Neurofeedback for Anorexia — RelaxNeuron — Aimed in Dissolving the Root Neuronal Cause
Abstract
Anorexia
Nervosa
(AN)
is
a
complex
disorder
involving
psychological,
neurobiological,
and
metabolic
dysregulation,
characterized
by
an
intense
fear
of
weight
gain
severe
food
restriction.
Despite
the
availability
outpatient
psychotherapies,
current
treatment
approaches
face
significant
barriers,
including
high
costs,
limited
accessibility,
relapse
rates.
Additionally,
traditional
interventions
often
rely
on
verbal
engagement
cognitive
restructuring,
which
may
be
ineffective
for
individuals
with
rigidity
impaired
interoception—key
features
AN.
These
challenges
underscore
urgent
need
accessible,
self-administered
intervention
that
can
complement
existing
therapies.
To
address
this
need,
we
developed
RelaxNeuron,
novel
neurofeedback
(NF)
software
designed
to
modulate
response
stimuli
facilitate
adaptive
neural
regulation
in
AN
patient.
Unlike
conventional
NF,
targets
general
states,
RelaxNeuron
dynamically
responds
users'
emotional
physiological
reactions
using
electroencephalography
(EEG)
electrocardiogram
(ECG)
signals.
The
system
provides
real-time
feedback
based
both
state
inference
eye-tracking
performance,
helping
users
gradually
reduce
food-related
anxiety
attentional
biases.
By
reinforcing
more
patterns
through
repeated
training,
aims
alleviate
conditioned
responses,
promoting
flexible
less
distressing
food.
Beyond
its
therapeutic
application,
also
serves
as
research
instrument
studying
neurophysiological
aspects
AN,
particularly
eye
movement
abnormalities,
interoceptive
deficits,
modulation.
Given
multifactorial
nature
future
studies
should
explore
integrating
genetic-based
optimize
long-term
recovery
outcomes.
Preliminary
results
suggest
NF-based
offer
promising,
cost-effective,
scalable
alternative
struggling
those
unable
access
treatment.
Further
needed
validate
clinical
efficacy
integration
within
comprehensive,
multidisciplinary
framework.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: March 18, 2025
Language: Английский