Anxiety Treatment
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Venice, South Bay, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and all of Greater Los Angeles
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at one time or another, usually as a response to stress. It occurs when you feel a lack of control when faced with a challenging situation. It may occur in a variety of situations, like, for instance, when speaking in public, when taking a test, when interviewing for a job, or when going through everyday stressors related to life events.
The symptoms you experience during moments of anxiety may be mild, or they may be severe enough that they are debilitating and may negatively impact your day-to-day life. The question is: How do we know when we are experiencing a normal amount of anxiety as opposed to anxiety that requires treatment?
At NeuroZone, we incorporate neurofeedback to get an accurate glimpse of anxiety on multiple levels. These technologies identify anxiety by monitoring patients’ physiological responses and brain waves. As a licensed speech-language pathologist and neurofeedback specialist who is part of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, Erin Badour takes pride in her comprehensive approach to anxiety. To learn more about treatment options or to schedule an appointment, please call NeuroZone at (310) 821-3640 for our locations in Santa Monica and Playa Del Rey or (424) 247-8193 for our Redondo Beach office. You can also send us a message through our contact form. Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone – help is available.
Contents
- 1 What to Know About Anxiety
- 2 Anxiety Treatments We Offer
- 3 Personal Consultation
- 4 Cost of Anxiety Treatment in Playa Del Rey, California
- 5 FAQ
- 5.1 Is neurofeedback more effective than medication for treating anxiety?
- 5.2 Can I undergo neurofeedback treatment sessions while taking anxiety medication?
- 5.3 Which neurofeedback treatment can help with both anxiety and attention issues?
- 5.4 Who can’t use audio-visual entrainment as an anxiety treatment?
- 5.5 Is there an age requirement for neurofeedback-based anxiety treatment?
- 6 References
What to Know About Anxiety
The emotional processing centers reside deep in the brain in the limbic system. This system of structures is found deep inside the cortex, the outer part of the brain. It is responsible for emotional responses, memories about past experiences, motivations for actions, and processing of all the sensory information we receive from our environment.
The limbic system influences our endocrine system, which is involved in such functions as hormone secretions. It is also deeply involved with the autonomic nervous system which is in control of bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. This is why we may experience physical symptoms like muscle tension, sweaty palms, and more when we experience anxiety or stress. The limbic system also connects to the front of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, which is the thinking part of the brain responsible for executive functions like decision-making and goal-setting.
Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat
NeuroZone recognizes that anxiety can manifest in numerous ways. Although these disorders result in similar symptoms and behaviors, treatment of the root cause for each of these requires different approaches:
- Agoraphobia is a condition in which a person feels excessively anxious about leaving safe, familiar environments.
- Anxiety secondary to another medical condition.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder tends to pervade through all aspects of daily life and events.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by obsessive, repetitive thought patterns and behavioral, uncontrollable compulsions.
- Panic Disorder manifests recurrent panic attacks, feelings of severe acute anxiety that may last minutes to hours. Respiration, heart rate and cognitive functions can be impaired with panic attacks.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can result from experiencing one or many traumatic events. People with PTSD may experience nightmares, flashbacks about the event/s, irritability, and severe sleep disturbances.
- Social Phobia/ Social Anxiety Disorder is a disorder that centers around fear of others’ judgment and/or fear of socializing in general.
- Phobias are irrational and intense fears provoked by very specific things, places, or situations.
- Acute Stress Disorder is similar to PTSD, but symptoms and signs only persist for less than a month. If it continues longer, it may be diagnosed as PTSD.
- Adjustment Disorder can result from undergoing a major life change that causes stress.
- Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder is a disorder characterized by intense anxiety and panic attacks brought on by withdrawal from a drug or alcohol.
Anxiety Treatments We Offer
Individuals seeking anxiety treatment may benefit from a range of neurofeedback-based interventions offered by the professionals at NeuroZone:
Alpha-Theta Training
In day-to-day life, the brain emits electrical pulses that reflect specific mental states. When we are in an alert state, beta waves are abundant. As we slip into a calmer state, alpha waves take over. Finally, theta waves dominate when you are at your most meditative- often resulting as a consequence of sleep or daydreaming. With alpha-theta training, you’ll develop skills that will allow you to harness the benefits of a meditative-like state.
First, a trained professional will attach small electrodes to your scalp and ears in order to monitor your brain waves with the quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG). Within a 30-minute session, they will guide you to visualize imagery that works to provoke theta waves. As you begin to think of these visualizations, you’ll be guided to close your eyes and relax your breathing.
