Nicotine's brain impact on depression under the microscope
NCT ID NCT05538910
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how nicotine changes brain function in people with and without major depressive disorder (MDD). Researchers will give 620 non-smokers either a nicotine patch or a placebo and then scan their brains using MRI. Participants will also answer questions about their mood and behavior. The goal is to understand why people with MDD are more likely to use nicotine and have a harder time quitting.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Nicotine patch
What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal how nicotine influences depression-related brain activity, pointing toward better treatments for nicotine addiction in people with depression.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear links, and results may not apply to smokers or people with other conditions.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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National Institute on Drug Abuse
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••