Training to control brain pathways for emotion regulation
Official title: Real-time Neurofeedback Training of Fronto-limbic Areas Functional Connectivity to Reduce Arousal
Run by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT06033053 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study tests if people can learn to control their brain activity related to emotions using real-time feedback from brain scans to see if it helps reduce anxiety and improve emotional responses.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06033053 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old without any psychiatric or neurological disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current psychiatric conditions, neurological disorders, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates whether individuals can learn to control the functional connectivity between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the amygdala using real-time fMRI neurofeedback. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an active training group or a sham control group to assess the effects on anxiety and arousal levels. The study aims to determine if this neurofeedback training can lead to significant changes in behavioral and psychophysiological responses related to emotion regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with a novel method to manage anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using real-time fMRI neurofeedback is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in modulating brain activity for emotional regulation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age \> 18 years old * other genders * No past or current psychiatric or neurological or other main disorders. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant, taking oral contraceptives * Current use of medications * Contraindication to MRI scanning (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia or other conditions that make them inappropriate for MRI scanning).
Where it's running
-
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Chengdu, Sichuan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Benjamin Becker, Ph.D. — University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
- Study coordinator: Benjamin Becker, Ph.D.
- Email: ben_becker@gmx.de
- Phone: +86-28-61830670
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.