The Therapeutic Efficacy of Neurofeedback in Depression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators examined the therapeutic efficacy of neurofeedback in depression subjects. The investigators hypothesize that 5 weeks neurofeedback training will be able to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Detailed Description
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Subject Fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for depressive disorders. Persons who had organic disorders were excluded. Who had been treated by psychoactive drugs for at least 2 months prior to the study were excluded. Design Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (EEG biofeedback /psychotherapy placebo) by block randomization. EEG biofeedback training was provided for 5 weeks(10 sessions, twice per week). Each training session was composed of 6 four minute trials followed by 5 thirty second rest periods Psychotherapy placebo session was provided for 5 weeks. These sessions consisted of additional assessment, interpretation of the test results and providing information on course and treatment of mood disorder. After subjects completed the training, they participated in a month-long (twice per week) self-training session to maintain a similar mental state during neurofeedback training sessions without feedback system's assistance. Subjects who had finished the psychotherapy placebo were referred to other therapists as necessary.

Official Title
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The Therapeutic Efficacy of Frontal EEG Asymmetry Neurofeedback in Depression

Conditions
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Depression

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Neurofeedback
* Behavioral: Psychotherapy placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: clinical diagnosis of mood disorder right handed current BDI-2 score exceed 10 Exclusion Criteria: with psychotic symptom with organic disorders treated by psychoactive drugs for at least 2 months prior to the study history of pathologic alcohol use

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: 2<br>Psychotherapy placebo session | Behavioral: Psychotherapy placebo<br>* These sessions consisted of additional assessment, interpretation of the test results and providing information on course and treatment of mood disorder.<br>|
| Experimental: 1<br>Neurofeedback training which enhance left frontal alpha wave. | Behavioral: Neurofeedback<br>* enhance relative activity level of left frontal activity<br>* Other names: Asymmetry training;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| frontal EEG asymmetry indexes |  | 5 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BDI-2 |  | 5 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Depression, Biofeedback, Psychophysiology