Neuroanatomically Informed fMRI Neurofeedback in Healthy Adults

This study will test and refine a type of brain training called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback in healthy adults. Neurofeedback allows participants to view real-time information about their own brain activity while undergoing an MRI scan and to attempt to modify this activity using mental strategies. The study focuses on a brain circuit involving regions important for decision-making, attention, and emotion. Participants will complete two neurofeedback MRI sessions. In one session, feedback will be based on activity within individual brain regions. In the other session, feedback will be based on communication (functional connectivity) between brain regions, guided by prior knowledge of their anatomical connections. The order of the two sessions will be randomized. The main objective is to determine whether incorporating information about the anatomical organization of brain circuits can improve fMRI neurofeedback. The findings will be used to optimize neurofeedback methods for future studies, including studies involving psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Inclusion Criteria: * self-reported healthy volunteer status * ability to give informed consent and willing and able to comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * personal history of psychiatric or neurological diseases * present suicidal ideation * personal history of head injury * systemic medical disease from self-report (which may confound interpretation of neuroimaging measures) * intoxicated on the scanning day and/or history in the last 3 months of illicit substance use/dependence, or active substance use disorder (SUD) * metallic foreign objects * prone to panicking in enclosed spaces or claustrophobia * positive pregnancy test for females, self-reporting of pregnancy, or breastfeeding * current psychotic symptoms