What is the Hawthorne effect?   This is a strange phenomenon where the trainee makes noticeable improvement over a few initial sessions, but then relapses and may actually get worse symptoms for another few sessions then again starts to improve steadily.  It's sort of like the brain isn't sure of what's happening, and is "afraid" of this "strange" change initially.  The single case of insomnia failure is attributed to the Hawthorne factor.  While it is also seen in EEG BF, it is not usually as big a factor.

Perhaps it's because the EEG BF is done using the conscious mind to influence the unconscious mind, there is less "unknown fear factor" in this, where the Neuroliminal training goes directly to the unconscious mind.  In either event, this problem can, and should be simply ignored, and improvement will come within a few nights.

How does the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system and/or EEG biofeedback solve the various brain problems?  The basic idea behind both is repetitive suggestions.  This slowly and effectively changes the unconscious mind set in ways we don't fully understand yet.  Dr Bate's theory is that raising the SMR brain wave somehow changes the brains response to allergy and/ sensitivity and so far, this theory holds up well.

It's important to note that neither EEG BF or the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system claim to cure any allergy or sensitivity or any other disease.  What is done by either system is changing the brain response to that allergen by raising the SMR brain wave.

Is it possible to use both EEG BF and the Neuroliminal system?  Yes, in fact Dr Bate used to give a free copy of the original audio program to every Play Attention lessor/buyer.  Some have written emails in thanks saying that they thought it helped reduce the number of sessions and many allergy symptoms seemed to be lower or gone.

What's the difference between EEG Biofeedback and Neurofeedback? None.  Neurofeedback is a "new" term invented to "sell" EEG biofeedback as something new - and therefore better.  Not so.  They are basically the same process.

How many sessions of EEG biofeedback or nights listening to the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system does a person with a diagnosed brain problem need to train themselves "out" of the brain problem symptoms?  That's a bit like asking how high is up?  Like many things in this life, response is individual, and it is virtually impossible to predict how quickly any one will respond to the training.  Some persons have responded very quickly to either or both, and others have taken much longer to respond.  The seriousness of the brain problem doesn't seem to be a factor.

How are brain problems diagnosed?  One of the problems is that many of the medical or psychological diagnostic terms (depression or ADD/ADHD for example) are artificial terms used to describe a "medical" problem for insurance purposes and classification.  However, unlike diseases which I call "binary diseases" such as measles, mumps, cancer, etc, which you either have or don't have (binary), there are many medical problems that are "continuum" types.

These include most brain problems such as ADD/ADHD, autism, heart problems, depression, schizophrenia, etc.  These "diseases" vary both in symptoms and individual reactions.  The medical attempts to classify them and put them into specific categories is almost entirely for insurance purposes, and all too often doctors differ widely in the diagnosis - a cruel joke in some cases.

The continuum of ADD/ADHD/Autism ranges from the normal exuberant (or spoiled) child to actual autism of non-responsiveness.  There are infinite stages within this (and all brain problem continuums) and many different symptoms for different individuals.

Can a baby be trained using the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system?  We really don't know, however even newborn infants have been trained by EEG biofeedback, as have cats and other animals.  We also know that babies even in the womb are "trained" by outside sounds, WHO KNOWS?  If anyone reading this would like to try the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training, please send Dr Bate an email detailing the case, and I'll be happy to work with you. There is absolutely no danger of any bad side effects. As of the latest test, a 3 year old autistic non-communicative child improved dramatically in 60 sessions.>

What happens if a child doesn't show dramatic improvement in a month of nightly sessions using the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training?  Simply continue using it nightly.  Some individuals seem to need more sessons.  Dr Von once had to do about 200 sessions of EEG BF for a child on the ADD-Autism continuum before he achieved success in that case.  So WHAT?  It costs nothing to just keep playing this audio so what if it takes longer?  (Dr Bate and his wife play it every night and have done so for well over two years.   Both note improvement in allergy/sensitivity symptoms, and memory.)

What ages are known to be appropriate for Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training?  There is no set age.  However, we really know nothing about how advanced the unconscious mind may be even if the conscious mind is just beginning.  In this uncharted area of the unconscious mind, there are many theories and few facts!

