Amy Poon Neurofeedback Therapist

21/07/2024

"letting go of fear .... neurofeedback can put people in the state. working of self regulation." John Styfe.

14/07/2024

It is not easy but parents often resort to using digital devices to manage their children's emotions, particularly anger. This approach, while potentially providing immediate relief, seems to impede the child's ability to develop self-regulation skills. Consequently, this may result in diminished effortful control and poorer anger management abilities in the child over time.

IntroductionParents often use digital devices to regulate their children's negative emotions, e.g., to stop tantrums. However, this could hinder child develo...

12/07/2024

A large observational study ranked eight common antidepressants by their potential for weight gain, finding bupropion associated with the lowest weight gain and escitalopram, paroxetine, and duloxetine with the highest. Patients on these three drugs were 10%-15% more likely to gain at least 5% of their baseline weight compared to those on sertraline. The study underscores the importance of understanding weight gain implications when prescribing antidepressants, as noted by lead author Joshua Petimar, ScD. Data from 183,118 adults showed varying weight changes at 6, 12, and 24 months, with adherence rates affecting long-term outcomes. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, highlight the need for informed decisions about antidepressant use.

Medscape Medical NewsEight Common Antidepressants Ranked by Weight Gain PotentialEve Bender July 02, 202400Eight commonly used antidepressants have been ranked by their weight gain potential. Results of a large observational study showed small differences in short- and long-term weight change in pa...

12/07/2024

Recent research shows that both bacterial and nonbacterial components of the gut microbiome can accurately differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from neurotypical children. This could lead to the development of a noninvasive diagnostic test for ASD and novel therapeutic targets. The study, led by Siew Ng, MBBS, PhD, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, identified significant microbiome alterations in children with ASD. Machine-learning models using these findings achieved high predictive accuracy for ASD. Key biosynthesis pathways, less abundant in ASD, may serve as therapeutic targets.

Bacterial and nonbacterial components of the gut microbiome and their function can accurately differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder from neurotypical children.

06/07/2024

This systematic review is the first to evaluate the effects of neurofeedback (NF) on impairments and long-term symptoms common in cancer patients. The primary goals were to assess NF's potential to alleviate cancer-related symptoms, describe its effects on brain activity modulation, and identify effective NF systems and protocols for managing cancer-related impairments.

Key findings include:

Positive results from all but one study (in pediatric cancer survivors) indicated that NF therapy could reduce cancer-related symptoms.
A case report showed improvement in symptoms associated with increased qEEG alpha bandwidth.
Various inconsistent NF systems and protocols were noted, and all studies were published in the last five years.
NF training, a noninvasive, drug-free therapy, is widely used in neurology, psychology, and psychiatry, demonstrating effectiveness in conditions like major depressive disorder and anxiety. The review suggests extending these findings to cancer therapy, highlighting NF's potential to teach the brain self-regulation skills and improve self-efficacy. Patients report high acceptance, and the therapy is symptom-specific and easy to learn. Portable biofeedback devices enhance applicability beyond therapeutic settings.

The review confirms NF's potential to alleviate symptoms such as pain, fatigue, low quality of life (QOL), cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and psychological strain in cancer patients, although data are scarce. Given the increasing number of cancer patients and survivors, a drug-free intervention with minimal side effects is beneficial.

Future directions include applying NF to different tumor types, addressing methodological weaknesses, and increasing the number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There is little international research and unity in self-report instruments, making comparisons challenging. NF appears to alleviate common symptoms like pain and fatigue, but measurements and methodologies are inconsistent.

Cancer patients often suffer from pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. This review indicates that NF can alleviate these symptoms despite inconsistent measurements and methodological weaknesses. NF offers a drug-free option with few side effects, especially for patients unable to engage in physical activity.

One case report analyzed pre and post qEEG data, showing an increase in alpha bandwidth associated with symptom improvement. More research is needed to standardize measures and understand NF's mechanisms in cancer patients. Comparisons with other drug-free interventions like mindfulness-based stress reduction are lacking but necessary.

Despite the lack of uniform NF systems and protocols, the review shows NF's potential as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for cancer patients and survivors. The small number of records and moderate methodological quality are limitations, with few standardized outcome measures and inconsistent NF approaches.

