A Pilot Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• EEG Biofeedback, or neurofeedback, has a long history but limited clinical impact.
• Evidence for neurofeedback efficacy is substantial for ADHD but limited for other disorders like PTSD.
• Treatment-resistant PTSD in multiply-traumatized individuals remains a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a proof-of-concept pilot study on neurofeedback for treatment-resistant PTSD.
• To investigate the efficacy of neurofeedback in reducing PTSD symptoms.
• To assess neurofeedback's impact on affect regulation in this population.

Main Methods:

• 40 sessions of neurofeedback training administered twice weekly.
• Random assignment of sensor placements (T4-P4 or T3-T4).
• Assessment of PTSD symptoms using the Davidson Trauma Scale and affect regulation via the Inventory of Altered Self-Capacities.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (Davidson Trauma Scale scores decreased from 69.14 to 49.26).
• Significant improvements in affect regulation (Inventory of Altered Self-Capacities-Affect Dysregulation scores decreased from 23.63 to 17.20).
• Neurofeedback preceded gains in affect regulation.

Conclusions:

• Neurofeedback is a viable pilot intervention for treatment-resistant PTSD in multiply-traumatized individuals.
• The findings support further research into neurofeedback for PTSD.
• Future research should focus on larger trials and refining treatment protocols.