Is the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system hard to set up and use?  All you need is an audio player that can "loop" (play the same track over and over).  The audio is normally in CD (.wav) format.  Most CD players work fine. A computer works well after downloading any of the free player programs available.  The instructions that come with the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system are clear on this.

How can I be sure that this isn't just a scam to get my money?  There are some scams on the internet and people are smart to be cautious.  Biofeedback Home Training Inc (BHT Inc) has now been in business for over seven years and scams just don't last that long.   If you enter "Phil Bate PhD" into Google, you'll find out a lot about me as well.

BHT Inc is devoted to making it simpler to get kids off Ritalin and other dangerous drugs.  Leasing or even buying an EEG biofeedback unit and using it at home was the best, AND least expensive answer until now.  Now, since the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system does exactly the same thing as EEGBF/NFB, at a fraction of the cost and trouble, it is obviously the first choice.

EEG Biofeedback is very complicated with possible harm in the hands of a non-clinician.  Absolutely Wrong!  It's so simple and so safe that no state even requires a license to do it!  Other than some early experiments in training at other frequencies and causing some epileptic seizures, there is no record of any real harm from any biofeedback training!  No such experiments have been done for years, and many units cannot even train at these frequencies.

I fully expect that the clinicians in various states will lobby their state legislatures to mandate licensing as this leasing (cheap) system gets going well.  The premise will be "to protect the public" as it always is.  The real reason is "protect my wallet".

Neurofeedback is different (and better) than biofeedback.  No difference at all.  Neurofeedback now includes both EEG and HEG biofeedback.  It was originally coined to "sell" EEG biofeedback a bit better.

A different form of EEG biofeedback is used for different brain training.  Not quite true.  Although BHT has concentrated more on ADD/ADHD on this website in the past, there are many other "brain problems" solved by this exact same training.  The same brain training used in the BHT system (SMR elevation, Theta reduction) is used for ADD/ADHD,and also for depression of all types, autism, stroke and brain injury cases, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and much more.  (For a more complete list of "brain problems" solved by EEG biofeedback see Proof .

I believe that this same training may be able to eliminate death due to anaphylactic shock (bee stings, peanut allergy, etc).  Dr Sterman used it originally to make cats immune to a toxic substance (hydrazine) that killed all other cats.   Dr Quirk and Dr Von Hilsheimer used it to reduce recividism in a prison population, using nearly 2676 prisoners.  (15% instead of the usual 70+%).  We are just beginning to find out how many uses there are for such brain training.

A battery of expensive tests (QEEG, Tova, etc) is needed to diagnose a child with ADD/ADHD.  Just not necessary.  See FAQ above.  (For some free tests go to Free ADD/ADHD/autism Tests)

Electrode (sensor) placement on the head is very important.  Also, proven wrong.  It doesn't seem to matter which points are used, the human brain sorts it out.  If the particular researcher happens to get a good result from a particular set of sensor point(s), that researcher will think positively about those points, and use them from then on.  It is his belief in this that is affecting his results - a well known (placebo) phenomenon in hypnosis, and blind and double blind studies.  The truth is that the composite brainwave signals can be observed from any point(s) on the human body.

ADD/ADHD can come back when training stops.  Again, not so.  This is only true when only a few sessions have been done.  If training has continued until symptoms stop, then these gains are permanent in nature.   As a matter of experience, most trainees seem to improve still further after training.

Brain mapping is necessary to determine various things.  In one case brought to my attention, it actually seemed to make ADD worse.   As shown above, electrode/sensor placement seems to have little affect on outcome.  If the overall brain signal is strong enough with a good connection to the scalp, EEG biofeedback works well.  However, if you think, for whatever reason, that a certain sensor placement will be better, by all means use that.  Your belief may actually make it work better!

For much more information on other specific problems, you can go to Dr Bate's other website which has lots of free information on nutition and Orthomolecular/Alternative therapies.

EEG Biofeedback is very complicated with possible harm in the hands of a non-clinician. Absolutely Wrong! It's so simple and so safe that no state even requires a license to do it! Other than some early experiments in training at other frequencies and causing some epileptic seizures, there is no record of any real harm from any biofeedback training! No such experiments have been done for years, and many units cannot even train at these frequencies. /The Play Attention unit cannot cause any harm, and no reports of any harm have ever been reported with its use.

