Gut feeling: hunger hormone may spark motivation in depression

NCT ID NCT06576440

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study tested whether giving the hunger hormone ghrelin can increase motivation and change energy use in people with major depressive disorder. 24 participants received either ghrelin or a placebo injection and then performed a task where they pressed buttons to earn food or money. Researchers measured motivation, resting energy expenditure, mood, and hunger. The goal was to see if ghrelin's effects are similar in depressed and healthy individuals.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

ghrelin (acyl-ghrelin)

What this could lead to

If ghrelin reliably increases motivation, it could point toward a new way to treat low motivation in depression.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, completed study (24 people) that only measured short-term effects. Results may not apply to real-world treatment or lead to a therapy.

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.

Anhedonia major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen

    Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, 72076, Germany