PTSD and Trauma

Trauma is characterised by disrupted brain wave patterns which are associated with anxiety, brain fog, hypervigilance, low mood, etc. These presentations may give rise to maladaptive behaviours, often manifested as misguided attempts at self-soothing or response of the sympathetic nervous system which can include substance abuse or other forms of self-harm, aggression, anxiety, etc. Trauma refers to the emotional response to a distressing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event. When people experience a traumatic event or are regularly exposed to traumatic experiences, the brain triggers a severe stress response which leads to dramatic changes in the physical structure of the brain.

Neurofeedback training has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and trauma by helping people retrain their brain to respond differently to triggers and stressors associated with their traumatic experiences. With neurofeedback training, people learn to produce the desired brainwaves activity while reducing dysfunctional electrical oscillations. Neurofeedback taps into the brain’s inherent neuroplasticity, allowing it to retrain itself to function more optimally. It is particularly advantageous for people with PTSD who experience high levels of anxiety, dysregulation or dissociation and who may not be receptive or benefit from other treatment options. With training, people become better at self-regulation and regulation of emotional arousal in particular. Research shows that the benefits gained through neurofeedback training in response to PTSD are sustained, suggesting that the positive effects persist over time and notably, no significant adverse effects are reported.