Title |
Alpha/Theta Neurofeedback Increases Mentalization and Default Mode Network Connectivity in a Non-Clinical Sample
|
---|---|
Published in |
Brain Topography, September 2017
|
DOI | 10.1007/s10548-017-0593-8 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Claudio Imperatori, Giacomo Della Marca, Noemi Amoroso, Giulia Maestoso, Enrico Maria Valenti, Chiara Massullo, Giuseppe Alessio Carbone, Anna Contardi, Benedetto Farina |
Abstract |
Several studies showed the effectiveness of alpha/theta (A/T) neurofeedback training in treating some psychiatric conditions. Despite the evidence of A/T effectiveness, the psychological and neurobiological bases of its effects is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the A/T training in increasing mentalization in a non-clinical sample. The modifications of electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity in Default Mode Network (DMN) associated with A/T training were also investigated. Forty-four subjects were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive ten sessions of A/T training [neurofeedback group (NFG) = 22], or to act as controls [waiting list group (WLG) = 22]. All participants were administered the mentalization questionnaire (MZQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). In the post training assessment, compared to WLG, NFG showed a significant increase of MZQ total scores (3.94 ± 0.73 vs. 3.53 ± 0.77; F1;43 = 8.19; p = 0.007; d = 0.863). Furthermore, A/T training was also associated with a significant increase of EEG functional connectivity in several DMN brain areas (e.g. Posterior Cingulate Cortex). Taken together our results support the usefulness of the A/T training in enhancing mentalization and DMN connectivity. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 5 | 38% |
France | 1 | 8% |
Netherlands | 1 | 8% |
Spain | 1 | 8% |
Canada | 1 | 8% |
Italy | 1 | 8% |
Unknown | 3 | 23% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 7 | 54% |
Scientists | 4 | 31% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 15% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 112 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 19 | 17% |
Student > Bachelor | 18 | 16% |
Student > Master | 15 | 13% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 8 | 7% |
Researcher | 8 | 7% |
Other | 21 | 19% |
Unknown | 23 | 21% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Psychology | 25 | 22% |
Neuroscience | 19 | 17% |
Engineering | 10 | 9% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 9 | 8% |
Computer Science | 4 | 4% |
Other | 14 | 13% |
Unknown | 31 | 28% |