The Deep Roots of Endogenous Neuromodulation
The method of Endogenous Neuromodulation has come to dominate our work in neurofeedback. It is characterized by the absence of any discrete reinforcers, the distinguishing feature of the operant conditioning model. We still rely on a complementary inhibit scheme, but the discrete markers here are mere cues to the brain as to its state of dysregulation. They do not offer a prescription for change. The response is left to the discretion of the brain. In endogenous neuromodulation, this principle is extended more broadly: the response to the brain-derived signal is left entirely to the discretion of the brain itself.
As we regard our 38-year development trajectory in this field retrospectively, it is apparent that the element of endogenous neuromodulation was always present, even as we were still formally engaged with the operant conditioning model. First and foremost, there was the incorporation of EEG dynamics at the training frequency prominently in the feedback signal. In connection with his work on sensory substitution, Paul Bach-y-Rita was prompted to say: “If you give the brain any information about itself, it will make sense out of it.” If the brain is given information on its own dynamics, it will take advantage, and we refer to this aspect appropriately as endogenous neuromodulation. Here’s the early history:
Continue reading “Endogenous Neuromodulation in the Larger Perspective of Neurofeedback”
