Alcohol Use Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
neurofeedback, EEG, abstinence self-efficacy, mindfulness, alpha-theta
Brief summary
This study examined the effects of sequential prefrontal alpha-theta neurofeedback training on abstinence self-efficacy, mindfulness, and brain electroencephalography (EEG) activity in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Participants in the experimental group received 24 sessions of neurofeedback over 8 weeks (3 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session), while a control group received no intervention. EEG and self-report measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training
Operant conditioning-based neurofeedback: 5 min alpha (8-12 Hz) + 25 min theta (4-7 Hz) at prefrontal sites Fp1/Fp2 per session; 24 sessions over 8 weeks supervised by a certified practitioner. Audio feedback (ocean waves for alpha, birdsong for theta) delivered via Power Nap device (Neuro21, Korea) while participants remained eyes-closed and seated.
Sponsors
Seoul University of Buddhism
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Adults diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria 2. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Korean (AUDIT-K) score \>= 20 (males) or \>= 10 (females) indicating high-risk drinking 3. Voluntary written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
1. Sensory impairment (visual or auditory) 2. Diagnosis of intellectual disability 3. Current use of antipsychotics, central nervous system stimulants, or sedatives 4. Active neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, recent traumatic brain injury) 5. Severe psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., active psychosis) contraindicated for EEG-based neurofeedback
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abstinence Self-Efficacy | Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8) | Total score on the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASE; Korean adaptation), a 20-item scale with four subscales (Negative Affect, Social/Positive Emotions, Physical and Other Concerns, Withdrawal and Urges), each rated 0-4; higher scores indicate greater confidence in maintaining abstinence. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness | Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8) | Total score on the Mindfulness Scale (20 items, 4 subscales: Decentered Attention, Nonjudgmental Acceptance, Present-Moment Awareness, Attentional Focus), rated 1-5 (reverse-scored); higher scores indicate greater mindfulness. |
| EEG Relative Power | Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8) | Relative spectral power (% of total power) across delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR; 12-15 Hz) bands at prefrontal sites (Fp1, Fp2), measured using eyes-closed resting EEG with the NeuroBrain system. |
Countries
South Korea
Outcome results
None listed