Fronto-limbic Functional Connectivity Via Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback

Voluntary Regulation of Fronto-limbic Functional Connectivity: A Proof-of-concept Real-time fMRI Study

Real-time fMRI neurofeedback training induced volitional control of brain activity and connectivity could help individuals to gain better control over their emotions.

In the present proof-of-concept study, investigators plan to evaluate whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback training can enable individuals to gain volitional control over their fronto-limbic circuitry. Given that this circuitry has been abundantly implicated in emotional perception and regulation this could facilitate emotional control. Suitable participants underwent fronto-limbic connectivity feedback training and sham training in a cross over design. During both trainings participants are instructed to regulate the neural indices during feedback. We expect that receiving fronto-limbic feedback enhances emotion regulation during the training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy subjects without past or current psychiatric or neurological disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant, taking oral contraceptives