Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback for Mild/Moderate Depression

The Functional Mechanism of the Neurovascular Coupling: an fMRI-EEG Study in Depressive Depression

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of the self-regulation (neurofeedback) of the fMRI signal of the prefrontal cortex in depression to ones of more conventional non-pharmacological treatment, primarily, psychotherapy.

The study was devoted to the neural, clinical, and psychological effects of the rt-fMRI neurofeedback for mild/moderate depression. Recruited unmedicated patients suffering from depression were assigned either to the fMRI neurofeedback (8 sessions of the left prefrontal cortex activity regulation) or to the active control group, i.e., a double dosage of cognitive-behavioral treatment or EEG neurofeedback (preliminary aborted). Depression symptoms were measured at baseline, at mid-treatment, and at post-treatment points. Some inventories of depression and related traits were also given. In the rt-fMRI group, self-regulation learning was also estimated by means of the fMRI signal change.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosis of unipolar depressive disorder on ICD-10 (F32, F33, F34.1)
• Sufficient self-regulation ability (verified with 3 sessions of ALAY EEG neurofeedback)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious somatic, mental, or substance abuse problem other than depression
• Depression secondary to other mental or somatic conditions
• Psychotic features in depression or comorbid psychotic disorder
• Serious suicide risk
• Seasonal depression
• Receiving or planning to receive psychotropic medications
• Receiving cardiovascular medications
• General MRI exclusions
• Current pregnancy
• IQ<70 (established with Raven's progressive matrices)
• Previous experience with neurofeedback