Emotion Regulation Training for Treating Warfighters with Combat-Related PTSD Using Real-Time fMRI and EEG-Assisted Neurofeedback
Abstract
PTSD is a chronic and disabling condition. Neurocircuitry-based models of PTSD emphasize dysregulation of the amygdala, which is involved in the regulation of PTSD-relevant emotions. We are utilizing real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) training with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to directly target and modulate the emotion regulation neurocircuit. By using multimodal data, we proposed to determine which EEG signals/leads correlated with clinical improvement associated with the rtfMRI-nf training and to develop stand-alone EEG neurofeedback training. Difficult recruitment was the main reason behind the two-years (no cost extension) delayed study schedule. Data analysis indicates amygdala training with concurrent EEG recordings in a combat-related PTSD population is feasible, tolerated well, and resulted in improvements in PTSD symptoms. The training enhanced functional connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex in PTSD, and also resulted in increased hippocampus volume associated with PTSD symptom reductions. We identified the variations in frontal upper alpha EEG asymmetry (FEA) during the rtfMRI-nf amygdala training as a promising measure of PTSD severity and treatment response. We determined the feasibility of the standalone EEG-only neurofeedback training protocol based on in combat-related PTSD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1050838
Entities
People
- Jerzy Bodurka
Organizations
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research