Mind over mood: brain training shows promise for depression
NCT ID NCT05703256
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether real-time brain feedback can help people with major depression. Participants learn to increase activity in the amygdala, a brain region linked to emotion, by recalling positive memories. The goal is to see if this training can reduce depressive symptoms and improve daily functioning without medication.
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 it works, this could offer a drug-free, non-invasive way to reduce depressive symptoms by training the brain's emotional center.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial with 200 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be small or no better than sham feedback, and benefits may not last.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••