Brain training with EEG and MRI shows promise for depression

NCT ID NCT04450186

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

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

Summary

This pilot study tested a new type of brain training called neurofeedback for people with depression. Participants learned to control their own brain activity using real-time feedback from both EEG and fMRI scans. The goal was to see if combining these two methods could help improve lingering cognitive problems after a depressive episode. The study involved 31 adults and was designed to prepare for a larger trial.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: EEG/fMRI neurofeedback
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new non-drug therapy for depression that helps patients train their own brain activity to reduce symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (31 people) testing feasibility, not effectiveness. Results may not apply to all depressed patients, and the technique is still experimental.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU

Rennes, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.