Nuerofeedback/Depression/OCD

[PCT Mike]

I am in my mid 40's and have had on and off (mostly on) bouts of depression since childhood. Was somewhat mentally abused as a child. Always had very low self esteem and always compared myself to others to confirm my inferiority. I have had a history of keeping my mind focused on me and my feelings instead of focusing and concentrating outward and on others. I don’t live in the moment and have a habit of obsessive thinking. I have been on Welbutrin for 6 years now and was on and off other medications prior to that. I was excessively depressed leading up to 2 months ago for 1 year. I have a slightly above average IQ, but, have a history of not absorbing much information. I have most recently had a QEEG (saw a Psychiatrist) and the result was a “significantly underpowered brain – with symptoms of OCD. Just completed 18 sessions of neurofeedback (recommended by doctor to significantly increase the brain power, increase empathy, get off meds for depression and focus and concentrate better). Nine sessions in, I decreased welbutrin to 150mg daily from 300mg since depression dropped dramatically, but, brain does not seem to have increased power yet and there is very slight improvement in focus/ concentration. Would significantly decreased brain power in the top portion of the brain result in little focus and problems absorbing information? Other than Nuerofeedback, what can I do to increase brain power in the top portion of my brain? I need to finally live the life I was intended to live.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I would recommend dealing with your self confidence issue by talk therapy, and if you can increase your self esteem, your focus will follow..it can be done, since low self esteem is the product of self talk...the critical self talking to you...and you can learn to talk back...try it.

[Noviah]

By "top portion of my brain" are you referring to your frontal lobe?  If you are then yes, decreased brain power in the frontal lobe can cause problems such as little focus and problems absorbing information.

Now I could not have all my information correct but the frontal lobe is the center for higher thought processes, such as abstract reasoning, or, in your case, problem solving and information absorption.  

As far as having OCD, that's like having a broken record in your brain so it can affect other processes detrimentally. Again, in this case it would be your focus and information rates that are suffering.  

Personally, I would suggest seeing a regular therapist to help with a lot of what you seem be going through. Also, have you suggested or has your psychiatrist suggested a stimulator of some sort? By that I mean something that would help your neurons fire more quickly. Such as Adderall, Focalin, Ritalin... etc. Any sort of ADD inattentive medication.

Good luck with your life. I hope things go well.

[PCT Mike]

Thanks for responding.

The "under power" is mainly in the top portion of the brain (Cingulate), with some "under power" in the Frontal Lobes. I have not asked about a stimulator such as Ritalin. I will at my next visit and I thank-you for your suggestion. This condition is very frustrating to the mind. Thanks again.