Trial will test whether real-time brain feedback can change brain-network patterns linked to psychosis risk
A planned randomized trial will test an MRI-based neurofeedback approach in young adults at clinical high risk of psychosis.
The short version
- What they foundResearchers will test targeted MRI neurofeedback in 40 high-risk young adults.
- What it meansIt is an early planned test of brain-network changes, not a proven treatment.
- What we don't know yetWhether it improves symptoms or prevents psychosis remains unknown.
The study at a glance
- Sample size
- 40 high-risk participants
- Who
- ages 18–30
- Study type
- randomized trial protocol
- Followed for
- before and after intervention
Researchers have published the plan for a small clinical trial of real-time neurofeedback, a technique that lets people see a signal based on their own brain activity while inside an MRI scanner. The trial will enroll 40 adults ages 18 to 30 who are at clinical high risk of psychosis, meaning they have milder psychosis-like symptoms and thinking difficulties that may signal increased risk.
Half will receive feedback based on communication between two brain networks involved in inward-focused thought and deliberate attention. The other half will receive comparison, or sham, feedback based on a different brain network. The researchers will test whether the real feedback changes the targeted brain-network patterns before and after the intervention. This is a study protocol, not a report of results, so it does not yet show that neurofeedback helps symptoms, prevents psychosis, or improves daily life.
Why it matters
This trial tests a way to study whether people can learn to influence specific brain-network patterns in real time. If the approach changes those patterns in a rigorous comparison study, it could guide future research on interventions for people at elevated risk of psychosis.
What to keep in mind
This is a trial protocol, so there are no results yet. The planned study is small and does not establish that neurofeedback improves symptoms, daily functioning, or the chances of developing psychosis.
Joi Frontier Health News shares hopeful, credible health information. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your situation. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency or crisis line.
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