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Neurofeedback Effect on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) encompasses various psychological symptoms and a high early dropout rate due to treatment unresponsiveness. In recent years, neurofeedback has been implemented to control PTSD’s psychological symptoms through physiological brain regulation. However, a comprehensive analysis concerning its efficacy is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine neurofeedback’s effect on reducing PTSD symptoms. We analyzed randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1990 to July 2020, evaluating neurofeedback treatments for those diagnosed with PTSD and their symptoms. In addition, we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD)using random-effects models to estimate effect sizes. We assessed ten articles comprising 276 participants, with a − 0.74 SMD (95% confidence interval = − 0.9230, − 0.5567), 42% I2, moderate effect size, and − 1.40 to -0.08 prediction intervals (PI). Neurofeedback was more effective for complex trauma PTSD patients than single trauma. Increasing and lengthening sessions are more effective than fewer, condensed ones. Neurofeedback positively affected arousal, anxiety, depression, and intrusive, numbing, and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, neurofeedback is a promising and effective treatment for complex PTSD.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are not publicly available.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (NRF-2020R1A2B5B0100208). ※ MSIT: Ministry of Science and ICT.

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  1. Chung-Ang University, Red Cross College of Nursing, Seoul, South Korea

    Yun-Jung Choi

  2. Department of Nursing, Kyung-In Women’s University, Incheon, South Korea

    Eun-Joo Choi

  3. Department of Nursing, Kyungbok University, Namyangju, South Korea

    Eunjung Ko

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Correspondence to Yun-Jung Choi.

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Choi, YJ., Choi, EJ. & Ko, E. Neurofeedback Effect on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 48, 259–274 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-023-09593-3

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