Brain scans train depressed minds to look away from negativity
NCT ID NCT05169346
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether real-time brain scans (fMRI) could help people with major depression learn to stop focusing on negative thoughts. 71 adults received either active or sham neurofeedback while doing a task. The goal was to see if changing brain patterns could reduce depression symptoms.
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 (behavioral intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a new non-drug therapy that helps people with depression shift their attention away from negative thoughts.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early-stage study with only 71 participants. The sham (placebo) group also received some feedback, so the true benefit over placebo is uncertain.
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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
Locations
-
Center for Neuromodulation in Depression and Stress
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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