fMRI-based Neurofeedback to Relieve Drug-resistant Auditory Hallucinations

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, LILLE · Mar 11, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The INTRUDE trial is studying a new treatment for people with schizophrenia who experience drug-resistant auditory hallucinations—these are sounds or voices that aren't real and can be very distressing. The researchers want to see if a special technique called fMRI-based neurofeedback can help these patients. This method uses real-time brain imaging to help patients learn how to change their brain activity and reduce the severity of their hallucinations. The trial will involve 86 participants, who will be divided into two groups: one will receive the active treatment while the other will receive a placebo (a fake treatment that looks the same) without knowing which one they're getting. Each patient will go through four sessions of feedback, and the researchers will measure how well their hallucinations improve.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, experience frequent auditory hallucinations, and be on stable medication for at least 30 days. They should not have any severe neurological disorders, be pregnant, or have issues with MRI scans, such as claustrophobia. If you or someone you know fits these criteria and is interested in participating, this trial could provide a new hope for managing challenging symptoms.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Schizophrenia (according to the DSM-5 classification)
• • Frequent auditory hallucinations (SAPS item #1 ≥ 4)
• • Stable medication for at least 30 days
• • Absence of chronic neurological disorder (including seizure)
• • Able to provide free written consent to participate in the research
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy
• • Contraindication to MRI scan
• • Claustrophobia
• • No social insurance