Feasibility and utility of amygdala neurofeedback

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/ Goldway N, Jalon I, Keynan JN, Hellrung L, Horstmann A, Paret C, Hendler T.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022 Jul;138:104694.

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A review of research studies that tested the effects of amygdala-neurofeedback (using either fMRI or amygdala-EFP) on the ability to self-regulate the amygdala.

This is a meta-analysis of 33 studies, in which amygdala neurofeedback was accomplished either in an EEG setting measuring the amygdala-EFP signal, or in an fMRI setting measuring amygdala activity. Overall, amygdala neurofeedback resulted in (1) increased regulation (relative to baseline), (2) improved self-regulation following multiple training sessions, and (3) improved clinical symptoms following multiple training sessions.

 

The article further analyzes aspects of study design that contribute to neurofeedback efficacy. An additional re-analysis of fMRI studies further revealed that when the amygdala is down-regulated by neurofeedback, the activity reduction in the amygdala is associated with a reduction in activity of other brain regions including the insula, prefrontal cortex, and parahippocampal cortex.​

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To read the full article in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014976342200183X