Scientists have found a "brain-altering" technique: Fears can become a thing of the past.
By combining artificial intelligence and brain imaging technology, scientists from Japan have developed a technique that can change a person's preferences, increase their self-confidence or overcome their fears. The technique called The Decoded Neurofeedback is thought to be used to treat psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or phobia. But technology is in its infancy. Because scientists said that the technique has not yet worked for everyone. While the data was obtained from more than 60 people participating in 5 different studies, he published it in the hope that other experts could help improve the technology.
The lead author of the study, published in the scientific journal Scientific Data, researcher at the ATR International Institute (ATR). Aurelio Cortese said that their technology could bring enormous benefits to patients trying new treatment modalities.
Patients can get rid of the stress brought on by exposure therapy or the side effects of medications. So it is very important that we develop The Decoded Neurofeedback technique quickly, and this will only be possible if more scientists are working on the data.
According to the Daily Mail, the research team combined artificial intelligence with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in their technology. In this way, when a person suffering from arachnophobia (fear of arachnophobia) saw a photo of the tarantula, the reaction of his brain could be examined.
While the scientists determined that the brain reacted in a certain way each time the person in question saw the tarantula, the data were recorded with a computer. However, reactions that appear to be the same occur during the natural activities of the brain. When the reactions occurred at the same time as fear, the participants were given a cash prize. Ultimately, this positive reinforcement was seen to change the brain. So a person with arachnofibia started to react differently when they saw a spider.
Dr. Mitsuo Kawato said about the research:
The Decoded Neurofeedback experiments are used to neuroimaging, imaging activity in the brain, and identifying complex activity patterns that resemble a particular memory or mental state. Each time the model is detected, we give participants a small reward. A simple action like this alters the original memory or mental state.