New group therapy aims to rewire depressed brains
NCT ID NCT07388004
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests two new group therapies for adults with major depression. One therapy helps change rigid negative expectations, while the other boosts sensitivity to positive experiences. 150 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the therapies or a waiting list, and their symptoms will be tracked for 6 months. The goal is to see if targeting these specific brain processes leads to better and longer-lasting relief.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 150 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-80 years * Current diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5, confirmed by structured clinical interview (e.g., DIPS) * Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) score ≥ 9 * Ability to attend group therapy sessions (2×/week for 5 weeks) * Ability to undergo MRI scanning (for participants in the fMRI component) Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current or lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or primary substance use disorder * High acute suicide risk requiring immediate intervention * Severe neurological disorder, brain injury, or contraindications for MRI (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia) * Ongoing psychotherapy or initiation of a new antidepressant medication within the past 4 weeks * Insufficient German language proficiency to participate in therapy and complete study assessments * Cognitive impairment or other conditions interfering with informed consent or study participation
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Philipps-University Marburg
RECRUITINGMarburg, Hesse, 35032, Germany
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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