Neurofeedback & Meditation Research Study
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are conducting a study on neurofeedback and meditation for individuals at clinical high risk for mental illness.
Fast Facts
Have Experienced Recent Changes in Thinking, Behavior, or Experiences
18-30 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Boston & Charlestown, MA
Study Background
This study will explore how neurofeedback combined with meditation can help people who have experienced changes in their ability to think clearly, pay attention, or learn, as well as those who have experienced unusual sensory experiences or thoughts.
Neurofeedback is a method that teaches you to change how your brain works to improve cognitive function. Previous research has shown that both meditation and neurofeedback can have positive effects on brain function. In this study, we are also including participants without symptoms in order to compare the two groups and gain a better understanding of the effects.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30 and have noticed recent changes in your thinking, behavior, or experiences such as confusion about what is real, feelings of suspicion or paranoia, or unusual thoughts like feeling that others can hear your thoughts, we invite you to consider participating in this important study. While this is not a treatment study, the study procedures may help reduce certain symptoms you’re experiencing. The goal is to better understand how neurofeedback, combined with meditation, may improve cognitive and brain function, and how this could help those at clinical high risk for developing mental health conditions.
Study Background
This study will explore how neurofeedback combined with meditation can help people who have experienced changes in their ability to think clearly, pay attention, or learn, as well as those who have experienced unusual sensory experiences or thoughts.
Neurofeedback is a method that teaches you to change how your brain works to improve cognitive function. Previous research has shown that both meditation and neurofeedback can have positive effects on brain function. In this study, we are also including participants without symptoms in order to compare the two groups and gain a better understanding of the effects.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30 and have noticed recent changes in your thinking, behavior, or experiences such as confusion about what is real, feelings of suspicion or paranoia, or unusual thoughts like feeling that others can hear your thoughts, we invite you to consider participating in this important study. While this is not a treatment study, the study procedures may help reduce certain symptoms you’re experiencing. The goal is to better understand how neurofeedback, combined with meditation, may improve cognitive and brain function, and how this could help those at clinical high risk for developing mental health conditions.
Additional Information
We are seeking young adults aged 18-30 to participate in a cutting-edge Neurofeedback (NFB) research study using real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This study explores how brain-based feedback can reduce symptoms associated with early risk for mental illness.
You may be eligible if you’ve recently noticed changes such as:
- Confusion about what is real or imaginary
- Feeling suspicious or paranoid (e.g., believing others are watching or talking about you)
- Difficulty controlling your own thoughts or ideas
- Unusual sensory experiences (e.g., hearing voices or seeing things others don’t)
- Trouble learning or expressing yourself clearly
Inclusion Criteria
- Age between 18-30
- Experiencing recent changes in thinking, behavior, or perception as described above
Exclusion Criteria
- Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
- History of traumatic brain injury or neurological disorders
- Prior antipsychotic medication use exceeding 6 weeks, or use within the past 30 days
- Moderate to severe substance dependency
If you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating, you may qualify for this innovative study aimed at improving mental health through personalized brain training.
Visit 1: Complete neuropsychological assessments, including clinical and cognitive testing.
Visit 2: Undergo MRI scanning (structural MRI, functional MRI, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy), plus training in noting practice (a form of meditation), and participate in a neurofeedback session (either sham or real neurofeedback).
Visit 3: Repeat MRI and neurofeedback session (those who received sham neurofeedback will receive real neurofeedback in this session).
Participants will be compensated for their time and effort:
Visit 1: $60
Visit 2: $110
Visit 3: $110
Total compensation: $170 or $280, depending on whether you receive real or sham neurofeedback during Visit 2.
Additionally, we provide $25 for travel expenses and offer snacks and refreshments during study visits.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
