Integrating Mindfulness and Biofeedback in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Yuval Oded
Biofeedback 2018 DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-46.02.03 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Practical guide or manual Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindfulness practices Biofeedback Psychophysiological monitoring |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Argues that mindfulness training for PTSD must be adapted to each client's symptom severity, including timing, practice length, and focus. Proposes that elevated arousal and poor physiological habituation create rigid, negatively biased attention that sustains a vicious cycle, and that psychophysiological monitoring and biofeedback can help therapists guide clients toward greater flexibility. |
Abstract
Teaching mindfulness skills as part of psychological rehabilitation for PTSD patients can be highly beneficial. However, certain factors must be considered such as determining at what stage of therapy to introduce mindfulness training, the length of the practices, and the focal point of the training (e.g., attention, open focus, loving kindness). This article will address these considerations and outline ways in which psychophysiological monitoring and biofeedback can assist therapists in guiding their clients through the process. Specifically, it will highlight how the elevated arousal levels typical of PTSD and the lack of physiological habituation result in rigid and negatively biased attention, which in turn propels the elevated arousal levels into a vicious cycle. Mindfulness practices and approach may help achieve increased flexibility; however, the process must be tailored for each client in accordance with the severity of his or her PTSD symptoms.