Scientists watch the Brain's emotion network in real time
NCT ID NCT05152992
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study investigates how the brain's emotion network works by recording brain activity directly from the surface of the brain in people with epilepsy who are already undergoing surgery for seizure monitoring. Participants watch short video clips designed to trigger emotions like fear, sadness, or amusement, and also receive mild electrical stimulation to specific brain regions. The goal is to understand how different parts of the emotion network interact and how this relates to feelings and physical responses, which could help explain why some people develop depression or anxiety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward new treatments for mood disorders like depression and anxiety by identifying specific brain targets.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage observational study with a small, specific group (epilepsy patients), so findings may not apply to everyone. It aims to understand, not treat, the emotion network.
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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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Locations
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University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States