Neurofeedback or neuroplacebo?

Neurofeedback ranks high on the list of ostensibly “scientific” tools available for moulding brain function and bolstering mental processes. And yet, as with other popular techniques such as computerized brain games, a dearth of robust evidence and well-controlled studies characterizes the research sphere of neurofeedback. In this issue of Brain, Schabus et al. (2017) report a carefully crafted experiment probing the treatment of insomnia; their findings suggest that the benefits of neurofeedback may derive largely from placebo-like effects.[...