Key result
Biofeedback shows promising but limited evidence for reducing impulsivity and craving in addictive disorders.
Why the study?
Biofeedback is a promising tool for psychological disorders, prompting a review of recent evidence regarding its use for impulsivity-related processes in addictive disorders.
Biofeedback techniques, including neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback, show promise as adjunctive treatments for modulating impulsivity and craving in addictive disorders, though more robust research is needed.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Should not yet alter addiction care; leaves open biofeedback's adjunctive role pending controlled trials.
Purpose of Review Biofeedback is a promising technique that has been used as a treatment tool for different psychological disorders. In this regard, central (neurofeedback) and peripheral psychophysiological signals are presented as comprehensible stimuli with the aim of training specific processes. This review summarizes recent evidence about its use for the treatment of impulsivity-related processes in addictive disorders. Recent Findings Neurofeedback (NFB) protocols, based on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have focused on substance use disorders. Biofeedback protocols using peripheral measures have been mainly based on heart rate variability and focused on behavioral addictions. EEG-NFB reported good results in the reduction of hyperarousal, impulsivity and risk taking in alcohol use disorder, and decreased rates of smoking and less craving in nicotine addiction. In fMRI-NFB, effective NFB performance has been related with better clinical outcomes in substance use disorders; however, its implication for treatment is still unclear. Heart rate variability biofeedback results are scarce, but some interventions have been recently designed aimed at treating behavioral addictions. Summary In addictive disorders, biofeedback interventions for impulsivity-related processes have shown promising results, although the literature is still scarce. Further research should aim at proving the effectiveness of biofeedback protocols as a treatment option for impulsivity in addictive disorders.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lucas et al. (2023) conducted a review in Addictive disorders. Biofeedback interventions (EEG-NFB, fMRI-NFB, HRV biofeedback) was evaluated. Biofeedback interventions, including neurofeedback and heart rate variability biofeedback, show promising results in reducing impulsivity, craving, and risk-taking in addictive disorders, although current evidence is limited.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: