The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Working Memory and Cognitive Flexibility in Patients With Mild Depression

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Depression is a common illness worldwide, with Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback on working memory, cognitive flexibility in patients with mild depression. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 30 patients with mild depression in Rasht in 2021 who were purposefully selected. Neurofeedback intervention program and Goldberg Depression Inventory, Dennis and Vanderwall Cognitive Flexibility and Danman & Carpenter Working Memory Questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance Results: The results showed that neurofeedback training was effective in increasing working memory (P <0.038),and cognitive flexibility (P <0.001) in patients with mild depression. Conclusion: Neurofeedback system can change brain activity using a simple reward system. Therefore, neurofeedback training is suggested as a potential complementary therapy for patients with depression.