A recently published study by Theis et al. (2025) examines the effectiveness of ILF Neurofeedback across different diagnostic groups and explores whether subjective symptom changes correlate with objective performance measures.

Introduction
Globally there is a rise in psychiatric conditions, which leads to a growing    treatment demand. Psychotherapy based on learning processes and pharmacotherapy targeting chemical imbalances are the two dominant therapy options that were found to be efficient in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. However, the availability of psychotherapy is not always given and the waiting times can reach up to several months and there are high dropout rates. Pharmacotherapy is widely used, but in many cases also side-effects can appear that reduce the quality of life. In addition, it does not lead to long-lasting effects, which means that the beneficial effects may disappear as soon as medication is discontinued. In some cases, medication also does not lead to the desired results. Therewith the demand for new, complementary approaches is rising. Neurofeedback is one of them. It is grounded in the idea of overcoming dysregulations in brain activity which contribute to the development of mental disorders. Various (case) studies have shown the efficacy of Neurofeedback.

Study design
In an observational study, data from 256 subjects were collected in a group of therapeutic clinics. The subjects were divided according their ICD-10 F-codes into four categories:
F3—Mood [Affective] Disorders (MO)
F4—Neurotic, Stress-Related, and Somatoform Disorders (NS)
F8—Disorders of psychological development (PD)
F9—Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence (BE)
Subjective symptom tracking measures and objective continuous performance test measures were evaluated and checked for correlation.

Symptom tracking
Symptom tracking is a method commonly used in Neurofeedback therapy. It monitors the relevant symptoms over the course of the therapy. In this study symptom tracking was conducted after every session of ILF Neurofeedback. It was shown that the average symptom score decreases significantly over the course of time. The major decline could be observed within the first 10 sessions. 
 

Statistical discriminant correspondence analysis of the symptom tracking data resulted in the below plot. It can be seen that for the different disorder groups, there are different symptom profiles which discriminate one group from the other groups. 
 

Continuous performance test
The QIK Test (Continuous performance test) is an objective measure for gaining information such as reaction time or  commission and omission errors. QIK test was conducted before and after ILF Neurofeedback therapy. The analysis of the data revealed a significant reduction of reaction time after Neurofeedback therapy, independent of the diagnostic group. Same accounts for omission and commission errors. A significant reduction of both error rates could be observed after therapy, independent of the diagnostic group.

Correlation between the two measures
The correlation between objective and subjective measures was evaluated. For the Mood disorders group a correlation was found between symptom tracking changes and commission errors. Additionally a correlation could be found in the PD group between symptom tracking measures and correct responses and omission errors.

Summary 
This study in a naturalistic setting has shown the effectiveness of ILF Neurofeedback on self-reporting and performance over four diagnostic groups. Both a decline of symptoms as well as an increased performance measured by QIK test was observed. Although a correlation between symptom reduction and performance improvement was observed in some diagnostic groups, this suggests that subjective ratings and objective performance measures might be either independent or conditionally dependent on the specific diagnostic group or symptoms. 

Read the whole study here.

 
Theis, T., Bolduan, U., Seuß, S., Spallek, J., Wandernoth, B., & Mayer‑Pelinski, R. (2025). ILF‑neurofeedback in clinical practice: Examining symptom change and performance metrics across diagnostic groups. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 19, Article 1601187. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2025.1601187

The Ergomax practice, based in Wolfern, Austria, specializes in occupational therapy for infants, children, and adolescents. The team consists of four occupational therapists and a teacher. In addition to occupational therapy assessments and individual therapy, the practice also offers group therapy focusing on various areas.
 

Supplemented by neurofeedback
A special feature of the practice is the use of ILF neurofeedback. This method has been successfully integrated into occupational therapy and optimally complements the existing range of services. “The method helps our children improve their self-regulation depending on their individual therapy goals,” explains Maximilian Berghammer MSc, practice manager and occupational therapist at Ergomax.

At Ergomax, neurofeedback is generally used for children aged four and above – depending on their stage of development and the indication, it can also be used at an earlier age. The focus is on treating schoolchildren, but treatment can also begin at the age of four to five if there is a clear indication. For younger children under the age of four, the team usually works with classic occupational therapy. Alternatively, neurofeedback can also be used as a supplement and in an age-appropriate manner – in these cases without visual stimuli (e.g., screens), but exclusively with auditory and tactile feedback.

The most common indications treated in practice include attention and concentration disorders, emotional regulation problems, sleep disorders, impulse control difficulties, perception and stimulus processing disorders, learning difficulties, and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorders.
 

Proven collaboration with BEE Medic
The team has been using BEE Medic devices for several years to implement neurofeedback therapy. According to Maximilian Berghammer, these devices are characterized by reliability, intuitive usability, and high quality. The personal support provided by the BEE Medic team—for example, with technical questions, further training, or individual advice—is also seen as a great help in everyday practice.

The decision to use neurofeedback, and the ILF method in particular, has significantly expanded the therapeutic spectrum of the practice. Integration into the practice ran smoothly from the start – both in terms of organization and acceptance by families and occupational therapists.
 

Positive feedback
Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive: many report that after just a few sessions, their children are calmer and more balanced, sleep better, find it easier to concentrate, and are better able to cope with stimuli or frustration. Educators also frequently notice positive changes in behavior, attention, and social interaction.

In addition to these subjective observations, progress can also be measured using standardized methods such as the QIK test. “From our point of view, it is particularly remarkable how neurofeedback treatment can also be used to measure standardized progress in performance,” summarizes Maximilian Berghammer.
 

About Ergomax – Practice for pediatric occupational therapy

Infants, children, and adolescents are the focus of the Ergomax practice. A central component of the work of the five-person team is targeted therapy for everyday skills and self-regulation – including through play, movement, and perception activities. The practice takes a holistic, child-centered approach and attaches great importance to treating families with respect. The aim is to help children develop their potential and gain independence with joy, competence, and empathy.

Here you will find further information and contact details:

Ergomax – Practice for Pediatric Occupational Therapy
INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND TEENAGERS are the focus at Ergomax.
🌐 www.ergomax.at
📧 [email protected]
📞 0699 15087812