Anxiety, PTSD, trauma
Anxiety, PTSD, trauma
Neurofeedback for anxiety, PTSD, trauma - evidence-based and sustainable
Who is Neuroflex suitable for?
People who suffer from generalized anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks or post-traumatic stress disorder and want a sustainable, low-side-effect supplement to medication and psychotherapy.
Do you know that?
Is your heart racing even though there is no danger? Do images from the past suddenly pop up and won’t let you go? Constant tension, sleep problems or avoidance behavior can significantly restrict your life and reduce your sense of control.
What is neurofeedback?
In neurofeedback, EEG signals are analyzed in real time and presented as visual or acoustic feedback. Step by step, clients learn to specifically dampen excessive arousal patterns – such as increased beta or too little alpha activity – and stabilize calm, regulated states.
How does neurofeedback help with anxiety, PTSD and trauma?
Studies show that training to strengthen the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) and increase frontal alpha power reduces amygdala overexcitation, reduces flashbacks and improves sleep quality. At the same time, SCP training (slow cortical potentials) promotes self-efficacy and stress resilience.
When will I notice something?
Many sufferers report a noticeable reduction in physical tension and calmer sleep after just 8-10 sessions. Lasting effects are usually seen after 25-40 sessions.
What makes Neuroflex special?
We combine evidence-based protocols (SMR, Alpha/Theta, SCP) with trauma-sensitive interventions, work closely with psychotherapists and create individually tailored training plans based on a qEEG.
Procedure of the training, which combines mobile neurofeedback and in-practice training
Start - initial consultation, trial training, qEEG
Phase 1 - Initial phase
(15 sessions)
Phase 2 - In-depth phase
(further 20-25 sessions)
Phase 3 - Transfer phase with everyday transfer and follow-ups
Scientific studies on anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and compulsions
In the field of anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and compulsions, there are a growing number of studies investigating the benefits of neurofeedback (NF). The focus is on modulating dysfunctional brain activity patterns (e.g. excessive arousal in the beta range or altered alpha-theta ratios) in order to reduce symptoms such as hypervigilance, compulsive behavior, anxiety or intrusive memories. Below is an overview and some key studies:
Overview and central questions
Aim: To reduce excessive cortical-subcortical arousal or strengthen more optimal frequency bands (e.g. alpha regulation for relaxation, alpha-theta training for trauma processing) using EEG-based feedback.
Symptom area: anxiety, inner restlessness, sleep disorders, intrusive thoughts and increased startle reactions are the focus, especially in patients with PTSD as a result of traumatic events.
Protocol variants: Alpha-theta training (originally developed by Peniston & Kulkosky) is frequently used, but SMR (sensorimotor rhythm) or beta-down training is also common.
Main results and trends
Anxiety reduction: Many studies report that NF training (especially Alpha-Theta) can lead to a noticeable reduction in anxiety, hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system and sleep disorders.
PTSD symptoms: Initial studies with veterans or victims of violence show improvements with regard to intrusions, flashbacks and nightmares. Participants also often state that they feel more relaxed and stable.
Methodological limitations: Similar to other areas (e.g. depression, autism), the studies are often small, without a comparison group or without long-term follow-up.
Protocol diversity: Some studies prefer alpha-theta training, others work with SMR or beta-down approaches. This makes direct comparisons difficult.
Important studies and reviews
Peniston EG, Kulkosky PJ. (1989). Alpha-Theta Brainwave Training and Beta Endorphin Levels in Alcoholics. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 13(2), 271-279.
Content: Although the focus here is on alcohol addicts, many participants suffered from concomitant traumatic stress and anxiety-related symptoms.
Result: Alpha theta training reduced anxiety and depressive tendencies and improved subjective well-being.
Peniston EG, Kulkosky PJ. (1991). Alpha-Theta Brainwave Neuro-Feedback Therapy in Alcoholism. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 47(3), 529-539.
Content: Building on previous work, the authors investigated the extent to which the NF protocol can also alleviate PTSD-like symptoms, as some of the test subjects had traumatic experiences.
Result: Increased alpha and theta coherence correlated with reduced anxiety symptoms and improved emotion regulation.
Hammond DC. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am, 14(1), 105-123.
Content: Comprehensive overview of NF in anxiety disorders and comorbid affective disorders.
Result: Hammond describes mainly frontally oriented NF protocols to reduce excessive beta activity and points out their potential to alleviate anxiety, panic and rumination.
Moore NC. (2000). A review of EEG biofeedback treatment of anxiety disorders. Clinical Electroencephalography, 31(1), 1-6.
Content: Compiles several small studies on alpha-theta training and SMR training in which anxiety and PTSD symptoms are addressed.
Result: Positive effects on generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD, although many studies only include case series or small samples.
Gapen M, et al. (2016). Pilot Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 41(3), 251-261.
Content: Treated participants with chronic PTSD (e.g. as a result of war or other trauma) using alpha-theta protocols.
Outcome: Reduction in PTSD symptoms (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares) and improved affect regulation.
van der Kolk BA, et al. (2016/2017). (Various conference papers and smaller studies).
Content: Adapted neurofeedback protocol for complex trauma disorders.
Result: Significant relief, especially in patients with hyperarousal and anxiety. No large-scale RCTs yet, but promising field of application.
Do you have any questions? I am here for you.
Wolfgang Maier
MA in Special Education HfH
MAS in Neuropsychology UZH
Wolfgang Maier
MA in Special Education HfH
MAS in Neuropsychology UZH
Areas of application of neurofeedback
Conclusion
Studies suggest promising effects of neurofeedback for anxiety disorders, PTSD and (trauma) sequelae. The alpha-theta protocol in particular has led to a reduction in anxiety symptoms and increased emotional stability in several smaller studies. However, there is still a lack of large-scale, randomized controlled studies to clearly demonstrate the effect size, the mechanisms of action and a possible lasting effect. Until then, the use of NF as part of individual therapy concepts (e.g. in combination with psychotherapy) remains a promising but not (yet) fully established component.