Overview
What It Is Prism is an FDA-cleared EEG-based neurofeedback system that trains patients to modulate an amygdala-related brain biomarker associated with PTSD symptoms. It is a non-trauma-focused, self-neuromodulation approach delivered in a clinic setting using a headset and interactive software.
How It Works By giving real-time feedback on an amygdala-related EEG biomarker, Prism allows patients to practice reducing that signal without having to recount traumatic memories in detail. Repeated successful regulation is intended to support more stable control over threat-related network activity—neurofeedback-driven plasticity in emotion circuits.
Conditions - FDA-cleared for: PTSD symptom reduction. - Note: Non-invasive and clinic-based. Coverage is developing. Risk is very low.
How it is administered
Clinic-based EEG neurofeedback sessions using a headset and interactive software. A defined course of sessions is completed without requiring detailed trauma retelling.
Conditions connected in the NPA database
The NPA Treatment Database lists this treatment in connection with 2 condition records. A database relationship does not establish effectiveness, safety, or suitability for an individual.
Related questions
These controlled question pages reference this treatment through stored condition relationships.
Symptoms connected in the NPA database
The current record associates this treatment with the following symptom information. This is not a claim that the treatment will improve these symptoms.
Cognition & Memory
- difficulty concentrating
- indecisiveness
- memory complaints
- Memory gaps related to trauma
- negative beliefs
Emotion & Behavior
- anxiety
- avoidance
- depression
- emotional numbness
- feelings of worthlessness
- Intrusive memories/flashbacks
- irritability
- loss of interest/pleasure
- Persistent sadness
- social withdrawal
Practical information
Insurance coverage
Coverage developing; may be covered under behavioral health or as a medical device therapy.
Cost information
Clinic-based; costs vary by provider and number of sessions.
Results and outcomes described in the source record
Symptom improvement typically assessed over the treatment course (weeks).
Side effects and risks
Very low risk; non-invasive.
Research context in the NPA database
This section reproduces the current database's research summary and detail. Structured citation metadata has not been supplied, so it should not be read as an independently verified literature review.
Research summary
Evidence Level: Emerging to Moderate
What the research shows: Clinical studies supported FDA clearance of this EEG-based neurofeedback system for reducing PTSD symptoms without requiring detailed trauma retelling.
Key takeaway: A non-trauma-focused brain-training option for PTSD that uses real-time brain-activity feedback.
Research detail
Overview Prism is an FDA-cleared EEG-based neurofeedback system that trains patients to modulate an amygdala-related brain biomarker associated with PTSD symptoms. It is a non-trauma-focused, self-neuromodulation approach delivered in a clinic setting. Patients complete a course of sessions using an EEG headset and interactive software that provides real-time feedback on the targeted brain activity. The system does not require the person to recount traumatic memories.
Evidence Base and Published Work • Clinical studies supported FDA clearance of this EEG-based neurofeedback system for reducing PTSD symptoms without requiring detailed trauma retelling. • Reviews of EEG-based neurofeedback for PTSD provide additional context. • Key published work includes: – Clinical studies supporting FDA clearance for PTSD symptom reduction. – Reviews of EEG-based neurofeedback for PTSD. – Treatment is non-invasive and clinic-based. Coverage is developing. Risk is very low.
Outcomes include symptom reduction in PTSD assessed over the treatment course. Evidence is emerging to moderate.
Questions to ask a provider
1. Is the Prism EEG neurofeedback system appropriate for my PTSD symptoms? 2. How many clinic sessions are required, and what does a session involve? 3. How does this non-trauma-focused approach differ from trauma-focused therapies (e.g., prolonged exposure, EMDR)? 4. What symptom reductions have been reported in clinical studies? 5. Is Prism covered by insurance for PTSD, and what prior authorization is needed?
Website and contact information
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