Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback Treatment in Dysthymia: A Case Study

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. Dysthymia, a long-lasting form of depressive disorder that is also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) with pure dysthymic syndrome according to the Diagnostical and Statical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is characterised by being difficult to treat. The most prominent therapeutic approaches in treating dysthymia are pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, but recent studies also demonstrate the success of neurofeedback in treating individuals with depressive disorders. However, infra-low-frequency (ILF) neurofeedback, the main new neurofeedback protocol, lacks empirical evidence, and there is no evidence that it can treat dysthymia. This case report investigates the ILF neurofeedback method in a male patient with dysthymia. After 45 sessions of ILF neurofeedback combined with ILF synchrony, a decrease in symptom severity was found on assessment after treatment, and these results remained consistent at a low level at a 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the patient reported benefits on interpersonal and cognitive levels and in daily life situations. This study should incentivise further investigations into using ILF neurofeedback to treat dysthymia and all variations of depressive disorders.