Customer Reviews

Thoughtstream GSR Biofeedback System with Mental Games

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I just purchased the ThoughtStream and still can't get it working. It comes with a CD that has no label and no instructions for the software. The small instruction manual that comes with the biofeedback unit applies to the unit used without computer interface, and nothing explains how to make the computer interface work. But I purchased this specifically because it had a computer interface. The unit comes with only a serial port connector, which did not work on my laptop. Even after I purchased a serial to USB connector, the software asks if I am using Com1 or Com3 and either choice crashes the software. I've downloaded installation software from the website (thinking it might be more current) and that hasn't helped. The software manual (which is only available if you dig around the installation disk or on-line) also says nothing about how to make the device or software work with a USB port. So, it might be a great product if and when you get it working, but it is poorly documented and difficult to interface with common computer technology. Maybe the fact that all the installation files are dated 1997 is a tip-off that the software is outdated. If their technical support doesn't resolve the problem, I will have to send it back. So far, my stress is way up.

As a biofeedback practitioner I used the Thoughtstream GSR biofeedback system both for reducing stress in anxiety but also for increasing concentration and focus in students with ADD , ADHD. The GSR graph was very sensitive for this purpose and there were pretty good variety of games that increased mental concentration awareness. For those interested in natural methods to help ADHD or exam anxiety in the classroom you might consider the Thoughtstream system with the CD
A guide for GSR biofeedback techniques for the natural ADHD practitioner as this will add many techniques and protocols to use the Thoughtstream GSR with ADHD . (CD-ROM)ISBN A guide for GSR biofeedback techniques for the natural ADHD practitioner9659025149

It's probably actually a fairly good deal for the price, but it has some significant flaws. Most importantly, the digital circuit that allows for a lot of its convenient features, which do make it very easy to use, also makes the pitch step instead of varying continuously. The problem with this is that, rather than the instant, continuous feedback you would get from a continuously varying tone, there's a slight delay due to the stepping, which limits its usefulness, IMHO. If there was another similar device in the same price range that didn't have this defect, I would go with that, but, as far as I know, there isn't, so I guess I could give this one a halfhearted recommendation.