Rhodes University Reports Findings in Biomarkers (Detecting neurobiological markers in treatment response to prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: An RCT using functional near-infrared spectroscopy).

This article focuses on a study conducted at Rhodes University in Makhanda, South Africa, investigating neurobiological markers in treatment response to prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among university students. The research uses functional Near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in a pilot randomized controlled trial to compare PE, a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, with supportive counseling as a control condition. Participants diagnosed with PTSD are assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 12- and 24-week follow-ups using clinical measures and fNIRS to monitor changes in prefrontal cortical activity. This study addresses the gap in clinical and neurobiological data on PTSD treatment responses in low- and middle-income countries. [Extracted from the article]