Can Neurofeedback help with Anger ?

There are many studies demonstrating that Neurofeedback can  improve our impulsivity, which can be a factor in uncontrolled anger, including the large body of research on ADHD.

One study (Hammond, D. C. (2010). LENS Neurofeedback Treatment of Anger: Preliminary Reports. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14(2), 162-169) describes two case reports with significant traumatic brain injuries and histories of chronic anger and violent behaviour. The results support the potential of Neurofeedback to produce significant improvements in anger control, which has implications with many diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, juvenile and adult correctional populations, and domestic violence.

In another study, 46 participants were trained. The results suggest that Neurofeedback training can significantly improved anger control and reduce angry outbursts. The authors of this study noticed that the success rate is substantially higher than previously published studies using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or anticonvulsant therapy: Walker, J.E. (2013) QEEG-guided neurofeedback for anger / anger control disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy. 17(1) 88-92.

 

What is Anger ?

Like anxiety, anger is a natural and normal feeling, best described as an uncomfortable feeling, accompanied by muscle tension and an emotional response. Someone can feel angry when he or she (or someone close to them) feels threatened, offended, denied or when provoked or treated unfairly. Some describe anger as motivating signal that ‘action needs to be taken’ or ‘a problem need to be solved’. People react differently to anger. This depends on the situation, personal background, gender, stress levels and other factors. Most are able to cope with anger for a certain amount of time and try to find a way to release the tension. But for some it is too difficult to control or decompress anger and they express anger in a verbally and/or physical aggressive way to others or against themselves. This not only negatively affect their own health and well-being, but the well-being of others as well. Uncontrolled anger can cause problems with relationships, school, work and even the law. Domestic Violence – violence or threatening behaviour within the home – for example is a serious consequence of uncontrolled anger. The cause of uncontrolled anger lies within the physical response to this feeling. The body releases a hormone, known as Adrenaline, which causes the heart beat faster, increasing sweat production and  breathing. The hormone also causes more focus and the ability to respond quicker, but it can influence thoughts and decrease impulse control as well, resulting in behaviour that later might be regretted.

 

Symptoms of Anger

Anger problems are as common and serious as depression and anxiety, but people don’t often see it as a problem, or don’t realise there are possibilities to treat it. It is important though, to recognise associated symptoms of (uncontrolled) anger in an early stage, before it causes more severe physical and mental consequences to the person him- or herself and other people.