Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that can develop after experiencing or a traumatic event. Current treatment approaches include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, however, they are not always effective, and some patients may experience residual symptoms or relapse. Biofeedback (BF) is a promising adjunctive treatment for PTSD that focuses on training patients to consciously control their physiological responses to trauma-related triggers. BF involves the use of electronic devices to measure and provide real-time feedback to patients about their physiological functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, and brain activity. The analysis of biofeedback data requires the development of specialized algorithms and software, including machine learning and data mining techniques to process large datasets and reveal hidden patterns. This review examines the existing research on the effectiveness of BF, specifically neurofeedback and biofeedback, in the rehabilitation of PTSD. Analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials, conducted between 2014 and 2024, revealed that various types of BF, including neurofeedback, heart rate variability biofeedback, respiratory biofeedback, effectively reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, as well as comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders. The review also discusses the different BF protocols used in the treatment of PTSD, including the types of sensors used, feedback parameters, and treatment duration. A model for increasing the effectiveness of biofeedback in the treatment of PTSD is presented. Findings indicate that BF can be an effective adjunct or alternative to traditional treatments, particularly in cases of chronic and complex PTSD. Despite promising findings, further research with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols is needed to determine the optimal treatment protocols and the long-term efficacy of BF for PTSD.
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Galushka Mikhail Sergeevich
Southern Federal University, Institute of Nanotechnology
Taganrog, Russian Federation
Vishnevetsky Vyacheslav Yurievich
Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor
Southern Federal University, Institute of Nanotechnology
Taganrog, Russian Federation
