Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD
Conditions
Keywords
Neurofeedback, NFB
Brief summary
This project will examine the use of real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback in the regulation of neural networks underlying symptoms experienced by individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Investigators will use rt-fMRI neurofeedback in order to facilitate emotion regulation during symptom induction, and examine individual differences that influence regulation capacities.
Detailed description
The purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms of real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback as a method by which to regulate functional brain connections underlying symptoms/emotions experienced by individuals with PTSD. The aim of this study is to evaluate further the suitability of state-of-the-art fMRI as a non-invasive therapeutic tool among individuals burdened by PTSD, in order to inform future clinical trials of neurofeedback aiming to reduce symptoms of PTSD. This will be achieved by using rt-fMRI and neurofeedback of brain signals, in order to teach individuals with PTSD to self-regulate the neural networks that are associated with their symptoms. Investigators will examine the mechanisms of self-regulating neural networks using real-time neuroimaging and feedback to these brain signals. Neurofeedback is a form of brain training that allows individuals to improve their health by learning to control signals from their own body. This study will employ a 2 (PTSD group vs. healthy control group) by 2 (arm; experimental vs. sham-control) design. This study involves an assessment which will include clinical interviews and a fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scan. The fMRI scan will involve trauma-word exposure during neurofeedback task runs. During the presentation of the words in the fMRI scanner, participants in the experimental arm will be able to view a feedback display that informs them of the strength of connectivity between the target regions. Participants in the sham-control arm will receive yoked sham neurofeedback signal (or fake signal), corresponding to a replayed feedback signal from a successful participant in the experimental group in order to ensure similar motivational states and following standard methods. In both arms, feedback signals will be relayed back to the participant in the scanner through visualization software as a thermometer that increases or decreases as the extent to which the target model dominates.
Interventions
COMBINATION_PRODUCTConnectivity-based neurofeedback
Real-time fMRI neurofeedback will be used to non-invasively regulate neural network connectivity patterns associated with symptoms and emotional arousal among patients with PTSD and healthy individuals, with the aim to induce lasting neuronal effects and reduce symptoms.
Sponsors
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Masking description
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or sham-control arms under double-blind conditions.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomized to either the experimental or sham arms.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
PTSD Group: * English speaking * age: 18-65 * meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD (as determined by study assessment) Control Group: * English speaking * age: 18-65
Exclusion criteria
All participants: * Individuals with any implants, conditions, etc. that do not comply with 3-Tesla fMRI research safety standards (e.g., certain implants, pregnancy) * history of neurological disorder * history of any pervasive developmental disorder * history of significant head injury/lengthy loss of consciousness (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale Score \< 15 at the time of incident assessed retrospectively by participant) * significant untreated medical illness * alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within the last 3 months PTSD Group: * history of bipolar disorder * history of psychosis * extensive current use of narcotic medications Control Group: * any current or past mental health disorders * extensive current or past psychotherapy * extensive current or past use of psychotropic or narcotic medications
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neural connectivity/activation | 1hour | Investigators will evaluate changes in fMRI neural connectivity and activation as a function of neurofeedback treatment. Specifically, investigators will evaluate changes in fMRI neural connectivity/activity among brain areas included in the neurofeedback target network (which includes areas within the default mode, salience, and central executive networks). |
| Changes in emotional experience over neurofeedback training (RSDI scale) | 1-week | The Response to Script Driven Imagery (RSDI) Scale will assess changes in symptoms after each neurofeedback run in the scanner (3 training runs), in line with previous neurofeedback studies. Investigators will evaluate changes in emotional experience during neurofeedback treatment and at 1-week follow-up, using the RSDI scale. The RSDI has a minimum value of 0 and maximum value of 66 (higher scores indicate more severe symptoms/emotional distress). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in PTSD symptoms over neurofeedback training (PCL-5) | 1-week | The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses symptoms of PTSD. The PCL-5 has a variety of purposes, including monitoring symptom change during and after treatment. Investigators will evaluate changes in PTSD symptoms from baseline, to post-neurofeedback training and at 1-week follow-up using the PCL-5. The minimum score is 0, the maximum is 80 (higher scores indicate increased PTSD severity). |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed