Loading...
In depressed patients, amygdala hemodynamic responses are attenuated with positive stimuli (e.g., happy memories) but are exaggerated with negative stimuli. Some studies have suggested clinical value for real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and smoking cessation. In a randomized, double-blind study, investigators have now examined whether rtfMRI-nf aimed at increasing amygdala activity (i.e., blood-oxygen-level-dependent [BOLD] signals) in response to positive autobiographical memories might alleviate depressive symptoms in 36 unmedicated, moderately depressed adults.
About 75% of participants were chronically depressed; >50% had previously received antidepressants. …