Neurofeedback Training of Metacognition in Subjects With Alcohol Use Disorder. Disorder Induces Neural Modifications: an Event-related Potentials Study

Neurofeedback Training of Metacognition in Subjects With Alcohol Use Disorder. Disorder Induces Neural Modifications: an Event-related Potentials Study

Training Metacognition by Means of Neurofeedback in Subjects With Alcohol Use Disorder Induces Neural Modifications: an Event-related Potentials Study

Addressing cognitive deficits in alcohol use disorder (AUD) supports recovery. Impaired metacognitive functioning in AUD causes compromised recognition of the interoceptive state leading to the maintenance of alcohol abuse despite negative consequences. By promoting greater self-awareness and self-regulation, neurofeedback training is of high relevance in metacognition remediation to support abstinence. The main objective of the present study is to validate neurofeedback as a complementary clinical tool to overcome metacognitive deficits that represent a significant factor in the maintenance of harmful consumption behavior and relapse phenomena in AUD.

Neurofeedback uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self regulation of brain function. People can learn to control their own brain activity through operant conditioning, where they receive feedback on their brainwaves and learn to modify them to achieve a desired state. Active neurofeedback group aims at enhancing the sensorimotor rhythm (12-15 Hz).

Neurofeedback uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self regulation of brain function. People can learn to control their own brain activity through operant conditioning, where they receive feedback on their brainwaves and learn to modify them to achieve a desired state. Placebo feedback group (PFT) : patients enhance random frequency bands

Metacognitive assessment by means of a questionnaire. Scores from 6 to 24, with higher scores meaning worse outcomes.

Metacognitive assessment by means of a questionnaire. Scores from 6 to 24, with higher scores meaning worse outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged between 18 and 65 years old undergoing a 3- to 4-week detoxification treatment program at the Alcohol Unit of CHU Brugmann hospital (Brussels, BELGIUM), who have been diagnosed with severe AUD (alcohol use disorder) according to the DSM-V-TR. Exclusion Criteria: history of neurological disorders other serious medical conditions neuroleptic treatment are excluded.