After the alpha-theta device detects that your theta waves have exceeded your alpha, you’ll officially have achieved the “crossover” state. While in this state of mind, your NeuroZone professional will challenge you to change your limiting beliefs surrounding your anxiety.
Over the course of 15 to 30 sessions, with multiple sessions per week, you’ll slowly make new, positive affirmations that reduce your anxiety in your daily life. Research has supported this form of anxiety therapy; for example, it has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms related to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). (1)
Neuromeditation
At NeuroZone, we can take into account your brainwave activity and can formulate a customized meditative neurofeedback treatment plan. Clinical studies have shown that mindfulness is especially effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders.(2) This particular type of meditation emphasizes the practice of being keenly aware of one’s physical sensations.
Virtual Reality-Based Neuro-Regulation and Meditation
For those who may have trouble visualizing in their mind’s eye, the immersion of VR can make a huge difference. Here, patients can be easily transported to another place that fosters calmness and relaxation.
Audio-Visual Entrainment
Your brain waves can synchronize with the various sounds and visuals of audio-visual entrainment. (3) A NeuroZone professional can utilize an audio-visual entrainment system to to provide an experience that incorporates flashing lights, isochronic tones (single note tones administered at regular intervals), and binaural beats (two tones played simultaneously to create the illusion of a third note). With the help of neurofeedback, we’ll be able to determine what sound and visual arrangement works best to promote theta waves.
Personal Consultation
During the consultation, Erin will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your mental health, paying particular attention to the severity of your anxiety symptoms and any associated conditions. This thorough assessment will help determine the most appropriate course of action. She will aim to create a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and ask questions. She will ensure that you have a complete understanding of all the treatment options available, empowering you to make an informed decision about your care.
If you’re ready to take control of your anxiety and embark on a journey towards improved mental health, we encourage you to contact Neurozone in Playa Del Rey, CA and Santa Monica, CA at (310) 821-3640, or Redondo Beach at (424) 247-8193. You can also reach us through our contact form; let us help you find relief from anxiety and regain a sense of calm and balance in your life.
Cost of Anxiety Treatment in Playa Del Rey, California
The cost of anxiety treatment at Neurozone will vary depending on the specific treatment plan tailored to meet your individual needs. It’s important to note that the cost of anxiety treatment is influenced by several factors, including the duration of treatment, the frequency of sessions, the complexity of your condition, and any additional services required. Erin will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your individualized plan during your consultation.
FAQ
Is neurofeedback more effective than medication for treating anxiety?
Neurofeedback methods of treating anxiety can be just as effective as other forms of therapy or medication. With neurofeedback technology, you’ll gain insight into how to identify anxiety in your body while developing coping strategies for long-term relief.
Can I undergo neurofeedback treatment sessions while taking anxiety medication?
Absolutely. By utilizing neurofeedback-based treatments while on medication for anxiety, you can eliminate anxiety symptoms even moreso. You may even find that you don’t need to use medication anymore.
Which neurofeedback treatment can help with both anxiety and attention issues?
Audio-visual entrainment is highly customizable. Various isochronic tones, binaural beats, and flashing lights can effectively treat both conditions at the same time.
Who can’t use audio-visual entrainment as an anxiety treatment?
Although entrainment can be an incredibly useful tool to fight anxiety, some patients may not benefit from this type of treatment. For those who have ever had a seizure, it can trigger another episode. People who have ever had a brain injury may find it difficult to focus, and their brain waves may not be able to stay in sync with the isochronic tones, binaural beats, and other sound/audio stimulations.
Is there an age requirement for neurofeedback-based anxiety treatment?
Luckily, nearly everyone can benefit from neurofeedback. Patients must be at least 2 years old and able to focus for at least 15 minutes at a time. There is no age limit for these types of treatments.
References
- Dadashi M, Birashk B, Taremian F, Asgarnejad AA, Momtazi S. Effects of Increase in Amplitude of Occipital Alpha & Theta Brain Waves on Global Functioning Level of Patients with GAD. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. 2015;6(1):14-20. Accessed September 13, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27504152/
- Chen C, Xiao X, Belkacem AN, et al. Efficacy Evaluation of Neurofeedback-Based Anxiety Relief. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2021;15. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.758068
- Rosso M, Moens B, Leman M, Moumdjian L. Neural entrainment underpins sensorimotor synchronization to dynamic rhythmic stimuli. NeuroImage. 2023;277(15):120226. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120226
