Brain training with MRI shows promise for depression

NCT ID NCT07694076

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Oxford Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether people with major depression can learn to boost activity in a key motivation area of the brain (the ventral tegmental area) using real-time feedback from a powerful 7-Tesla MRI scanner. Participants will practice this mental technique over multiple sessions to see if it improves mood and motivation. The goal is to develop a new, non-invasive way to help manage 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 MRI biofeedback training
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, brain-training approach to help people with depression manage their mood and motivation.
What could go wrong: This is an early, small study (60 people) testing a novel technique. It may not produce lasting mood improvements, and the effects might not generalize beyond the lab setting.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN) FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital
RECRUITING

Oxford, OX39DU, United Kingdom

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