I fully expect that the clinicians in various states will lobby their state legislatures to mandate licensing as this leasing (cheap) system gets going well. The premise will be "to protect the public" as it always is. The real reason is "protect my wallet".

Neurofeedback is different (and better) than biofeedback. No difference at all. Neurofeedback now includes both EEG and HEG biofeedback. It was originally coined to "sell" EEG biofeedback a bit better.

A different form of EEG biofeedback is used for different brain training. Not quite true. Although BHT has concentrated more on ADD/ADHD on this website in the past, there are many other "brain problems" solved by this exact same training. The same brain training used in the BHT system (SMR elevation, Theta reduction) is used for ADD/ADHD,and also for depression of all types, autism, stroke and brain injury cases, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and much more. (For a more complete list of "brain problems solved by EEG biofeedback see Proof .

Dr Bate believe that this same training may be able to eliminate death due to anaphylactic shock (bee stings, peanut allergy, etc). Dr Sterman used it originally to make cats immune to a toxic substance (hydrazine) that killed all other cats. Dr Quirk and DR Von Hilsheimer used it to reduce recividism in a prison population, using nearly 2676 prisoners. (15% instead of the usual 70+%). We are just beginning to find out how many uses there are for Such brain training.

A battery of expensive tests (QEEG, Tova, etc) is needed to diagnose a child with ADD/ADHD. Just not necessary. See FAQ above. (For some free tests go to Free Tests)

Electrode (sensor) placement on the head is very important. Also, proven wrong. It doesn't seem to matter which points are used, the human brain sorts it out. If the particular researcher happens to get a good result from a particular set of sensor point(s), that researcher will think positively about those points, and use them from then on. It is his belief in this that is affecting his results - a well known (placebo) phenomenon in hypnosis, and blind and double blind studies. The truth is that the composite brainwave signals can be observed from any point(s) on the human body.

ADD/ADHD can come back when training stops. Not so. This is only true when only a few sessions have been done. If training has continued until symptoms stop, then these gains are permanent in nature. As a matter of experience, most trainees seem to improve still further after training.

Brain mapping is necessary to determine various things. In one case brought to my attention, it actually seemed to make ADD worse. As shown above, electrode/sensor placement seems to have little affect on outcome. If the overall brain signal is strong enough with a good connection to the scalp, EEG biofeedback works well. However, if you think, for whatever reason, that a certain sensor placement will be better, by all means use that. Your belief may actually make it work better!

For much more information on other specific problems, you can go to Dr Bate's other website which has lots of free information on nutition and Orthomolecular/Alternative therapies.

The following FAQ is copied directly from the original EEG Biofeedback site of Dr Bate set up in 2000 - the first company to lease and sell EEG biofeedback units for home use in order to cut the horrible cost of such.  This page is included for those who want the true facts about EEG biofeedback (aka Neurofeedback/Neurotherapy).

Does EEG biofeedback actually work to "cure" the symptoms of ADD, ADHD, and Autistic diagnosed persons?  Yes and no. Even though ADD, ADHD, and Autism have been "classified" as such for insurance purposes, they aren't really "diseases".  They're really more of a "brain problem" which can be solved by training the brain to react differently.  ADD, ADHD, Autism, IBS, depression, strokes, brain injuries, and similar "brain problem" symptoms seem to be affected by a low value of a certain brain wave pattern, or a combination with a high value of another brain wave.   Using EEG biofeedback anyone can learn to "train" their brain to behave differently and this training removes most of the symptoms, including those commonly associated with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Depression, IBS, stroke, brain damage, and even some schizophrenias etc.

I've heard that there is no "scientific proof" that EEG biofeedback works as described here.  This is a "standard" answer given by an MD or other clinician when asked about a field that he/she knows little about.  Actually there is very good scientific proof as to the efficiacy of EEG biofeedback.  With decades of research, NASA has found that jet pilots and astronauts can be trained with similar biofeedback methods to concentrate and be more attentive.  There are thousands of research papers on this subject.   Many are summarized on the web pages "Scientific Proof" (shown on the navigation menu).

