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Functional Symptoms in Pediatric Disease pp 285–303Cite as

The Use of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in Pediatric Care

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Abstract

Biofeedback and hypnosis are complementary techniques, sharing an evidence-based approach and accessing powerful neurophysiological mechanisms. Both approaches are suitable for use with children, when implemented in developmentally appropriate ways, and each facilitates the development of self-regulation. Biofeedback can serve as an adjunct to hypnotherapy, and hypnosis can augment biofeedback treatment. Biofeedback and hypnosis can serve as alternative pathways for patient care or can be integrated into a comprehensive mind–body intervention plan. Common uses for biofeedback in pediatric care include the following: mind–body and affective education, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, neurofeedback for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, biofeedback for medical problems, and neuromuscular education. Mind–body education teaches the child to recognize the effects of the mind—thoughts and feelings on the body. Affective education teaches the child to recognize emotions and cope with emotional responses to life situations. Neuromuscular education retrains muscles to recover movement after injury or illness affecting motor nerve control or central nervous system control of the musculature. In addition, biofeedback is a useful tool for optimal performance applications.

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  1. School of Mind-Body Medicine, Saybrook University, 9782 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI, 49460, USA

    Donald P. Moss PhD

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  1. Donald P. Moss PhD
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Correspondence to Donald P. Moss PhD .

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Ran D. Anbar

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Moss, D.P. (2014). The Use of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in Pediatric Care. In: Anbar, R. (eds) Functional Symptoms in Pediatric Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-8074-8_20

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