fMRI decoded neurofeedback being tested for therapy to reduce PTSD, phobias

Scientists at the ATR Computational Neuroscience Lab in Japan are using a new technique, called fMRI decoded neurofeedback (DecNef) in hopes to treat patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobias. 

Data suggests that this approach is somewhat promising because it has helped patients in reducing anxieties triggered by specific memories, without asking them to think about them conciously. 

Lead researcher Mitsuo Kawato hopes that this study will become another way to treat patients. Exposure therapy accounts for a 40 percent drop-out rate amongst PTSD patients.

View full article: 

Jodelle joined TriMed Media Group in 2016 as a senior writer, focusing on content for Radiology Business and Health Imaging. After receiving her master's from DePaul University, she worked as a news reporter and communications specialist.

Around the web

Harvard’s David A. Rosman, MD, MBA, explains how moving imaging outside of hospitals could save billions of dollars for U.S. healthcare.

Back in September, the FDA approved GE HealthCare’s new PET radiotracer, flurpiridaz F-18, for patients with known or suspected CAD. It is seen by many in the industry as a major step forward in patient care. 

After three years of intermittent shortages of nuclear imaging tracer technetium-99m pyrophosphate, there are no signs of the shortage abating.