Near-infrared Spectroscopy-based Neurofeedback as Adjunct to Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement in Persons With Chronic Pain

Near-infrared Spectroscopy-based Neurofeedback as Adjunct to Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement in Persons With Chronic Pain

The primary aim of this pilot trial is to enhance the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) intervention by adding neurofeedback (NF) of the Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC) as an adjunct to the savoring component of MORE. We hypothesize that the use of NF to train OFC responses during savoring will amplify patients' ability to savor and thereby increase brain responsivity to natural rewards; such enhanced reward responding will in turn be associated with improvements in clinical outcomes (e.g., pain, analgesic use).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18 years of age,
2. ability to understand and speak the English language
3. current chronic pain-related diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

1. mindfulness training experience (e.g., participation in MBSR/MBRP)
2. neurofeedback experience
3. current cancer diagnosis
4. having a psychiatric or medical condition that precludes the ability to provide informed consent or participation in outpatient treatment (e.g., psychosis, mania, acute intoxication)
5. suicidal ideation with a plan in the past week, or a suicide attempt in the past 3 months
6. unwilling, unable, or unlikely to complete study procedures (e.g., planned major surgery, anticipated move, travel barrier)
7. communication or cognitive impairment that limits participation in group treatment or study procedures