Modulating subjective pain perception with decoded Montreal Neurological Institute-space neurofeedback: a proof-of-concept study

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 379(1915)

Published: Oct. 21, 2024

Pain is a complex emotional experience that still remains challenging to manage. Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have associated pain with distributed patterns of brain activity (i.e. decoders), but it unclear whether these observations reflect causal mechanisms. To address this question, we devised new neurofeedback approach using real-time decoding fMRI data test if modulating pain-related multivoxel could lead changes in subjective experience. We first showed ratings can indeed be accurately predicted based on the stimulus intensity independent signature (SIIPS) and neurologic (NPS). Next, trained participants ( n = 16) double-blinded decoded experiment up- or downregulate SIIPS. Our results indicate learn expression SIIPS independently from NPS expression. Importantly, success training was perceived painful stimulation following intervention. Taken together, closed-loop efficiently conducted priori decoders pain, potentially opening up range applications for neurofeedback, both clinical basic science purposes. This article part theme issue ‘Neurofeedback: territories neurocognitive mechanisms endogenous neuromodulation’.

Language: Английский

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Response to: Examining the therapeutic potential and risks of multivoxel neuroreinforcement for specific phobias

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 11, 2025

Language: Английский

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Examining the therapeutic potential and risks of multivoxel neuroreinforcement for specific phobias

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 11, 2024

The study introduces multivoxel neuroreinforcement as a novel, nonconscious intervention for specific phobias, which may complement traditional exposure therapies. This innovative approach is intriguing, especially the idea of creating therapy that can reduce fear without direct to feared stimuli.1 Several critical points about study, however, warrant discussion enhance clarity and robustness its findings. has shown significant reduction in amygdala reactivity phobic stimuli compared with control overall. However, closer look at Fig. 4 article reveals maximum occurred outliers. As per graph, nearly one-third participants actually showed an increase beta values following neuroreinforcement, indicating paradoxical physiological fear. raises concerns potential risks patients, since overall might have been due these Similar findings be found graph stroop reaction time 4, where again benefit outliers, some show time. Future studies should focus on identifying factors lead benefits or harms this intervention, optimize therapeutic benefits.2 Another figure S2, further efficacy intervention. post-pre shows only day 1 group. If was really effective, dose there decrease 3 5, suggesting dose–response relationship. showing opposite trend regard, levels (amygdala reactivity) increasing 5 1. group even mean reactivity, heightened response target/phobic baseline. serious risk–benefit ratio "dose" seems potentially harm participants. Although lacked sufficient statistical power compare different groups, suggests it necessary assess range beyond harmful.3 important point consider post-assessment all three groups (1, 3, days neuroreinforcement) conducted 7th day. Testing after interval 2 (for groups), rather than immediately post-intervention each group, could impact accuracy assessment. Whether any other confounders acted during period between assessment biased results not known. For example, encountered their real-world settings, influenced responses assessment, confounding results. lack over external limits ability attribute changes activity subjective ratings solely overestimation underestimation intervention's effects. Furthermore, unclear whether were screened active behavioural interventions they undergone before enrollment, such prevention, desensitization, flooding. Previous experiences significantly affect outcomes treatment, alter participants' baseline neurophysiological profiles.4 did specify exact received monetary bonus. bonus awarded end session sessions, together post-test, motivation emotional assessments. regarding timing reward diminishes draw definitive conclusions relationship subsequent responses. To conclude, way integrating technological advances psychological treatment. need more modifications future maximize minimize patients. receive grant from funding agency. All authors disclose do competing interests related current study.

Language: Английский

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Knowing treatment response without awareness

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 78(11), P. 630 - 630

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Functions of consciousness in emotional processing

Consciousness and Cognition, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 127, P. 103801 - 103801

Published: Dec. 15, 2024

Language: Английский

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