@article{ref1,
title="Electroencephalography-based neurofeedback as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis",
journal="European psychiatry",
year="2020",
author="Steingrimsson, Steinn and Bilonić, Gorana and Ekelund, Ann-Catrin and Larson, Tomas and Stadig, Ida and Svensson, Mikael and Vuković, Iris Sarajlić and Wartenberg, Constanze and Wrede, Olof and Bernhardsson, Susanne",
volume="63",
number="1",
pages="e7-e7",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is debilitating for patients and society. There are a number of treatment methods albeit not all patients respond to these and an interesting method using electroencephalography-based neurofeedback (EEG-NF) has become more prominent in recent years. This systematic review aimed to assess whether EEG-NF, compared with sham NF, other treatment, or no treatment, is effective for PTSD. Primary outcomes were self-harm, PTSD symptoms, level of functioning and health-related quality of life. METHODS: Systematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted in six databases. Random effects meta-analysis was performed. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included (123 participants). Suicidal thoughts were significantly reduced after EEG-NF compared with a waiting list in a small study. PTSD symptoms were assessed in all studies with different instruments. <br><br>RESULTS were consistently in favor of EEG-NF with large effect sizes (standardized mean difference -2.30 (95% confidence interval: -4.37 to -0.24). One study reported significantly improved level of executive functioning and one study a reduction in use of psychotropic medication. Complications were scarcely reported. Certainty of evidence was assessed as very low for the four assessed outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on four RCTs, with several study limitations and imprecision, it is uncertain whether EEG-NF reduces suicidal thoughts, PTSD symptoms, medication use, or improves function. Although all studies showed promising results, further studies are needed to increase the certainty of evidence.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0924-9338",
doi="10.1192/j.eurpsy.2019.7",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2019.7"
}