In conclusion, NF shows promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms, warranting further research. The goal is to improve symptom management and quality of life for cancer survivors. Future studies should include pre- and post-qEEG data, compare NF to other self-regulation approaches, and identify effective NF technologies and protocols. Clinical trials with randomization, double-blinding, and larger sample sizes are needed to advance this field.

Introduction: Neurofeedback (NF) or electroencephalogram (EEG)-Biofeedback is a drug-free form of brain training to directly alter the underlying neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. It is a technique that measures a subject’s EEG signal, ...

04/07/2024

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465825/
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children under 12, characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsive behavior. It significantly impacts social, academic, and psychological aspects, leading to lower grades and difficulties in social interactions. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves disruptive, angry, argumentative, and vindictive behavior, causing challenges in forming friendships and academic issues. Conduct Disorder (CD) includes persistent patterns of aggression, rule-breaking, and deceitfulness, with childhood onset often leading to poor adult outcomes, including criminal behavior and antisocial personality disorder.

A literature review examined the psychosocial impact of comorbid ODD and CD in children with ADHD, finding a strong correlation. ODD is a predictor of CD, especially in boys, and the presence of both ODD and ADHD significantly increases the risk of adolescent-onset CD. Comorbid ADHD, ODD, and CD exacerbate symptom severity and are linked to high psychosocial dysfunction, including school difficulties, troubled friendships, and legal issues. ADHD often coexists with anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders, with ODD and CD frequently occurring together, complicating the prognosis and treatment.

The review's objective was to understand the social, psychological, and academic impact of these comorbid disorders in children with ADHD. It utilized PubMed data, highlighting the frequent co-occurrence and common risk factors of ADHD, ODD, and CD.

It concludes that children with ADHD should be carefully screened for comorbid disorders such as Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Addressing common psychosocial risk factors is essential for prevention. Educational programs and support groups are needed to support affected families. Effective collaboration between families, teachers, and healthcare providers is crucial. Further research is needed to explore the genetic and neurobiological aspects of these comorbid disorders.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders diagnosed in children below the age of 12 years. It is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsive behavior. ADHD affects the social, ...

29/05/2024

A recent review of studies has found that omega-3 supplements can help reduce aggressive behavior. This review looked at 29 studies involving 3918 people. The results consistently showed that taking omega-3 supplements led to a noticeable drop in aggression.

The studies were analyzed in three different ways, and all three showed significant positive effects. The average effect was a reduction in aggression by about 22%. These results were reliable and not influenced by biases in the published research. Additionally, the beneficial effects of omega-3 were found across various groups, regardless of age, gender, the specific population studied, the type of aggression, treatment duration, or dosage.

More importantly, omega-3 supplements were found to be effective in reducing both reactive aggression (impulsive, in-the-moment anger) and proactive aggression (planned, deliberate aggression), especially when participants reported their own behavior.

With this evidence, it's suggested that omega-3 supplements could be used to help manage aggression in a variety of settings, including in the community, in clinics, and even in the criminal justice system, for both children and adults.

A new study found that omega-3 supplementation can reduce aggression by 30%.

23/05/2024

The study investigates the impact of gut microbiome composition on social decision-making, focusing on altruistic punishment in an ultimatum game (UG). The researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving a 7-week dietary intervention with synbiotic supplements. The purpose of the intervention was to alter participants' gut microbiome and evaluate the successive changes in their social decision-making behaviour.

Their key findings were that:

Synbiotic Intervention and Behaviour: Participants receiving the synbiotic supplement were more likely to reject unfair monetary offers in the UG, indicating a higher propensity for altruistic punishment compared to the placebo group. This suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can influence social behaviour.

Biochemical Links: The behavioural changes were linked to increased levels of the dopamine precursor tyrosine in the bloodstream. This supports the hypothesis that the gut-brain axis plays a role in modulating social decisions through biochemical pathways.

Diet and Microbiome Diversity: The intervention successfully increased gut microbiome diversity by introducing beneficial bacteria and prebiotics, highlighting the significant effect of diet on microbiome composition.

Implications: These results emphasize the importance of gut microbiome composition in social decision-making processes. They suggest that diet and microbiome health could be considered in educational and policy contexts to enhance social behaviour.

The study concludes that the gut microbiome has a bidirectional relationship with brain function, influencing social decisions and potentially explaining why humans sometimes make seemingly "irrational" choices according to economic theories.

