ABOUT ptsd
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect both adults and children, disrupting their ability to cope with daily life. At our Manchester-based practice, we offer advanced brain mapping (QEEG) and neurofeedback as effective, non-invasive modalities that can help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.
Understanding PTSD Symptoms In Adults
PTSD symptoms in adults can manifest in various ways, such as:
Flashbacks and nightmares: Re-experiencing traumatic events as if they are happening again.
Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, irritable, or having difficulty sleeping.
Avoidance: Steering clear of situations, people, or places that remind them of the trauma.
Emotional numbness: Difficulty feeling positive emotions or connecting with others.
Negative thinking: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
Understanding PTSD Symptoms In Children
Children may experience PTSD differently, and their symptoms often show up as:
Fear of being separated from a parent or caregiver: Constantly seeking reassurance or feeling clingy.
Re-enacting the trauma in play: Using toys or drawings to replay distressing events.
Sleep disturbances: Nightmares, bed-wetting, or difficulty falling asleep.
Sudden outbursts: Anger or irritability that seems disproportionate.
Regressive behaviours: Behaving younger than their age (e.g., thumb-sucking or tantrums).
If you or a loved one are seeking support for PTSD, help for PTSD is available through alternative modalities like QEEG brain mapping and Neurofeedback, which are non-invasive and medication-free approaches.
qeeg brain mapping for PTSD
QEEG is a brain mapping technology that measures electrical activity in the brain. By analysing brainwave patterns, we can identify areas of the brain that are dysregulated and involved in PTSD symptoms.
For example, individuals with PTSD often have imbalances in their theta and beta brainwaves, which can lead to hyperarousal, anxiety, and difficulty processing emotions.
QEEG brain mapping allows our team at Optiminds, Manchester, to identify areas of the brain that are dysregulated and contributing to symptoms of PTSD.
HOW NEUROFEEDBACK CAN HELP symptoms OF PTSD
Hyperarousal: Many individuals with PTSD experience heightened states of alertness and anxiety. Neurofeedback can help regulate these responses, promoting a calmer state of mind
Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks: By enhancing the brain's ability to process traumatic memories, neurofeedback can reduce the frequency and intensity of intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.
Sleep Disturbances: Many PTSD sufferers struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Neurofeedback can aid in achieving a more restful sleep, contributing to overall recovery.
Emotional Dysregulation: Neurofeedback can improve emotional regulation, helping individuals manage their feelings and reactions more effectively.
Recent studies suggest that neurofeedback is an effective treatment for PTSD, helping to regulate brain activity and alleviate core symptoms. A 2021 clinical trial at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute found significant symptom reductions in PTSD patients following neurofeedback treatment. Participants showed improved brain connectivity, with 61% no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD post-treatment. Neurofeedback specifically helped regulate hyperarousal and emotional dysregulation, offering promising results for long-term recovery without medication. Similar studies highlight improvements in sleep and emotional resilience.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
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If you or your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback at Optiminds, Manchester can provide a personalised, non-invasive, and medication-free option. Schedule a free telephone consultation today to learn more about how QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback can help improve your symptoms of ADHD.
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Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, medication-free therapy that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to train the brain to function more efficiently. During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwaves. Individuals engage in activities (like playing a game or watching a video) that give feedback based on their brain's activity. When the brain produces optimal brainwave patterns, the activity continues smoothly, rewarding the brain and promoting lasting changes in brain function.
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A QEEG is a brain mapping tool that measures electrical activity in different parts of the brain, identifying areas where brainwave patterns are dysregulated.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
At Optiminds, we do not diagnose or treat any medical or psychological conditions. Our services, including neurofeedback, are designed to support individuals by addressing specific symptoms related to attention, focus, mood, stress, sleep, and overall cognitive function. While neurofeedback has been shown to benefit many individuals with various challenges, our work focuses on improving wellness and self-regulation rather than providing medical or psychological treatment.
We encourage all clients to consult with a licensed healthcare provider for any diagnosis or treatment of medical or psychological conditions. Neurofeedback is intended to complement—not replace—any existing care plans or therapies under the guidance of your healthcare team.
