The growing success of biofeedback and neurofeedback techniques in helping individuals with PTSD is encouraging. Approaches such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) training, Infralow Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB), and Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback (NFB) have shown significant promise in alleviating common PTSD symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, and depression.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Training:
HRV is the measure of variation in the time between consecutive heartbeats. Rather than the heart beating at a steady rate, the intervals between heartbeats naturally fluctuate. HRV is influenced by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is divided into two branches:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Responsible for the “fight or flight” response, it increases heart rate in response to stress or danger.
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Often called the “rest and digest” system, it slows the heart rate and promotes relaxation.
HRV is a reliable indicator of the balance between these two systems. Higher HRV generally reflects a healthy, adaptable nervous system that responds flexibly to stress, while lower HRV can indicate stress, fatigue, or autonomic dysregulation. HRV training helps individuals enhance this balance, promoting resilience and emotional regulation, making it particularly beneficial for PTSD and anxiety management.
Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback (NFB):
Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback focuses on training two key brainwave frequencies—Alpha (8-12 Hz) and Theta (4-8 Hz)—which are linked to states of relaxation, creativity, and deep meditative awareness. During this training, an EEG monitors the brain’s electrical activity, and the goal is to increase the amplitude of these frequencies to foster relaxation, emotional processing, and creativity.
Alpha-Theta training is particularly useful for trauma and PTSD treatment because it helps individuals access deep emotional states and process traumatic memories in a calm, meditative state. It also promotes stress reduction, emotional healing, and enhanced cognitive function, making it a powerful tool for those suffering from PTSD.
Infralow Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB):
Infralow Neurofeedback targets very low-frequency brainwaves, typically below 0.1 Hz. These infralow frequencies are thought to play a crucial role in regulating overall brain function and stability. Unlike traditional neurofeedback, which focuses on faster frequencies like Alpha or Beta, ILF-NFB aims to balance basic regulatory functions such as mood stability, emotional regulation, and autonomic nervous system control.
ILF-NFB is especially beneficial for individuals with complex conditions such as trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and attention deficits. It helps stabilize arousal levels and reduces emotional reactivity in trauma survivors, aiding in the regulation of anxiety, hypervigilance, and flashbacks.
Current Research:
The Veterans Affairs office in Hawaii is currently conducting a long-term study on the effectiveness of neurofeedback for veterans with PTSD. This research is significant because it adds to the growing evidence that neurofeedback can reduce symptoms like hyperarousal and intrusive memories. Additionally, there is strong evidence that neurofeedback can effectively address related issues such as general anxiety and depression.
While the findings from studies involving PTSD veterans and trauma survivors are promising, there is still a need for larger, more comprehensive research to further validate neurofeedback as a mainstream therapeutic option. These insights are thoroughly explored in the Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, 4th Edition, published by the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB). Ongoing research and documentation are crucial for advancing neurofeedback as a recognized treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
