More

Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors
Craig Newmark

Craig Newmark

GET UPDATES FROM Craig Newmark

Neurofeedback treatment for PTSD?

Posted: 05/16/11 12:42 PM ET

Hey, this is experimental treatment I know little about, but worth checking out...

Neurofeedback (EEG Feedback) is training in optimal brain function based on information derived from the EEG (electroencephalogram). Dr. Siegfried Othmer and his colleagues at the EEG Institute have launched the non profit Homecoming for Veterans to provide free Neurofeedback training for veterans for the rehabilitation of PTSD and issues of brain performance resulting from traumatic brain injury, blast injury, concussion, whiplash, and chemical exposure.

 

Service members, health professionals and military family members attending the Naval Center Combat and Operational Stress Conference (NCCOSC) recently heard military psychologists from Camp Pendleton and neurofeedback pioneer and Homecoming for Veterans Board Chair Dr. Siegfried Othmer share findings showing the dramatic benefits of neurofeedback for both active duty members and veterans of our Armed Forces.

"Neurofeedback treatment should be an essential part of our military's mental health regiment before, during, and after deployment," said Dr. Othmer. "Our studies show that neurofeedback in early stages of deployment can actually forestall descent into PTSD, as well as providing dramatic results for both active duty soldiers and veterans suffering from this debilitating condition."

Information on pilot programs, neurofeedback and a directory of participating clinicians can be found at www.homecoming4veterans.org



 

Follow Craig Newmark on Twitter: www.twitter.com/craignewmark

 
 
  • Comments
  • 5
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Comments are closed for this entry
View All
Bloggers
Recency  | 
Popularity
photo
HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Hyla Cass, M.D.
Author, Physician, Speaker
07:07 PM on 05/18/2011
I refer patients for neurofeedback all the time, with great success. It's a very safe and effective method of treating a large number of conditions, including PTSD, ADD, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Yielding long-lasting results, it is also empowering for the individual to not be dependent on medication for the rest of their life. It can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, nutrient, or drug treatment as well.
10:07 PM on 05/17/2011
I highly recomeend Neurofeedback. I was diagnosed with PTSD after being in combat in the Korangal Valley in Afghanistan and experiencing way to many deaths. I felt hopeless, I totalled my car, I had panic attacks crying spells, nightmeres, I could only cope by constantly working out running and swimming so I could sleep a little longer. I got hurt and totally feel apart. It wasn't until I began neurofeedback that I started calming down where I could sleep and my mind cleared up and the internal war that was constantly going on within me subsided so I barely even notice it, unless something triggers me and now it doesn't last long at all. Life is so much better and I am drug free and in my right mind. I am so thankful to neurofeedback and they treat combat vets free because they care and want to help our service members.

For those vets out there suffering there is hope for a normal functioning life. I know it is hard to believe but it works and you start getting peace almost immediately. I was hooked after the first treatment. Try it and you will see.
V/R,
Semper Fi!
Battlechaps
01:51 PM on 05/16/2011
Neurofeedback is sheer quackery. Show us the peer-reviewed research, not the anecdotes and vanity "journal" articles that neurofeedback supporters favor when they are trying to capture new markets through their confidence game. It was bad enough when this approach was touted as an effective treatment for attention deficit disorders in children. Our children and our veterans deserve much better. Neurofeedback is not an "alternative" therapy." It is a scam. Caveat emptor -- please research this topic before believing its adherents. Google is your best friend!
04:38 PM on 05/16/2011
mszd, there's quite a bit of research in addition to mounds of anecdotal stories from people as to how neurofeedback has had benefit. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) has twice published (first in 2004, then again in 2008) an evidence-based publication that uses the best evidence and research findings to guide the delivery of these services. That guide would be the best bang for your time spent reading it if you cared to. You can even find it online, thanks to google.docs: http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:6Rne3ALX9rsJ:www.isnr.org/uploads/EvidenceBasedYuchaMontgomeryW.pdf+evidence-based+neurofeedback&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiankQH6SGvf9x07ObdhAEpIbNTUXWYzeRz_f7BKjOUQeOptlVb0OCMiwpAiwrqbi6TRy7Tx5s68IH1uSf6jmFiw0O99dwcE8LyJqBFoI0VAuK7WaCT3_XBE71TdO9M5nPAc4tZ&sig=AHIEtbTutWjmK7fsWb9EuNsG7xMipnlz6A

Full disclosure: I'm a practitioner. My advice to anyone considering this therapy is to choose a professional (licensed health care provider) who adheres to standards and guidelines for competent practice, as outlined by the ISNR. Its the capturing new markets via People magazine and celebrity endorsement, like selling diet pills, that have made neurofeedback seem less than reputable, unfortunately. There are good practitioners out there, ones who are educated, responsible and committed to the field, because they've witnessed some remarkable changes in people, for the better.
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
Ralph Jd
Retired lawyer and trustee of several food and hea
12:53 PM on 05/16/2011
Good posting! This is one example of an "alternative" therapy that may offer therapeutic benefits and has been widely used by both MDs and 'alternative" practitioners for many years. My co-trustee at Natural Solutions Center, Dr. Rima E. Laibow MD, offers this therapy at the Dr. Rima Institute of the Natural Solutions Center in Volcan, Panama: www.DrRima.net