Neurofeedback: A noninvasive treatment for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans

One in five veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traditional treatments for PTSD include pharmacotherapy with medications and talk therapy, but both are limited. Pharmacotherapy addresses the symptoms of PTSD but produces side effects and does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Talk therapy for PTSD often focuses on recalling and re-experiencing traumatic events in an effort to relieve the ongoing symptoms. This recall of traumatic events activates the brain’s limbic system, creating a strong emotional reaction. This reaction can be counter-therapeutic and potentially impair left frontal lobe functioning, impairing self …