EEG Neurofeedback for the Treatment of PTSD
FAQS
Welcome to our FAQs page on EEG neurofeedback for PTSD. Here, we aim to provide you with clear and informative answers to your questions about this innovative treatment. Whether you're seeking to understand how it works or its benefits, we're here to support you on your journey towards healing and recovery
What is EEG neurofeedback?
EEG neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain training technique that helps individuals learn to regulate their brain activity. Using sensors placed on the scalp, brainwave patterns are monitored in real time and translated into visual or auditory feedback—such as changes in a game or video—that guide the brain toward more stable and regulated functioning.
How does EEG neurofeedback help with PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with dysregulation in brain networks responsible for arousal, attention, and emotional processing. EEG neurofeedback aims to restore more balanced brain function by training the brain to shift out of maladaptive states such as hyperarousal or dissociation. Over time, this can reduce symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, dissociation and emotional reactivity. Neurofeedback calms the nervous system, from the brain down.
Is EEG neurofeedback evidence-based?
Yes, there is a growing body of scientific literature supporting the use of EEG neurofeedback for PTSD. A randomized controlled trial by van der Kolk et al. (2016) showed significant symptom reduction in treatment-resistant PTSD using alpha-theta neurofeedback. Meta-analyses and reviews have also noted positive outcomes in both civilian and military populations (Steingrimsson et al., 2020; Reiter et al., 2016). The scientific evidence continues to emerge, with large-scale studies continuing.
Is it safe?
Yes, EEG neurofeedback is considered a safe, non-invasive intervention. It does not involve electrical stimulation or medication. Some individuals may experience temporary fatigue or mild emotional discomfort as their brain adjusts to new patterns, but serious adverse effects are rare.
Is EEG neurofeedback suitable for everyone with PTSD?
Neurofeedback may not be appropriate as a standalone treatment for all individuals but can be a valuable part of a broader trauma treatment plan. It is often most effective when integrated with psychotherapy, especially for individuals with complex or developmental trauma. Of note, a growing evidence base suggests EEG neurofeedback may be a useful treatment when “first line” therapy for PTSD (including TF-CBT or EMDR) are not possible due to instability or risk, or when they have been found ineffective. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified clinician is recommended to determine suitability.
How will my Clinician decide which neurofeedback protocols to use?
For many clients, the clinician will plan neurofeedback training based upon their symptoms, their history and current nervous system functioning, as well as their response to neurofeedback sessions. Sometimes, when things are more complex, the clinician may recommend a more comprehensive EEG assessment (sometimes called a Quantitative or QEEG), to more closely analyse what’s happening with brain functioning, and comparing this to a database of brain functioning.
References
Askovic, M., et al. (2024). EEG neurofeedback for PTSD in trauma-affected youth: Outcomes from a community-based program. Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Askovic, M., et al. (2025). Integrating neurofeedback into trauma-informed care: A transdiagnostic approach to healing complex trauma. Clinical Neuropsychiatry (in press).
Nicholson, A. A., Ros, T., Densmore, M., Frewen, P. A., Neufeld, R. W. J., Théberge, J., Jetly, R., & Lanius, R. A. (2020). A randomized, controlled trial of alpha-rhythm EEG neurofeedback in PTSD: Evidence of decreased symptoms and restored default mode and salience network connectivity using fMRI. NeuroImage: Clinical, 28, 102490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102490
van der Kolk, B. A., Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., Musicaro, R., Suvak, M., Hamlin, E., ... & Spinazzola, J. (2016). A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic PTSD. PLOS ONE, 11(12), e0166752.
Reiter, K., Andersen, S. B., & Carlsson, J. (2016). Neurofeedback treatment and posttraumatic stress disorder: Effectiveness of neurofeedback on PTSD. A Systematic Review, European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 7(1), 31687.
Steingrimsson, S., Carlsen, H. K., & Sigurdsson, E. (2020). EEG neurofeedback as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2813.