Mindfulness-based Neurofeedback Study for Adolescents Aged 13 to 21 With High Levels of Negative Thinking

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adolescents aged 13 to 21 who experience repetitive negative thinking and are considered at risk for serious mental illness. The study aims to compare brain connectivity patterns, specifically in the default mode network DMN, between at-risk adolescents and healthy peers. It also evaluates whether a longer session of mindfulness-based neurofeedback can reduce DMN connectivity more effectively. This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 50 at-risk adolescents and 50 matched healthy controls. The study includes a 45-minute mindfulness training for at-risk participants, focusing on a technique called mental noting to help manage distress. After training, participants receive either active mindfulness-based neurofeedback or a sham version during MRI scans. Both at-risk and healthy control participants undergo resting state MRI scans to assess DMN connectivity, with at-risk adolescents receiving two 15-minute neurofeedback sessions. Healthy controls do not receive any intervention. Participants attend multiple visits, including baseline clinical assessments and MRI scans to measure brain connectivity before and after mindfulness practice. At-risk adolescents complete daily surveys for about four weeks and have a follow-up clinical assessment one month after their scan. The study measures changes in DMN connectivity at several time points to evaluate the effects of the neurofeedback intervention, ensuring careful monitoring and data collection throughout the trial period.

Effect of Mindfulness-based Neurofeedback for Adolescents With Elevated Repetitive Negative Thinking