Neurofeedback Effectiveness Trial in PTSD begins in Canada
Photo by Sergey Zolkin
Lawson Health Research Institute is conducting Neurofeedback Effectiveness Trial in PTSD.
This study is an effectiveness trial investigating neurofeedback (NFB) in adults with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions - 1) NFB, or 2) wait list. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, our study will, primarily, take place online (i.e., online assessment and treatment, with option of in-person fMRI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging, scans). NFB sessions will be conducted from home, with videoconferenced supervision by research staff. After study completion, individuals in the wait list condition will be offered the same NFB treatment.
PTSD has an emotional impact on individuals, but it is also associated with impaired cognitive functioning (e.g., processing speed, attention, executive functioning).
Unfortunately, there is little research investigating both issues simultaneously. The current study is an effectiveness trial for an intervention called neurofeedback (NFB), which may be helpful in addressing both PTSD symptom severity, and cognitive dysfunction. NFB is a type of brain training in which a person is given real-time information (or feedback) from their own brain activity to help them potentially change how their brain is functioning (i.e., to work in a healthier or more effective manner). NFB has been in use for over 30 years, and it is proven to be quite effective in treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); however, it has not been embraced as a clinical intervention for other mental health disorders. Recent systematic reviews of NFB suggest that this treatment intervention can lead to significant clinical improvements (e.g., reduction in PTSD severity), and it can impact both functional brain activity, and cognitive function. The current study hopes to bring these 3 areas of interest together by investigating the impact of NFB on PTSD symptoms, cognitive ability, and intrinsic neurological connectivity (via fMRI - function magnetic imaging).
It is planned to include 65 participants.
The researchers plan that January 2020 will be the study start date. The researchers expect to complete the study by January 2023.
Among the criteria that do not allow participation, the following are indicated:
- history of significant head injury/lengthy loss of consciousness (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale Score < 15 at the time of incident as assessed retrospectively by participant)
- significant untreated medical illness
- history of neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder
- history of any pervasive developmental disorder
- any medical disorder known to adversely affect cognition within the last 12 months
- lifetime bipolar or psychotic disorder
- alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within the last 3 months
The full list can be viewed at the link below.
The location of the study is as follows (further details can be found here https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT04654130) London, Canada.
