Using Neurofeedback to Understand the Relationship Between Stress and Alcohol Consumption

The task is conducted within the MRI scanner and consists of two runs each lasting 11:20 mins., employs a block design and has two different conditions (performance, relaxation), as well as two different task within each condition. Participants undergo the following 2 tasks during the performance condition under time pressure: 1) serial subtraction, 2) a figure matching task. During the performance condition, all participants receive feedback (work faster, mistake, too slow) and are reprimanded concerning their performance. Two investigators in white coats observe the participants with critical facial expression, which is projected to participants through live-video feed during the tasks. The relaxation condition includes easy versions of arithmetic and figure matching task without time constrains or any type feedback on their performance. Performance and relaxation phases are appear in alternating order.

"Two real-time fMRI neurofeedback sessions of 9:30 minutes each are conducted. During these sessions, the participants are instructed to regulate a feedback signal from the ACC. Participants are assigned to either the experimental or Yoke-control group through an automated double-blind procedure. In the neurofeedback sessions, participants in the experimental group receive a feedback signal indicating their current ACC activation. Participants in the control group receive the recorded feedback signal from another participant. The neurofeedback sessions follow a block structure with alternating feedback and rest periods.~Before, between, and after the two sections of the fMRI examination, subjective stress levels and alcohol craving are assessed, and saliva samples are collected for cortisol level determination."