Gut feeling: hunger hormone may spark motivation in depression

NCT ID NCT06576440

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital Tuebingen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen

Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, 72076, Germany

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