Can therapy reshape the depressed brain? new study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07091643

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Baycrest Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will use brain scans to see how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) affects the brains of 30 people aged 40-60 with major depression. Participants will receive 12 weeks of CBT, with follow-ups up to 9 months. The goal is to understand how CBT improves mood and thinking, and whether brain changes can be seen on MRI.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how CBT changes the brain in midlife depression, pointing toward better treatments that target both mood and cognitive decline.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (30 people) focused on brain imaging, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to everyone, and the therapy may not work for all participants.

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.

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

Locations

Baycrest Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2E1, Canada

More trials for these conditions

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