Investigating real-time neurofeedback and its effects on brain function in individuals at high risk for psychosis
Official title: Real time neurofeedback, its neurotransmitter underpinnings, and therapeutic effects, in clinical high risk individuals
Funded at Boston VA Research Institute, INC. · NIH-10909197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for people who are at high risk of developing psychosis to try a new treatment that combines brain training with mindfulness exercises, hoping to improve how their brains work and help them think better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston VA Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,217,224 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH129479-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals identified as being at clinical high risk for psychosis, particularly those exhibiting attenuated psychotic symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at clinical high risk for psychosis or those with established psychotic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on individuals who are at clinical high risk for developing psychosis, a critical period before the onset of severe mental illness. The study aims to test a novel approach using real-time functional MRI-based neurofeedback combined with mindfulness techniques to improve brain connectivity and cognitive outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active neurofeedback intervention or a control condition, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of this treatment. By targeting specific brain networks associated with psychosis, the research seeks to provide insights into potential early interventions for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that help prevent the onset of psychosis in at-risk individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using neurofeedback techniques in various mental health conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niznikiewicz, Margaret a — Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Niznikiewicz, Margaret a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.