Neurofeedback of amygdala activity for PTSD

摘要 实时功能磁共振成像（rt-fMRI）数据的神经反馈是一种新技术， 脑功能的特定方面被监测并作为反馈信号提供给受试者。受试者 然后利用反馈作为训练信号来练习控制他们大脑功能的这一方面。大 许多研究报告成功地训练人们通过这种技术来控制他们的大脑功能。 拟议的研究项目将这种技术应用于治疗和研究创伤后应激障碍 （PTSD）。更具体地说，该项目研究rt-fMRI数据的神经反馈是否可以使个人 患有PTSD的人，发展对杏仁核中与焦虑症状有关的区域活动的控制， 从而减轻他们的创伤后应激障碍症状如果是这样，这项新技术可能会产生一个低风险，非侵入性的临床 PTSD的干预。此外，休息状态下大脑区域之间的功能连接模式将被 在神经反馈之前和之后进行检查，以确定内在的大脑动力学是如何被神经反馈改变的。 干预，以及这些变化如何与临床症状的变化相关。这将通知我们的 了解PTSD症状背后的网络动力学。

Abstract Neurofeedback of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) data is a new technique in which a specific aspect of brain function is monitored and provided as a feedback signal to the subject. The subject then practices controlling that aspect of their brain function using the feedback as a training signal. A large number of studies have reported success in training people to control their brain function via this technique. The proposed research project applies this technique to treating and studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More specifically, the project examines whether neurofeedback of rt-fMRI data can enable individuals with PTSD to develop control over activity in a region of their amygdala involved in symptom anxiety and thereby reduce their PTSD symptoms. If so, this new technique may yield a low-risk, non-invasive clinical intervention for PTSD. In addition, patterns of resting state functional connectivity between brain areas will be examined before and after neurofeedback to determine how intrinsic brain dynamics are altered by the intervention, and how those alterations relate to changes in clinical symptoms. This will inform our understanding of the network dynamics underlying PTSD symptoms.