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

Jodelle Maglaya | | Health Imaging | Screening

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: 

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/nov/21/tests-raise-hopes-for-radical-n…

Jodelle Maglaya

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.

Related Content

Abbreviated MRI protocols present suitable alternatives for liver cancer screening
Routine abdominal CTs offer insight into cardiovascular risk
Screening efforts have helped avert millions of cancer-related deaths in recent decades
What breast density status can tell us about cardiovascular risk
FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans
Patients without PCPs struggle to access lung cancer screening, despite eligibility

Around the web

Radiology Business
The biggest obstacles facing radiology business managers in 2025

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.

Cardiovascular Business
New cardiac prevention paradigm explored in TRANSFORM trial using AI and CCTA

Deepak Bhatt, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and principal investigator of the TRANSFORM trial, explains an emerging technique for cardiac screening: combining coronary CT angiography with artificial intelligence for plaque analysis to create an approach similar to mammography.

Cardiovascular Business
Cardiology practices pay $17.7M to settle fraud allegations brought on by whistleblowers

A total of 16 cardiology practices from 12 states settled with the DOJ to resolve allegations they overbilled Medicare for imaging agents used to diagnose cardiovascular disease.