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Neural Correlates of Neurofeedback Training

Not Applicable
Conditions
Nicotine Dependence
PTSD
Depression
Registration Number
NCT03165578
Lead Sponsor
Frank Scharnowski
Brief Summary

The objective of the present study is to identify brain networks in patients that contribute to successfully learning self-regulation with real-time fMRI.

Detailed Description

Neurofeedback has been established as a promising non-pharmacological therapeutic approach. However, patients differ in their ability to learn control over their own brain activity with neurofeedback. It is thus crucial to understand the brain networks that mediate learned self-regulation with real-time fMRI. The objective of the present study is thus to identify brain networks in patients that contribute to successfully learning self-regulation with real-time fMRI. To achieve this goal, patients suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and nicotine addiction will be trained to improve their self-regulation skills using established real-time fMRI neurofeedback protocols.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
210
Inclusion Criteria
  • Magnetic resonance imaging compatibility.
  • DSM-V diagnosis of major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or nicotine addiction, respectively.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Other physical or psychiatric disorders.
  • Current substance abuse.
  • Exclusion criteria applicable to MRI (metallic implants, claustrophobia, epilepsy).

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
brain patterns that mediate learning self-regulation in patients with fMRI neurofeedback12 months

Functional MRI data will be analysed using a whole brain mixed effect analysis across all subjects that compares brain patterns during self-regulation and baseline.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
neurofeedback learning success12 months

Increased self-regulation skills will be assessed by a comparison of the slopes of the neurofeedback learning curves between subjects in the experimental group vs. the sham control group.

behavioral consequences of neurofeedback training12 months

Behavioral outcome measures (questionnaires, standard clinical assessments) will be compared between subjects in the experimental group vs. the sham control group.

maintenance of learned self-regulation12 months

An assessment of learned self-regulation (i.e. increase of the feedback signal in up-regulation compared to baseline blocks) in follow-up scanning sessions that will take place 6 months and 1 year after neurofeedback training. This will be a measure of how well learned self-regulation can be maintained.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich

🇨🇭

Zürich, Zürich-, Switzerland

Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich
🇨🇭Zürich, Zürich-, Switzerland
Frank Scharnowski, Prof. Dr.
Contact
+41443842953
Frank.Scharnowski@uzh.ch
Ronald Sladky, PD Dr.
Contact
+41443842667
ronald.sladky@uzh.ch

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