The Neurological Basis of Eating Disorders. II: Follow Up Report of Adding Symptom-Based, QEEG-Based, and Analog/QEEG-based Remedial Neurofeedback Training to Traditional Eating Disorders Treatment Plans (R/C)

Marvin W. Sams, ND (1) Peter N. Smith PsyD (2)
(1) Neurofeedback Centers of America, Dallas, Texas, (2) Independent Practice, Tucson, Arizona
drmsams@aol.com

Introduction
We previously reported that adding neurofeedback to the treatment of eating disorders significantly enhances clinical outcomes, and compared the results of symptom-based (SB), Quantitative EEG-based (QEEG), and task activated analog/QEEG-based Remedial Neurofeedback Training (RNT; Smith, Sams, & Sherlin, 2003). Of the three approaches, we found that the task activated RNT yielded greater reductions in the need for medication. This study reports additional follow-up findings.

Method
Personality, stress indices, attention testing (TOVA or IVA continuous performance tests) and one of three types of neurofeedback training were administered to 142 patients. The neurofeedback protocols used were from one of three approaches: (a) symptom-based (no QEEG); (b) QEEG-based, using traditionally accepted training protocols; and,(c) custom protocols based on the data from task-activated, analog/QEEG data. Three months after discharge, follow-up testing was collected and statistically analyzed on approximately 25 percent of the group.

Results
Follow-up testing confirmed that all treatment approaches led to symptom reduction. Medication reduction was significant (p<.003), with the RNT group showing the greatest decrease. Depression screening using the BDI-2 showed significant interaction effect (p<.02), with the RNT group showing the greatest decreases from pre- to post-testing. Pre- versus post-EDI and MMPI testing showed few statistically significant differences. However, the RNT group showed superior outcomes from the perspective of clinical significance. Although starting with higher initial scores, the RNT group also showed the greatest reductions in depression, markers of psychopathology, and symptoms associated with eating disorders,

Conclusion
Adding neurofeedback training to traditional eating disorders treatment protocols improved clinical outcomes. The task activated, analog/QEEG-based neurofeedback approach, using custom, non-traditional protocols, produced stronger positive clinical effects, namely reduction in the need for medication and lowered levels of depression.

Reference
Smith, P. N., Sams, M. W., & Sherlin, L., (2003, September). The neurological basis of eating disorders. I: EEG findings and the clinical outcome of adding symptom-based, QEEG-based, and analog/QEEG-based remedial neurofeedback training to traditional treatment plans. Paper presented at International Society for Neuronal Regulation Annual Conference, Houston, Texas.