Comparing the Influence of Drug Ther-apy and Neurofeedback Training on Reduction of Anxiety Symptoms and Life Quality of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Patients

Nainian, M.R.; Babapour, J.; Garoosi Farshi, T.; Shaeeri, M.R.; Rostami, R.

Comparing the Influence of Drug Ther-apy and Neurofeedback Training on Reduction of Anxiety Symptoms and Life Quality of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Patients

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Abstract

The main goal of this paper is focused on comparison of influence of drug therapy and neurofeedback training on reduction of anxiety symptoms and life quality of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients. For this purpose, 16 visitors in one of psychiatry centers in Tehran were studied who received GAD diagnosis and did not suffer other psychological disorders according to psychiatrist visit and diagnostic criteria within fourth edition of statistical and diagnostic guide revised text of psychological disorders )DSM-IV-TR( (8 persons in neurofeedback training and 8 ones in drug therapy). Patients in both groups were surveyed and studied in pre-test and post-test steps through GAD seven-question scale (GAD-7) and life quality questionnaire (PWI-A). Persons in neurofeedback training group received fifteen 30-minute sessions (three sessions per week) on alpha wave increase and those in drug therapy were treated under supervision of physicians by anti-anxiety drugs (SSIRs) for one year. Record and training of alpha wave activity was accomplished in O1 or O2 and patients received audio feedback for increase of alpha range up to higher than determined threshold. Wilcoxon and Mann Witney tests were applied for descriptive analysis of data. Research findings show that neurofeedback training led to increase of alpha wave in the receiver group. In addition, influence of neurofeedback training on reduction of GAD symptoms in this group is considerably higher than that of drug therapy group. There was no meaningful difference between the two groups on change of patients' life quality index.

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