Neurofeedback with functional near-infrared spectroscopy in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A qualitative analysis during exposure to aversive images

• Grant number: 25/12613-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Roseli Gedanke Shavitt
• Grantee: Fernanda Lazzaretto Teixeira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psiquiatria Doutor Antonio Carlos Pacheco e Silva (IPq). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/27250-3 - Neurocircuit-based investigation of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a contribution to the study of disease mechanisms and the development of new treatments, AP.TEM

Abstract

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive acts), often associated with concerns about symmetry, patterns, and hygiene. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) allows noninvasive and real-time monitoring of cerebral blood oxygenation, making it an ideal device for detecting hemodynamic changes in situations such as exposing patients to images that evoke OCD symptoms. When coupled with neurofeedback, fNIRS can allow patients to visualize their own brain activity, gradually being conditioned to regulate it. Based on the analysis of patients undergoing neurofeedback treatment, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with the aim of investigating the strategies used by volunteers to self-regulate the signal obtained through fNIRS after the training period.