Neuroplastic Effects of Meditation-Based Neurofeedback on the Pathological Brain

Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rt-fMRI-NF) may offer a way to alter specific, individualized brain systems underlying mental health conditions, addressing a gap where few therapies can change such patterns. Two recent studies from the authors' group suggest this technique is a potential treatment: one for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients, and another for teenagers with a history of affective disorders. The approach aims to overcome methodological issues and lack of specificity that have hindered neurofeedback's acceptance in mental health.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Numerous mental illnesses have been connected to the dysregulation of particular brain systems. However, few therapy approaches are able to change such specific patterns of brain activity. Nevertheless, this may be accomplished using closed-loop brain imaging techniques like neurofeedback, which aim to directly alter brain activity. Yet, due to methodological issues and the lack of specificity in neurofeedback, it has never been widely accepted in the field of mental health. In this article, we’ll review two recent studies of our group that show real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rt-fMRI-NF) to be a potential treatment for altering the unique and individualized brain systems that underlie mental health conditions. One with auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients and the other with teenagers with a history of affective disorders