BACKGROUND: Cue-induced craving plays an important role in relapse, and the neural correlates of cue-induced craving have been elucidated using fMRI. This study examined the utility of real-time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback to strengthen self-regulation of craving-related neural activation and cue-reactivity in cigarette smokers. METHODS: @entity1239 -dependent smokers were randomized to rtfMRI neurofeedback or to a no-feedback control group. @entity1 completed 3 neuroimaging visits. Within each visit, an initial run during which smoking-related cues were used to provoke craving, an individualized craving-related region of interest (ROI) in the prefrontal cortex or anterior cingulate cortex was identified. In the rtfMRI group, activity from the ROI was fed back via a visual display during 3 subsequent runs while @entity1 were instructed to reduce craving during cue exposure. The control group had an identical experience with no feedback provided. RESULTS: Forty-four @entity1239 -dependent smokers were recruited to participate in our study; data from the 33 @entity1 who completed a 1-week follow-up visit were included in the analysis. Subjective craving ratings and cue-induced brain activation were lower in the rtfMRI group than in the control group. LIMITATIONS: As @entity1 were not seeking treatment, clinical outcomes are lacking. CONCLUSION: @entity1239 -dependent smokers receiving rtfMRI feedback from an individualized ROI attenuated smoking cue-elicited neural activation and craving, relative to a control group. Further studies are needed in treatment-seeking smokers to determine if this intervention can translate into a clinically meaningful treatment modality.

Individualized real-time fMRI neurofeedback to  attenuate craving in XXXX -dependent smokers.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participants', 'Participants'] @entity1239 :: ('MESH:D009538', 'Chemical') :: ['Nicotine', 'nicotine']
@entity1239 :: (MESH:D009538,Chemical) :: ['nicotine']