Abstract. There is increasing evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in the regulation of socio-affective behavior in animals and clinical conditions.

09/04/2024

https://neurosciencenews.com/insomnia-neurodevelopment-25882/?fbclid=IwAR2emLgZyXrJeNgiPFtYZJrtRDkw3OGrIyF15UPH-aPIeIFgiD-XU72v_xY_aem_AZyOUlG6uvurMEsnx52rfZ5Qpd5h7d0PvHbQdS27M3KT_v2okh7JI99L-8zAbW4thwc&mibextid=K35XfP

Children and teens from racial and ethnic minority groups, especially Black children, are more likely to suffer from insomnia that begins in childhood and persists into adulthood.

06/04/2024

https://neurosciencenews.com/emotion-regulation-mapping-25870/?fbclid=IwAR1k6VAgM1F3NWO9MWY1MOn7rq-eF6gQDeaFGrPNEXu4UqyZemZts3W4Y-w_aem_AYvwtwQFWItXfH5PQgqkbCQS2UVhNecaLvuK17k8OEX1soWMnvsR52wsbZPIso9fH1Q&mibextid=K35XfP

A new study provides a novel understanding how the human brain regulates emotions, distinguishing between emotion generation and regulation.

02/03/2024

This recent study explores the genetic basis of language development in early childhood and its implications for later cognitive abilities and neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism. Analyzing vocabulary data from over 17,000 children across languages, the research reveals that genetics play a role in word production and comprehension from infancy to toddlerhood. Vocabulary size not only indicates early language skills but also predicts future literacy, cognition, and potential neurodevelopmental challenges. Interestingly, there is a developmental shift in genetic associations with ADHD symptoms, highlighting the complexity of genetics in language development and its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study underscores the importance of understanding the early linguistic journey for insights into a child's future mental health and cognitive abilities, suggesting potential applications in tailored early interventions to prevent or mitigate cognitive and neurodevelopmental issues.

A new study delves into the genetic underpinnings of language development in early childhood and its implications for later cognitive abilities and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and ASD.

22/02/2024

https://neurosciencenews.com/smiling-emotional-perception-25643/?fbclid=IwAR3IpUw9meE2Cz2AKw8G3NJPIUdTOzrYliB_ALcliE7tmrJGRxGEtuxrvLk

"Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that brief, electrically induced smiles can make neutral faces appear happier, offering insights into emotional perception and potential treatments for affective disorders. The study utilized facial electrical stimulation, inspired by Charles Darwin's work, to induce quick, involuntary smiles in participants. This innovative approach revealed that even momentary smiles significantly alter emotional perception, presenting the first evidence of its kind. The findings have implications for theoretical debates and clinical applications, suggesting potential new treatments for conditions such as depression, Parkinson's, and autism by enhancing facial emotion recognition. The study modernizes techniques from historical figures like Duchenne de Boulogne and Darwin, employing controlled electrical currents for precise smile induction."

Researchers discovered that a brief, electrically induced smile can make neutral faces seem happier, a revelation that holds promise for understanding emotional perception and potentially treating affective disorders.

22/02/2024

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-neuroscientists-explore-brain-decisions.html?fbclid=IwAR17FWRW4-jf4tFCDCwm4Co7Tpi94y17XtOuVh9A4nslBucNK3lRLsgrYho

"The Harvey lab conducts experiments using mice to investigate behavioral and functional aspects of decision-making, particularly by placing mice in virtual reality mazes and recording neural activity. They have found that distinct sets of neurons activate when a mouse makes different decisions. Lee, is the co-author on the paper, specializing in connectomics, which focuses on mapping neuron connections in the brain, collaborates with the Harvey lab. Together, they explore the types of neurons involved in decision-making and their interconnections, aiming to understand how neurons communicate and form networks."

Scientists have gained new insights into how neurons in the brain communicate during a decision, and how the connections between neurons may help reinforce a choice.

