Amygdala self-neuromodulation capacity as a window for process-related network recruitment

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Neurofeedback (NF) shows potential for neuroplasticity and self-regulation.
• Amygdala-targeted NF is explored for psychiatric conditions, but individual response varies.
• Understanding neuromodulation capacity is key to optimizing NF effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the development of neuromodulation capacity using amygdala electrical fingerprint (Amyg-EFP)-NF.
• Examine neural correlates of capacity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-NF.
• Identify factors influencing individual differences in neuromodulation capacity.

Main Methods:

• Repeated sessions of Amyg-EFP-NF and post-training fMRI-NF were conducted.
• 97 participants (healthy, PTSD, fibromyalgia) were included.
• Individual differences were assessed based on pre-training amygdala reactivity and initial success.

Main Results:

• Amyg-EFP neuromodulation capacity increased with training, linked to fMRI capacity and alexithymia improvement.
• Pre-training amygdala reactivity and initial success predicted individual differences in capacity.
• Amygdala downregulation during fMRI-NF co-modulated with the posterior insula and parahippocampal gyrus.

Conclusions:

• Gained neuromodulation capacity is associated with improved self-regulation and alexithymia.
• A network involving the amygdala, insula, and parahippocampal gyrus is relevant to capacity.
• Optimizing NF requires considering individual differences in brain function and modulation capacity.