Exploring expectations of neurofeedback treatment among trauma-affected refugees.

Abstract

Background: The use of Neurofeedback (NF) to assist individuals in learning to regulate their brain wave activity has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). However, few studies have focused on the patients' understandings of NF and even fewer explore the perspective of refugees.

Purpose: To evaluate NF treatment for trauma-affected refugees by focusing on their expectations and understanding of NF.

Methods: This qualitative study was a part of a mixed method study carried out at an outpatient mental health centre in Denmark, offering 34 trauma-affected refugees 12 sessions of NF. In this qualitative study, a subsample of seven participants was interviewed. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, the participants' thoughts and expectations prior to participating in NF treatment were examined. The analysis was carried out in four steps, using a hermeneutic and phenomenological approach.

Results: The analysis resulted in two themes: (1) Rationale and working mechanisms of NF and (2) Motivators for participating in the study.

Conclusion: The findings show that NF treatment for trauma affected refugees was challenged by difficulties in communicating the message about the NF equipment capabilities as well as the expected treatment outcome. These challenges included e.g. health professionals' ability to explain and the participants' cultural frame of reference. This is consistent with previous research, showing that compared to the native population, the dissemination of health information to refugees is more difficult and comprehensive. Further studies on how to ensure mutual understanding of the content of NF and expected treatment outcome are needed.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05055037. Retrospectively registered on the 06/07-2021.