Cognition-guided neurofeedback enhances response inhibition in MUD

Cognition-guided EEG neurofeedback improves response inhibition among men with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), a study has shown.

Researchers identified methamphetamine cue-related brain activity patterns offline using multivariate pattern analysis of EEG data from all channels during a methamphetamine cue reactivity task. Participants in the real-time feedback phase were trained to deactivate their methamphetamine cue-related patterns, which were presented as feedback.

The study had two samples consisting of 99 men with MUD. Sample 1 included 66 men who received 10 neurofeedback sessions based on their own brain activity patterns (real neurofeedback group 1; n=33) or on randomly matched participants’ patterns (yoke neurofeedback group; n=33).

In sample 2, which validated the findings in the first sample, men were enrolled in a real feedback group (real neurofeedback group 2; n=17) or a standard rehabilitation group (n=16) that received only standard rehabilitation with no other intervention.

Finally, the research team assessed response inhibition through a go/no-go task based on methamphetamine-related cues before and after the intervention.

Men in the real neurofeedback group 1 achieved deactivation of the methamphetamine cue-related brain reactivity patterns relative to those in the yoke feedback group. This led to a significant improvement in response inhibition (d-prime, Cohen’s f=0.31). Neurofeedback performance in real neurofeedback group 1 was associated with enhanced response inhibition.

Furthermore, initial neurofeedback performance and baseline characteristics could predict improvements in response inhibition.

These findings were replicated in the second sample. Response inhibition in real neurofeedback group 2 was improved and predictable. Moreover, the intervention effects in this group were better than those in the standard rehabilitation group.

“These findings underscore the efficacy of cognition-guided neurofeedback for treating MUD, thereby suggesting its potential applicability in other addiction interventions,” the researchers said.