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.
Disclaimer
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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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Locations
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Center for Neuromodulation in Depression and Stress
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States