PTSD Research

What the Research says about PTSD and Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback for PTSD is a safe, non-invasive method that trains the brain to move out of a chronic fight-or-flight state. While it's still considered an emerging treatment by formal research standards, clinical evidence and case studies have shown meaningful improvements in PTSD symptoms — especially when combined with talk therapy or EMDR.

  1. Kluetsch et al. (2014) – "Plasticity of Resting-State Brain Networks in PTSD Patients After Neurofeedback."

    This study investigated the effects of EEG neurofeedback on resting-state brain networks in individuals with PTSD. The findings demonstrated that neurofeedback training led to plastic changes in key brain networks, including the salience network and default mode network, which are associated with affective and cognitive processing. These neural modifications suggest that neurofeedback can help shift the brain out of a chronic stress response, supporting its role in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

  2. Van der Kolk et al. (2016) – "A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic PTSD."

    This randomized, waitlist-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of neurofeedback in adults with chronic PTSD who had not responded to traditional therapies. Participants receiving neurofeedback exhibited significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and affect regulation compared to the control group. The study concluded that neurofeedback is a promising intervention for individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD, highlighting its safety and potential for integration with other therapeutic approaches like talk therapy or EMDR.

Feature / Benefit Neurofeedback Medication Talk Therapy (CBT/EMDR) Alternative Therapies
How it Works Regulates brainwaves disrupted by trauma Modulates chemical imbalances in the brain Helps process traumatic memories and thoughts Promotes calm, grounding, and body regulation
Evidence-Based for PTSD ✔ Yes – growing support and clinical trials ✔ Yes – SSRIs and others FDA-approved ✔ Yes – gold standard treatments (e.g., EMDR, CBT) ✔ Supportive, with less formal evidence
Non-Invasive ✔ Yes ✘ No – systemic chemical intervention ✔ Yes ✔ Yes
Side Effects Minimal to none Possible (e.g., mood changes, weight gain, sleep issues) Occasional (e.g., emotional discomfort during processing) Minimal
Addresses Brain/Body Dysregulation ✔ Yes – targets neural imbalances from trauma ✘ No – symptom management only ✔ Yes – mental processing of traumatic memories ✔ Yes – helps regulate nervous system
Duration of Benefits Long-term with training Short- to medium-term; may require ongoing use Long-term with successful processing Ongoing benefits with regular practice
Custom-Tailored ✔ Yes – based on brain maps (QEEG) ✘ Standardized dosing ✔ Yes – personalized therapy plans ✔ Yes – can be adapted to individual needs
Regulates Nervous System ✔ Yes – directly impacts brainwave patterns ✘ Indirect effects ✔ Yes – through cognitive and emotional work ✔ Yes – movement, breath, and awareness based
Typical Treatment Duration 20–40 sessions As needed; ongoing for many 12–30+ sessions, depending on trauma complexity Ongoing practice recommended

Research Supporting Neurofeedback for PTSD Therapy

1) Spreyermann, R. (2022). “Case Report: Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback for PTSD: A Therapist's Perspective.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

  • Summary: This case report details the application of ILF neurofeedback combined with trauma-focused psychotherapy in patients with complex PTSD. The integrated approach led to notable improvements in symptoms such as hyperarousal, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and dissociation. The study underscores the efficacy of ILF neurofeedback as a complementary treatment modality for PTSD.

  • Article: Case Report: Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback for PTSD: A Therapist's Perspective

2) Kirk, U. (2022). “Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback Training for Trauma Recovery.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

  • Summary: This paper reviews the effectiveness of ILF neurofeedback in addressing the neurophysiological impacts of trauma. It presents several multiple studies and a case report involving an American combat veteran, demonstrating ILF neurofeedback's role in facilitating trauma recovery and advocating for its inclusion in holistic PTSD treatment strategies.

  • Article: Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback Training for Trauma Recovery

3) Noohi, S., Miraghaie, A. M., Arabi, A., & Nooripour, R. (2017). “Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Treatment with Alpha/Theta Method on PTSD Symptoms and Their Executing Function.”

4) Dobrushina, O., et al. (2022). “Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

  • Summary: This systematic mixed studies review examines the effects of infra-low-frequency (ILF) neurofeedback on brain activity and connectivity. Findings indicate that ILF neurofeedback increases EEG power in the 0.01–0.5 Hz range and enhances connectivity in brain networks associated with sensory processing and emotion regulation. These neurophysiological changes are associated with improved health outcomes for individuals with PTSD, including reductions in trauma-related symptoms.

  • Article: Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

5) Askovic, M., et al. (2023). “Neurofeedback for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence.” European Journal of Psychotraumatology.

  • Summary: This systematic review evaluates clinical studies on neurofeedback interventions for PTSD. The analysis reveals that neurofeedback, including alpha-theta and ILF protocols, consistently results in symptom reduction and improved emotional regulation. The review supports the integration of neurofeedback into comprehensive PTSD treatment plans, particularly alongside psychotherapy.Article: Neurofeedback for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence