Neurofeedback training is one of the alternative therapies for Generalized anxiety disorder. Although research suggests its effective therapy, there is a lack of studies for comparing different protocols. So, this study aimed at comparing sensory motor rhythm and alpha-theta increase protocol of neurofeedback. In this research, a two-arm randomized trial was conducted to compare two different protocols of neurofeedback. A total of 40 individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder were assigned to either group which received 15 sessions of alpha-theta increase on Pz and group two received 15 sessions of sensory motor rhythm increase on Cz. Pretest and post-test measurements were taken using Beck Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Spielberg, and Perceived Stress Scale, and finally data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v24 software. The results of the Wilcoxon test shows both protocols significantly reduced anxiety symptoms, but the alpha-theta protocol was more effective in reducing state anxiety and the sensory motor rhythm protocol was more effective in reducing Beck Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale. According to the research, both protocols are effective in reducing anxiety. However, they each have their own advantages in reducing specific anxiety symptoms.

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex and heterogeneous mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Clinical trials have used new pharmacological agents to treat PTSD, but their associated neural correlates remain unclear. The present systematic review aims to summarise the changes in brain function associated with the use these pharmacological agents in PTSD.MethodsClinical trials using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), either at rest or during the performance of tasks, were included if they compared the effects of pharmacological agents in patients with PTSD to either trauma-exposed controls or never exposed to trauma healthy controls.ResultsTwelve studies were included, of which eight used intranasal oxytocin, two used hydrocortisone, and one used Tolcapone. Oxytocin administration was associated with normalisation of functional connectivity between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, as well as enhanced the function of brain regions specifically involved in emotion processing (e.g., amygdala), working memory (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), reward (putamen). Hydrocortisone did not influence brain function at rest or during the performance of an autobiographical memory task, while tolcapone was associated with increased function in frontal, parietal and striatal regions during the performance of an emotional working memory task.ConclusionsThis systematic review identified preliminary evidence for normalizing brain function after use of alternative pharmacological agents to first-line pharmacological treatments.