Neurofeedback with Youth Offenders: A Pilot Study in the Use of Analog/QEEG Based Remedial Neurofeedback Training (R/C)

Peter N. Smith, PsyD, (1), Marvin W. Sams, ND (2)
(1) Independent Practice, Tucson, Arizona (2) Neurofeedback Centers of America, Dallas, Texas
pns001@aol.com

Introduction
Atypical EEG and neuropsychological indicators have been observed among offenders. Dangerous offenders treated with a combined program that included EEG-SMR and GSR biofeedback demonstrated reduction in recidivism (Quirk, 1995). Our study was designed to further evaluate the EEG findings of youth offenders and to provide an initial report of the effectiveness of a task oriented Analog/QEEG-based remedial neurofeedback training approach.

Method
Five offenders with significant psychopathology were referred for treatment. The group was evaluated with attentional testing and analog/QEEG assessment prior to and following neurotherapy. Treatment consisted of 20 or 40 sessions of a task-activated, analog/QEEG-based approach.

Results
For all of the youth trained, pre- versus post-audio and visual attention testing demonstrated significant improvement within 20 remedial sessions. Three of the five youth showed rapid advancement in a residential grading system.

Conclusion
EEG abnormalities and deficits in neuropsychological testing were found among offenders. Neurotherapy as an adjunctive treatment appears to hold promise for improvement in cognitive performance as well as recidivism. It is anticipated that different neurofeedback protocols may enhance outcomes.

References
Quirk, Douglas A. (1995). Composite biofeedback conditioning and dangerous offenders:III. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1(2), 44-54.