Neurofeedback, TMS, and Beyond: New Treatments for a Better Brain
By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD
Photo by Google DeepMind
In the last decade, neuroscience has taken a leap forward. Today, conditions once seen as purely psychological—depression, anxiety, ADHD, cognitive decline—are increasingly understood as issues of neurocircuitry, neuroplasticity, and functional connectivity. As our understanding of the brain deepens, so does our ability to support and heal it in more targeted, non-invasive ways. In today’s blog post, we will be discussing some of the most advanced and promising treatments in modern neuroscience—Neurofeedback, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and emerging brain-based therapies that are transforming how we approach mental health and cognitive wellness.
Two of the most advanced treatments making a measurable difference in brain health today are Neurofeedback and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). These two treatments are just the beginning. Today we will explore how these technologies—and others on the horizon—are transforming the field of brain optimization and mental wellness.
Neurofeedback:
Neurofeedback, a form of EEG biofeedback, is a non-invasive technique that teaches the brain to regulate its own activity [2]. It works by measuring real-time brainwave patterns and providing feedback that encourages more balanced and efficient functioning.
Electrodes placed on the scalp monitor brainwave activity in real time. The electrodes placed on the scalp are able to record the cortical activities of the brain regions that are close to them. That data is translated into visual or auditory cues (such as a video or sound) which change depending on your brain’s activity [2]. Positive feedback is produced for desirable activities, while negative feedback is produced for undesirable brain activities.
Neurofeedback doesn’t simply mask symptoms—it helps retrain the brain’s networks to function more efficiently. As neuroplasticity takes hold, individuals often experience sustained improvements in:
- Attention and executive functioning (particularly in ADHD)
- Emotional regulation (useful for anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders)
- Sleep architecture and circadian regulation
- Cognitive performance (e.g., memory, processing speed, clarity)
- Recovery from concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI)
Numerous studies have shown that neurofeedback can produce lasting changes in brain structure and function, often without the side effects associated with pharmacological interventions. Neurofeedback has been proposed for the treatment of ADHD [3, 4]. However, there are limited controlled trials in this subject. Overall, future studies may focus on benefits for ADHD at the group level.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
TMS is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain—most commonly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area implicated in mood regulation [5].
Originally developed for treatment-resistant depression, TMS is now being explored for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric applications, including:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Cognitive enhancement in neurodegenerative conditions
A magnetic coil is placed over the scalp near the target brain region. The coil delivers focused, painless magnetic pulses that modulate neuronal activity. The goal is to non-invasively induce neural activity in the human brain [5]. TMS induces a complex response, involving both local and remote neural excitation. Repeated stimulation over several sessions can help “reset” dysregulated brain networks.
Research shows that TMS can lead to increased functional connectivity, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity in affected regions [6]. Unlike medications, it doesn’t introduce chemicals into the body, making it especially appealing to individuals who have struggled with side effects or limited efficacy of traditional treatments. A multisite trial testing whether TMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is effective and safe in the acute treatment of major depression revealed that TMS was effective in treating major depression with minimal side effects reported [7].
The most exciting aspect of these technologies is that they allow us to move from a model of reactive mental health care to one that is proactive, personalized, and precision-driven. Whether you’re dealing with a specific condition or simply want to enhance clarity, focus, and emotional resilience, these emerging treatments represent a new era of brain empowerment.
Schedule a consultation at the Brain Health Institute today and take the first step toward a better brain!
References:
- Photo by Google DeepMind: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-artist-s-illustration-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-this-image-represents-how-machine-learning-is-inspired-by-neuroscience-and-the-human-brain-it-was-created-by-novoto-studio-as-par-17483867/
- Marzbani H, Marateb HR, Mansourian M (2016) Neurofeedback: A Comprehensive Review on System Design, Methodology and Clinical Applications. Basic Clin Neurosci 7:143–158. https://doi.org/10.15412/J.BCN.03070208
- Westwood SJ, Aggensteiner P-M, Kaiser A, et al (2025) Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 82:118–129. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3702
- Enriquez-Geppert S, Smit D, Pimenta MG, Arns M (2019) Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21:46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1021-4
- Siebner HR, Funke K, Aberra AS, et al (2022) Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain: What is stimulated? – A consensus and critical position paper. Clin Neurophysiol 140:59–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2022.04.022
- Lefaucheur J-P (2019) Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Handb Clin Neurol 160:559–580. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-64032-1.00037-0
- O’Reardon JP, Solvason HB, Janicak PG, et al (2007) Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression: a multisite randomized controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 62:1208–1216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.01.018