What's the difference between EEG Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?  None.  Neurofeedback is a "new" term invented to "sell" EEG biofeedback as something new - and therefore better.  Not so.  They are the same thing.

Exactly how does EEG biofeedback work to "train" ADD and ADHD kids?  A long time ago, it was found that by attaching some type of electrode to the scalp, very minute electrical impulses could be detected.  Later, it was found that different frequencies of these impulses meant different states of the brain, i.e., at very very low frequencies, the brain was sleeping very deep sleep.  At slightly higher frequencies, the brain was very relaxed, and at much higher frequencies, the brain was thinking a lot.

In the 1960's, Dr Sterman found that biofeedback training in one frequency band at the lower edge of the Beta band, did some strange things.  In particular, he found that it protected cats so trained from dying in convulsions when exposed to hydrazine.  While most people had a pretty good distribution of brain frequencies, certain types of persons, including ADD and ADHD persons are low in EEG strength in what is now called the SMR (SensoryMotorResponse) area.  This is the low end of the Beta range, centered around 13Hz(12-14 Hz).

Dr Quirk, trained almost 3000 convicted felons over several years in an Ontario prison in this same way.  The recidivism (rate of re-arrest and conviction after leaving prison) was only 15% in these men, compared to 70% in the general prison population.   Other researchers have also found many different effects of training in this SMR range.  The one that we are most interested in, of course, is ADD and ADHD.   Well over 500,000 persons diagnosed as ADD/ADHD have been relieved of their symptoms with this training.

That's all that's required. By monitoring these frequencies, and with the subject given rewards as they are increased, it is possible to raise the amplitude of this small band of frequencies.  It does take a lot of sessions, but it's virtually always successful.

How many sessions of EEG biofeedback does a child diagnosed as ADD or ADHD need to train themselves "out of the ADD/ADHD "symptoms"?  That's a bit like asking how high is up?  In more than 30 years of working with biofeedback, researchers have found that at 60 sessions, 85% of the subjects they worked with were no longer classifiable as either ADD or ADHD.  These children (and adults) were then able to sit quietly in class, be attentive, and learn easily.  They were able to completely quit taking the dangerous drugs such as Ritalin.  Also important, their IQ's increased as the chaos in their brain decreased with training.

In some cases it requires as many as 80 sessions, and in cases of autism and actual brain damage, even more, up 200 (reported by one researcher with success at this level with anautistic child).

Like many things in this life, response is individual, and it is virtually impossible to predict how quickly any one will respond to the training.  In one actual case a brain damaged girl of 6, in only 14 sessions improved so dramatically that her mother was in tears of relief in response! (Her parents purchased a machine to continue training in England, their home.)

How is ADD/ADHD diagnosed?  There are many symptoms that may or may not occur.   One of the problems is that the two terms (ADD and ADHD) are artificial terms used to describe a medical problem for insurance purposes and classification.  However, unlike diseases which I call "binary diseases" such as measles, mumps, cancer, etc, which you either have or don't have (binary), there are many medical problems that are "continuum" types.  These include such problems as ADD/ADHD, autism, heart problems, depression, schizophrenia, etc.  These "diseases" vary both in symptoms and individuals.  The medical attempts to classify them and put them into specific categories is for insurance purposes, and a cruel joke in many cases.

The continuum of ADD/ADHD ranges from the normal exuberant (or spoiled) child to actual autism of non-responsiveness.  There are infinite stages within this (and all) continuums, and many different symptoms for individuals.  There are several FREE tests and guidelines at the Diagnosis page.  Please remember that these are not fixed, and individuals vary individually.  This means that there is NO effective way to actually quantify ADD/ADHD, although it is tried, usually for insurance purposes, not medical.

What about the TOVA, QEEG, and Brain Mapping Tests? As mentioned above, because of the individuality factor, and the many different symptoms possible, no diagnostic test can be made accurate.  TOVA is useful in showing improvement (before and after testing in effect), but in most cases, symptom improvement is all that is needed or used by most clinicians today.

