Stress, Anxiety, and OCD
Stress occurs in situations challenging or threatening and is manifested through a combination of physiological, emotional and behavioral, such as increased heart rate, release of hormones, such as cortisol, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
On the other hand, anxiety is a natural response of the body to stress, and in the course of our lives, it is common to experience episodes to situations stressful, however, when it becomes chronic, persistent or high-intensity can be debilitating, disrupting everyday life and have serious consequences for the physical and mental wellbeing. Symptoms of anxiety include intense levels of concern or distress, nervousness, muscle tension, palpitations, sweating, difficulty concentrating, excessive fear of specific situations or to the judgment of other people, among others.
Finally, the Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) is another condition that affects significantly the quality of life of the sufferers, characterized by obsessions, or intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety and discomfort, and compulsions that are perceived as unable to control.
Neurofeedback for Stress, Anxiety, and OCD
Neurofeedback is an effective tool for the management of stress and anxiety in its various manifestations as this approach works to regulate the nervous system to train the brain to maintain wave patterns in the brain that facilitate a state of calm, balance and concentration. Through regular sessions, neurofeedback can reduce the hyperactivity in the brain areas responsible for anxiety, regulating the stress response and promoting a greater sense of control and peace of mind.
Neurofeedback is also a significant support for those who suffer from OCD by working directly on areas of the brain involved in the regulation of emotional responses and impulses. This method helps to normalize brain activity associated with control of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, which can reduce the intensity of symptoms and to improve the control over the repetitive behaviors. To train the brain to better handle stress and anxiety, neurofeedback can complement other treatments and to promote greater emotional stability and a better quality of life.
