Brain mapping is a cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing the way we understand and treat mental illness. The current options for mental health treatment primarily recommend medication and/or counseling to treat mental illness. However, what we are missing is the understanding of the unique way an individual's brain is functioning prior to offering treatment. To loosely quote Dr Amen, Cardiologists look at the heart to understand what needs treatment - why wouldn't psychologists look at the brain?
By understanding how different areas of the brain are connected to each other and how they interact with one another, we can gain insight into the underlying causes of various mental illnesses and develop more effective treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss how brain mapping mental illness is being used to better understand and treat clients. We'll also explore the potential applications of brain mapping in the future and discuss its implications for the mental health field.
How do we define a mental illness?
Mental illness is an umbrella term for a wide variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many more. Mental illness is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of symptoms and behaviors. While mental illnesses can vary widely in type, severity, and presentation, they all have one thing in common – they cause emotional, psychological, or behavioral disturbances that impact a person’s ability to function in life.
These disturbances can affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, mood, and functioning in daily life. They can interfere with a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, or even carry out basic activities of daily living. Mental illnesses can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, trauma, or a combination of all three.
It is important to note that having a mental illness does not make a person “weak” or “defective” in any way. Mental illnesses exist on a spectrum with some being serious and should seek immediate care. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional.
What is qEEG brain mapping?
qEEG brain mapping is a technique used to measure electrical activity in the brain. It works by recording the electrical signals from the brain and creating a map of the brain’s activity. This map, called an EEG topography, shows which areas of the brain are producing or responding to electrical activity. qEEG brain mapping can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of mental illnesses, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
qEEG brain mapping begins with an initial assessment, during which an EEG technician will attach electrodes to your scalp. These electrodes are then connected to a data collection system, which records the electrical signals produced by your brain. This data is then analyzed to create a detailed map of your brain’s activity. The map is then compared to a “normal” brain map to identify any abnormalities or “aberrations” in your brain’s activity.
A clinician will review these results with you to help you understand areas of strength in your neural activity as well as where you can improve with mapping for mental illness. This information can be used to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. qEEG brain mapping can also be used to monitor the progress of your treatment and make adjustments as needed, however when a clinician monitors activity closely from session to session this may not be necessary.
How can brain mapping mental illness help us understand mental health better?
qEEG (quantitative electroencephalography) brain mapping is a well studied technology that has been used to help diagnose and treat mental illness. By analyzing the data gathered by these electrodes, practitioners can create a detailed map of the brain's functioning. This map can then be used to identify any areas of the brain that are not functioning normally, as well as to identify any underlying issues that could be contributing to mental health problems.
For example, qEEG brain mapping can be used to detect abnormalities in the frontal lobe which are often associated with depression or anxiety. It can also detect abnormalities in the temporal lobe that could be linked to conditions like schizophrenia. By looking at a person's brain map, practitioners can get an idea of what is happening in their brain and how it may be contributing to their mental illness.
In addition to helping us understand mental illness, qEEG brain mapping can also be used to inform treatment decisions. By looking at the brain map, practitioners can see what areas of the brain need enhanced activity, or inhibition, and then tailor a treatment plan accordingly. This can include things like medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and even transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Overall, qEEG brain mapping is an incredibly useful tool for understanding and treating mental illness. It provides us with valuable information about how the brain is functioning and gives us insight into potential underlying causes of mental illness. This technology is quickly becoming an invaluable tool in the fight against mental health problems and has great potential to help improve the lives of those who suffer from mental illness.
I have utilized brain mapping for mental illness. What do I do next?
When it comes to treating mental illness, the most important factor is to find the right combination of treatments (such as medication or neurofeedback) and therapies that can help manage the symptoms. While medications can be used to control the symptoms of mental illness, they are not always enough and may have side effects. Therefore, it is essential to understand the underlying cause of the mental illness to ensure that the most appropriate treatment plan is created.
Once qEEG brain mapping has been completed, there are several treatment options available. These can include psychotherapy, biofeedback, medication management, lifestyle changes, and other interventions. Each treatment option is tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient, based on the results of the qEEG brain mapping for mental illness.
Brain mapping for mental illness followed by a successful neurofeedback program creates relative permanency in relieving symptoms for clients. This means that the results of treatment will last far past the neurofeedback program as long as clients maintain a healthy lifestyle, don't take medication that interferes with progress, and other experiences that have negative impact on the brain. Successful long-term management of mental illness with brain mapping is realistic and available for clients.
Next steps for brain mapping mental illness in Denver
Connected Brain Counseling is a group therapy practice that offers neurofeedback therapy and brain mapping for mental illnesses with Board Certified Neurofeedback Clinicians. Additionally, Connected Brain Counseling offers talk therapy with Master's and PhD Level Licensed Professional Counselors to help you get back to feeling your best. Learn more about Connected Brain Counseling, including the option to schedule a free phone consultation, here.
Brain mapping for mental illness has become an increasingly popular tool for understanding and treating mental illness. In Denver, there are a number of clinics and organizations that are dedicated to advancing this new technology and providing the highest quality care possible to individuals struggling with mental illness. Be sure to find a reputable provider by cross referencing with the bcia.org website to find board certified technicians near you.