--- title: Can neurofeedback targeting emotion brain regions help people with PMDD? description: Neurofeedback targeting the amygdala (a brain region that processes emotions) significantly reduced anger and other emotional symptoms compared to control neu url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/limbic-self-neuromodulation-as-a-novel-treatment-option-for-emotional-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Can neurofeedback targeting emotion brain regions help people with PMDD? Randomised trial, 2023 # Can neurofeedback targeting emotion brain regions help people with PMDD? Neurofeedback targeting the amygdala (a brain region that processes emotions) significantly reduced anger and other emotional symptoms compared to control neurofeedback. Improvement was stronger in people who learned more from the training. Early or limited evidence 27 people with PMDD (mean age 33.57 years) ## What they did 27 people with PMDD (mean age 33.57 years) were randomly assigned to neurofeedback targeting the amygdala or control neurofeedback. Both groups completed 11 sessions over 3 menstrual cycles, with follow-up 3 months later. ## What they found The amygdala-targeting group showed significant improvement in emotional symptoms, especially anger, compared to control at 3-month follow-up. People who learned more during training showed greater overall symptom improvement. ## What it means for you Amygdala-targeted neurofeedback might be a non-invasive treatment for emotional symptoms in PMDD. Main limitations are the very small sample size (27 total) and lack of sham placebo control, making it unclear if benefits come from brain training or from expectation. 27 Participants 11 Neurofeedback sessions 3 Menstrual cycles ## About the study Original title Limbic self-neuromodulation as a novel treatment option for emotional dysregulation in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); a proof-of-concept study Authors Tene O, Bleich Cohen M, Helpman L et al. Journal Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences Year 2023 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Amygdala-targeting neurofeedback versus control neurofeedback, 11 sessions over 3 menstrual cycles Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13574](https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13574) Original abstract Aim: To assess the efficacy of a novel neurofeedback (NF) method, targeting limbic activity, to treat emotional dysregulation related to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Methods: We applied a NF probe targeting limbic activity using a functional magnetic resonance imaging-inspired electroencephalogram model (termed Amyg-EFP-NF) in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. A frontal alpha asymmetry probe (AAS-NF), served as active control. Twenty-seven participants diagnosed with PMDD (mean age = 33.57 years, SD = 5.67) were randomly assigned to Amyg-EFP-NF or AAS-NF interventions with a 2:1 ratio, respectively. The treatment protocol consisted of 11 NF sessions through three menstrual cycles, and a follow-up assessment 3 months thereafter. The primary outcome measure was improvement in the Revised Observer Version of the Premenstrual Tension Syndrome Rating Scale (PMTS-OR). Results: A significant group by time effect was observed for the core symptom subscale of the PMTS-OR, with significant improvement observed at follow-up for the Amyg-EFP group compared with the AAS group [F(1, 15)=4.968, P = 0.042]. This finding was specifically robust for reduction in anger [F(1, 15) = 22.254, P < 0.001]. A significant correlation was found between learning scores and overall improvement in core symptoms (r = 0.514, P = 0.042) suggesting an association between mechanism of change and clinical improvement. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that Amyg-EFP-NF may serve as an affordable and accessible non-invasive treatment option for emotional dysregulation in women suffering from PMDD. Our main limitations were the relatively small number of participants and the lack of a sham-NF placebo arm. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Mood swings and emotion regulation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-emotional-regulation/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains? Case-control study, 2026 Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle? Systematic review, 2025 Do people with PMDD and severe PMS have difficulties with emotion regulation? Randomised trial, 2007 Does paroxetine work better if taken daily or just during your luteal phase for PMDD? Study, 2025 Do women with PMDD who experienced childhood trauma have more trouble recognizing emotions? Randomised trial, 2024 Does emotion-focused therapy help PMDD symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