Using real-time brain feedback to help reduce auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients
Official title: Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback as a Tool to Mitigate Auditory Hallucinations in Patients with Schizophrenia
Funded at Boston VA Research Institute, INC. · NIH-10704690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring whether a special brain training technique using real-time fMRI can help people with schizophrenia reduce their troubling auditory hallucinations by teaching them to control certain brain areas, and it involves two groups of participants—one getting the real training and the other a pretend version—to see which is more effective.
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 | June 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,014,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R33MH113751-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10704690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience medication-resistant auditory verbal hallucinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia or those whose auditory hallucinations are well-managed with current treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of real-time functional MRI (fMRI) neurofeedback to help patients with schizophrenia manage auditory verbal hallucinations, a challenging symptom of the condition. The study aims to train patients to regulate brain activity in specific areas, particularly the superior temporal gyrus, which is associated with auditory processing. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving actual neurofeedback and the other receiving a sham treatment, allowing researchers to compare the effects. The goal is to see if this approach can lead to reduced hallucinations and improved brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel non-pharmaceutical treatment option for patients suffering from auditory hallucinations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using neurofeedback techniques for various neurological and psychiatric 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.