What Is qEEG—and How Can It Help You Understand Your Brain?
Have you ever wondered what’s really going on inside your brain? Whether you're struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, or simply want to optimize your cognitive performance, quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) can offer incredible insight. At CBM Integrative Wellness, we use qEEG as a powerful, non-invasive tool to map brainwave activity and guide individualized treatment. Think of it as a “brain GPS” that helps us locate patterns of dysregulation and tailor a more precise plan for healing and growth.
So what exactly is qEEG? Unlike a traditional EEG that only records brainwaves, qEEG analyzes those waves using advanced software to identify abnormalities, compare results to normative databases, and visualize the data in the form of topographic brain maps. These maps can show if certain areas are overactive, underactive, or out of sync—information that’s especially helpful in conditions like anxiety (excessive high beta waves), ADHD (low beta and high theta activity), or depression (asymmetry in frontal lobe alpha waves) [Thatcher, 2016; Coburn et al., 2006].
One of the greatest strengths of qEEG is how it can uncover root causes that might not show up in traditional assessments. For example, a client with focus issues might not respond well to medication because their brainwave activity doesn't fit the typical ADHD pattern. By identifying the brain’s unique electrical patterns, qEEG allows for better-targeted interventions like neurofeedback, photobiomodulation, or cognitive-behavioral therapy—often with greater success and fewer side effects than trial-and-error approaches [Hammond, 2005].
Research supports the reliability and clinical usefulness of qEEG. A 2006 review published in Clinical EEG and Neuroscience notes that qEEG is a well-validated tool for evaluating a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, and its integration into clinical decision-making can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning (Coburn et al., 2006). Furthermore, Dr. Robert Thatcher, a leading neuroscientist in the field, emphasizes that normative databases have evolved significantly over the past two decades, making qEEG even more precise and meaningful (Thatcher, 2016).
At CBM Integrative Wellness, qEEG serves as the foundation for many of our personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges or simply want to understand your brain better, qEEG offers a data-driven, empowering view of your inner world. Want to see what your brain is saying? Schedule your brain map today and let’s uncover the path to a clearer, healthier mind.
📚 References:
Coburn, K.L., et al. (2006). "The value of quantitative EEG in clinical psychiatry." Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 37(2), 66–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940603700204
Thatcher, R.W. (2016). "Normative EEG Databases and Neurofeedback: Implications for Clinical Practice." Clin EEG Neurosci., 47(1), 31–35. https://doi.org/10.1177/1550059414568348
Hammond, D.C. (2005). "Neurofeedback treatment of depression and anxiety." Journal of Adult Development, 12(2–3), 131–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-005-7029-5
