or anxious mood typically start to diminish as training progresses, usually starting around sessions 10 to12. Many are significantly improved in 24-36 sessions, but, due to the malnutrition, those with Eating Disorders may take more than the usual number of sessions.

As the brain gains experiences by interacting and communicating with people and the environment, it is further expected that improvements will continue over the next several months after training is complete. Life just gets better and better.

A new life for all

Unlike drugs, NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ offers brain health and a greater quality of life: improved intentional attention, focus and learning ability, enhanced sense of well being, improved cooperation, and better emotional resilience. Self esteem, school grades and family and social interactions are thus profoundly and positively affected. Other reported benefits include:

• A sense of relaxation and well-being.
• Enhanced memory and learning capability
• Decreased agitation
• Regulated sleep habits
• Improved mood

Training Schedule

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we schedule to your convenience. At least two to four sessions a week are recommended.

For those coming from outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area, a typical stay is two weeks. We do two sessions a day, working six days a week. Those with a traumatic brain injury, complicated symptoms, or a long history of drug use may take more sessions. Should this prove to be the case, training can be completed on a brief return visit in a few months or weeks, or with a special home trainer.

Coming to Plano (Dallas), Texas difficult right now or your budget tight? Please visit our Pegasus Mental Fitness System page for an exciting option.

Fees

E-mail us from our Contact Page or call 972.733.3009 or 972.612.0160 for our current fee schedule.

To schedule an evaluation

Just call 972.733.3009 to arrange a convenient time for you or your family member to start.

For more information

For more specific information, send Dr. Sams an email from our Contact Page or call 972.612.0160 for personal attention.

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