As for "brain mapping" or QEEG testing, this is an expensive test that is not necessary for 98% of the people diagnosed as ADD/ADHD.  (Like Tova testing, it makes money for the clinician.)  However, since the primary aim in EEG training for ADD/ADHD/Autism is to raise the SMR (13-14 Hz), it makes no real difference just where the sensors are placed, as the brainwave signals are present throughout the body.  "Standard" sensor placement is at C3, C4, and a "ground" (earclip or hand, etc), although there are many variations that have been proven just as good for training.

For actual brain injury (damage), stroke, and for autism and severe cases of ADD/ADHD, brain mapping by the use of HEG (increase of blood flow in brain) biofeedback might be one of training sustems, along with HEG Biofeedback.  Dr Bate believes that Auditory training can also include blood flow in the brain.

HEG biofeedback has been shown to be a faster modality of training by Dr Hershel Toomin and others for Autism, Brain Damaged, and Stroke victims.  (The Autism CD includes a similar brain blood flow increase.)

Perhaps this type of brain mapping may be useful to pinpoint the actual areas where blood flow is poor. There is still a lot of controversy on this point, and there is no actual data that QEEG is anything more than a scam to make money for the clinician. In addition, the information gained is virtually useless for any "treatment".

How long is a typical session? Usually each session is approximately 25-30 minutes long. This includes putting on the electrodes - actual sessions are usually about 25 minutes. Keeping sessions fairly short helps to eliminate both boredom on the part of the trainee, and lessens the "punishment" component of training.

Does the child have to be able to read? No, even newborn infants have been trained, as have cats and other animals. Reading is not required.

After each session, does the trainer have to do anything? Not really, the session is recorded, and it can be played back with data to see progress.

Can 2 or even more children be trained at the same time? Biofeedback units can only train one child at a time, but you can train any number in sequence that you can accommodate when you are doing home training.  Note that using the Bate Neuroliminal Brain Wave Training system, you can train anyone within hearing, and even train for different "brain problems" all at once..

Is a license required to do EEG biofeedback training?  No, not in any state or territory to date.   That's how safe it is.  There is virtually no danger or harm that can be done to anyone. (Note that some psychologists are trying to get laws passed in some states.  They claim "protecting the public", but as usual, any such laws only "protect their pocketbooks".)

Is this covered by Medicaid, or other insurance?  That depends on the insurance.  here are some that cover costs of treatment if prescribed by a doctor.   If your doctor will prescribe it, it may be covered.   However, in most cases, since it is not listed by the FDA as "a treatment", but is classified as "training", it probably will not be covered.

Does EEG biofeedback work for autistic children or brain injuredchildren as well as ADD/ADHD?  Yes, but since both autism and/or brain damage cases may require many times the number of sessions, we recommend purchasing a unit.  This lowers the overall cost to you.  And, after solving your particular problem(s), you can sell the unit easily.

What happens if a child doesn't show dramatic improvement in 60 sessions?  This shows that the child in question was probably misdiagnosed (quite common), and is either close to the autistic end of the continuum, or actually brain-damaged.  In such a case, since the deposit for the lease is the same as the purchase price, you simply keep the unit for as long as needed, then you can sell it yourself on ebay or to others in your area.

Does the EEG biofeedback machine you lease also work for other problems, such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, etc?   Yes, the same machine is be easily used for many of these problems, as has been proved over years of clinical experience by many researchers.  Such persons are often trained in much less time than 60 sessions as well, but again, individuality governs.

What ages are appropriate for EEG biofeedback training?  There is no set age.  From infancy to old age, EEG biofeedback has been used successfully. Since Dr Sterman found that the SMR band of frequencies worked to prevent death in cats from toxic materials, it is obvious that even newborn infants can and have been trained.  It is a little more difficult to provide rewards to an infant, but the subconscious mind knows much more than we give it credit for.

How can I be sure that this isn't just a scam to get my money?  There are some scams on the internet, and people are smart to be cautious.   Check out "Dr Phil Bate", or "Phil Bate PhD" on Google.  Biofeedback Home Training Inc (BHT Inc) has now been in business for over seven years (as of 2007), and scams just don't last that long.

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