31/01/2024

The Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that young adults who experienced higher levels of stress during their adolescence are more likely to develop cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 276 participants in this 18 year old study, assessed perceived stress during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. They found that participants with consistently high or increasing stress levels had a greater risk of cardiometabolic diseases in young adulthood, showing a consistent association across various risk factors. The study suggests that measuring perceived stress could be a valuable tool for identifying individuals at risk and emphasizes the importance of addressing and managing stress in childhood to prevent future health issues.

https://www.labroots.com/trending/cardiology/26553/childhood-stress-linked-obesity-diabetes-blood-pressure-2?fbclid=IwAR0S5TJ5N9sGSr9gYy1U4stQCFLfkQjtaKKgwZ7pADQ4fMNBADdqtgXpqRs

Stress during childhood may lead to serious health consequences in young adulthood. | Cardiology

28/12/2023

If you find yourself feeling inadequate in terms of abilities, appearance, wealth, accomplishments, or relationships, allow me to present an article that could potentially assist you in conquering these concerns.

Here are some things to remember when feelings of inferiority rear their ugly head in your life:

07/12/2023

Understanding the Relationship Between ADHD Medications and Cardiovascular Health
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Its symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Medications, often stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall), are commonly prescribed to manage these symptoms and improve focus and attention.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential long-term effects of these medications on cardiovascular health. Several studies have investigated the relationship between ADHD medications and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart conditions and strokes. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions.

Exploring the Risks and Benefits
Research into the association between ADHD medications and cardiovascular health has yielded mixed findings. Some studies suggest a possible increased risk of cardiovascular events, while others find no significant link. For instance, a retrospective cohort study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2019 suggested that the use of ADHD medications in young people was not associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events.

On the other hand, a study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology in 2021 reported a potential small increased risk of arrhythmias in children and adolescents treated with ADHD medications, emphasizing the importance of monitoring cardiac health during treatment.

Understanding the Factors Involved
Several factors might contribute to the potential cardiovascular risks associated with ADHD medications:

Stimulant Effects: Stimulant medications can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which might pose risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Individual Health Profiles: Personal health factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and existing cardiovascular health issues, can influence how a person responds to these medications.

Treatment Duration and Dosage: The long-term use and dosage of ADHD medications may impact cardiovascular health differently.

Balancing Risk and Treatment Needs
It's crucial to recognize that ADHD medications have been shown to provide significant benefits in managing ADHD symptoms, improving quality of life, academic performance, and social functioning for many individuals. As with any medication, the decision to use ADHD drugs involves weighing potential risks against benefits.

Recommendations for Patients and Healthcare Providers
For individuals with ADHD considering medication or currently undergoing treatment, here are some recommendations:

Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Discuss your cardiovascular health history and concerns with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing ADHD medication.

Regular Monitoring: Healthcare providers should regularly monitor cardiac health, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or at higher risk.

Lifestyle Considerations: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding other risk factors like smoking, can help mitigate potential cardiovascular risks.

Conclusion
The relationship between ADHD medications and long-term cardiovascular health remains an area of ongoing research. While some studies suggest a possible association between these medications and cardiovascular risks, others do not find a significant link. It's essential for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to consider individual health profiles, regularly monitor cardiac health, and make informed decisions regarding ADHD treatment.

Ultimately, the decision to use ADHD medications should involve a thoughtful consideration of both potential risks and benefits, with close collaboration between patients and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for those managing ADHD.

This case-control study found that long-term exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increased risk of CVDs, especially hypertension and arterial disease. These findings highlight the importance of carefully weighing potential benefits and risks when making treatment decisions about long...

14/11/2023

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&fbclid=IwAR2mt2u30HG3ZtI93pq_dxi1Jv80Q_qeni6IolH4r3F9YbC9KCb-QpkKqYQ_aem_AUG3J41UpRA9r1w-_hRD6q0YBzMQuCytHvhGyo6SnMdi1szHwBb0-uj3DTmvXbQVD6w&v=BKb51xq-eWA&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Explore the groundbreaking research from The Ohio State University that unveils the profound impact of early-life stress on brain development. This video del...

25/10/2023

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231024/Can-your-sleep-predict-depression-Insights-from-a-genetic-study.aspx

Researchers conducted a prospective study using a population-based cohort to calculate polygenic scores and understand whether suboptimal sleep durations indicated a predisposition to depression and vice versa.

