Brain Training Brings Hope for Treatment-Resistant PTSD

A new Australian study reveals that a unique combination of neurofeedback and trauma counselling can significantly help refugees suffering from long-term, treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (TR-PTSD). The findings offer a new pathway to recovery for individuals for whom traditional therapies have not been enough.

The research, led by Dr. Mirjana Askovic, Director of the Australian Neurofeedback Institute (a STARTTS program), for her PhD thesis, explored the effectiveness of neurofeedback – a technique that teaches individuals to regulate their own brain activity – when combined with trauma counselling. The study focused on 71 adult refugees who had experienced severe and prolonged trauma and whose PTSD symptoms had not improved with standard treatments, including both psychological and medication-based interventions.

“Many refugees carry an immense burden of trauma, often compounded by the challenges of displacement and resettlement. For some, standard treatments don’t fully address the deep-seated impact of these experiences,” explained Dr. Mirjana Askovic. “Our study looked at whether we could empower their brains to heal themselves.”

The results were compelling: over half (54%) of the participants showed clinically significant improvement in their symptoms. This included substantial reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The improvements were particularly notable in core PTSD symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, heightened arousal, and emotional numbness.

“We saw meaningful change in individuals who had previously been unresponsive to other approaches,” Dr. Askovic stated. “It suggests that by giving people the tools to directly influence their brain’s functioning, we can unlock a new level of healing.”

The study, a retrospective analysis of client files from a specialised trauma rehabilitation centre for refugees between 2017 and 2022, also highlighted the crucial role of treatment quality, including adherence to therapeutic protocols and responsive therapists, in achieving positive outcomes. Importantly, no serious side effects were observed, indicating that this combined approach is both safe and well-tolerated.

Further Findings from the Study: Neurofeedback Helps Refugees with PTSD Regain Focus and Cognitive Control

A sub-study focused on 47 of the refugee clients who had not responded to counselling or medication, revealing a significant link between neurofeedback therapy and improved cognitive function. This is the first study to show that neurofeedback can improve both PTSD symptoms and cognitive control in refugees with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD.

Using brainwave recordings (EEG), researchers identified a specific neural marker – P3d amplitude – that improved after treatment and was linked to better attention and self-regulation. These findings offer a new, brain-based approach to support trauma recovery in refugee populations who often do not respond to conventional therapies.

The study highlights the potential of combining traditional therapy with brain-based training to support emotional and cognitive recovery. This work also underscores the potential of neurofeedback as a personalised intervention guided by objective brain data, offering a new pathway for supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our global community.

Globally, over 122 million individuals are forcibly displaced, with a significant proportion experiencing severe trauma and subsequently developing PTSD. For many, this leads to complex and persistent mental health challenges that existing treatments struggle to overcome.

“This research provides a much-needed ray of hope for an incredibly vulnerable population,” Dr. Askovic said. “While more large-scale studies are needed, these findings strongly suggest that integrating neurofeedback with trauma counselling could become a vital tool in helping refugees reclaim their lives from the grip of trauma.”

Jorge Aroche, CEO of STARTTS (NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors), of which ANFI is a program, emphasised the significance of these findings. “At STARTTS, we see firsthand the profound impact of torture and trauma on refugees. This research offers exciting new avenues for addressing complex, treatment-resistant PTSD, demonstrating our commitment to pioneering effective and compassionate care. It’s about empowering individuals to heal and rebuild their lives after unspeakable suffering.”

This pioneering Australian research makes a significant contribution to the development of evidence-based treatments for this underserved population and highlights the innovative work being conducted in Australian science.