Combining neurofeedback protocols for a PTSD patient with higher anxiety
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Abstract
Individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are often resistant to traditional therapies due to neurobiological alterations caused by repeated traumatic experiences. This includes unregulated activity in the right temporal lobe which affects the amygdala: the control center for decision making and emotional regulation. This hyperactivity leaves a person unable to process information effectively and to adequately articulate their problems. Neurofeedback training is a form of treatment for PTSD in which individuals can regulate their excessive brain wave activity manually using a variety of different protocols. The purpose of this study was to observe the efficacy of using two protocols specific to PTSD treatment across two semesters in a patient with higher anxiety to determine if the combination of the two resulted in significant improvement at the end of their treatment. Fp2 protocol, which targets the frontal lobe, was used in the first semester, and Van Der Kolk's protocol, which focuses on the right temporal and parietal lobes, was used in the second semester. The data from this patient's sessions was collected from a clinical study conducted at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Analysis and charting of these session results demonstrated minimal improvement at the end of the patient's treatment. While more improvement is still desired, these results along with outside literature suggest that the coupling of these protocols is another possible treatment option for PTSD patients who exhibit higher anxiety. Future research should be considered in improving protocol combinations like this one, further highlighting the significance of personalized interventions in mitigating symptoms of PTSD.
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Research project completed at the Department of College of Applied Studies.