29/08/2023

Neurofeedback training improves episodic and semantic long-term memory performance.
Yu-Hsuan Tseng, Kaori Tamura & Tsuyoshi Okamoto
Scientific reports, 11, 17274 (26 Aug 2021)

Understanding and improving memory are vital to enhance human life. Theta rhythm is associated with memory consolidation and coding, but the trainability and effects on long-term memory of theta rhythm are unknown. This study investigated the ability to improve long-term memory using a neurofeedback (NFB) technique reflecting the theta/low-beta power ratio on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Our study consisted of three stages. First, the long-term memory of participants was measured. In the second stage, the participants in the NFB group received 3 days of theta/low-beta NFB training. In the third stage, the long-term memory was measured again. The NFB group had better episodic and semantic long-term memory than the control group and significant differences in brain activity between episodic and semantic memory during the recall tests were revealed. These findings suggest that it is possible to improve episodic and semantic long-term memory abilities through theta/low-beta NFB training.

17/08/2023

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-team-ballroom-neural-synchrony.html?fbclid=IwAR00CgLEaBUs-cH3G76qFUu6T4oUznHI_AIiFHsndgqyVcmLXB3-eE961lg

Ballroom dance is an art form of body-to-body communication. Professional dancers may share feelings and thoughts about dancing, especially with their partners.

12/08/2023

Recently, there has been growing interest in the studies of microbiome and gut-brain axis of underdeveloped children and infants. Some studies even focus on factors that may affect the composition of infant microbiome during the birth process and the first 1000 days of life. Birth processes include mode of delivery, either vaginal or caesarean, antibiotic exposure and infant feeding patterns.

However, this article highlights the study of 56 infants, where researchers explored the potential connection between gut microbes and early cognitive development. The study found that certain compositions of gut microbiota were associated with better performance in cognitive tests related to social attention and rhythmic processing. Particularly, infants with higher levels of microbes from the Actinobacteria phylum, Bifidobacterium genus, and Eggerthella genus performed better in a test measuring shared focus on an object with another person. Additionally, patterns of brain activity related to rhythmic processing were linked to specific microbial levels and metabolic reactions. But, there was no observed link between the microbiome and brain blood flow during speech processing. The study suggests that the microbiome might play a role in early cognitive development, but further research is needed for confirmation.

Researchers discovered associations between specific microbes in infants' guts and early cognitive development performance.

12/08/2023

Using a large online dataset to explore the potential link between playing tackle football and the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), researchers from Boston University in their study found that participants with a history of organized tackle football had a 61% increased odds of being diagnosed with PD. Surprisingly they found those who played at higher competitive levels, such as college or professional football, exhibited even greater odds. They compared football players to other athletes, making their findings were more evident.
Although, the study suggests a connection, not everyone who plays tackle football will develop PD, as many other risk factors are involved. The study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors for early PD diagnosis. Repetitive head impacts from tackle football have been associated with neurological conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), but research on the link between tackle football and PD is limited.
This research included participants from an online study sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. There were some limitations, such as self-reported PD diagnoses and a predominantly white sample. This study was conducted in collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation and received grant funding from National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NINDS).

Researchers identified a potential link between playing tackle football and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

20/07/2023

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/constipation-cognitive-decline-gut-bacteria-may-play-role-brain-health-rcna94964?fbclid=IwAR12awa5mYMhSxfZko66lV5BVSu1fpD_LU3j-oMfi1GDRwXMLk6tQ5GHLXM

The linked NBC News article discusses the potential connection between constipation, cognitive decline, and gut bacteria's role in brain health. Researchers suggest that the gut microbiome may play a role in influencing brain function and could be associated with cognitive issues.

"The buildup of bad bacteria affects cognitive health."

The gut and the brain are in constant communication. A better understanding of the “gut-brain axis” could help scientists develop new ways to help stave off dementia.

13/07/2023

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-autism-microbiome.html

This recent research explores the relationship between autism and the microbiome. The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms living in and on our bodies. The study sheds light on how disruptions in the gut microbiome may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers have found that individuals with ASD tend to have an altered composition of gut bacteria compared to neurotypical individuals. The article highlights the potential role of the microbiome in understanding and potentially treating autism.
Interestingly, researchers added that this approach may apply to many other areas, from depression to Parkinson's to cancer, where the microbiome plays a role, but to what extend.

The biological roots of autism continue to perplex researchers, despite a growing body of studies looking at an increasing array of genetic, cellular and microbial data. Recently, scientists have homed in on a new and promising area of focus: the microbiome. This collection of microbes that inhabit....