Can brain training help depressed young adults stop ruminating?

NCT ID NCT06219681

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback could help young adults with major depression reduce repetitive negative thinking. Participants received either real or fake feedback while their brain activity was monitored. The trial was terminated early, so the findings are limited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

real-time fMRI neurofeedback

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could point toward a non-drug therapy for reducing repetitive negative thinking in depression.

What could go wrong

The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. It was a small, early-stage study, and the intervention may not work for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Laureate Institute for Brain Research

    Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, United States