Social Psychiatry, Vol. 53 No. 2, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2025.125
A Review of Research on the Application and Effectiveness of the Neurofeedback Method in the Treatment of Depressive Disorder
Ana Skender
orcid.org/0009-0001-8026-4940
; Klinika za reumatologiju, fizikalnu medicinu i rehabilitaciju, Klinički bolnički centar „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Depressive disorder is one of the earliest illnesses to be described in the history of medicine, with profound effects on
individuals and the society as a whole. By 2030, depression is projected to cause the largest increase in health care costs and
burdens, thus exceeding the costs and burdens of all other diseases and disorders. Standard approaches to the treatment
of depression include pharmacological therapy and psychotherapeutic techniques, while complementary methods such
as neurofeedback are also gaining increasing attention. Neurofeedback is a computer-assisted method that monitors and
analyzes the electrical activity of the brain (EEG) with the aim of regulating dysfunctional brain patterns associated with
depression. The results of the studies conducted so far indicate significant advantages of neurofeedback. Individuals with
depressive disorder who were included in neurofeedback training showed statistically significant improvements compared
to the control groups, which points to its potential effectiveness as a form of supplementary therapy. Nevertheless, although
the preliminary results are promising, further scientific studies are necessary in order to provide a clearer methodology and
better understanding of the mechanisms of action of neurofeedback. An analysis of the previous studies and a discussion
of the possibilities for implementing neurofeedback in the treatment of depression are provided in this study, with a
special emphasis on its potential contribution to reducing the symptoms of depressive disorder. A critical review of the
methodological limitations and study conclusions is provided, as well as some guidelines for future research.
Keywords
Depressive Disorder; EEG; Neurofeedback
Hrčak ID:
334903
URI
Publication date:
25.8.2025.
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