Brain wave test may reveal if your antidepressant is working

NCT ID NCT00792168

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether brain wave patterns (measured by QEEG) can predict how well people with major depression respond to the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor). Thirty-eight adults with depression received either venlafaxine or a placebo for a short time, then continued with open-label treatment. Researchers monitored brain activity and depression symptoms to see if early brain changes could forecast later improvement.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: venlafaxine (Effexor)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors use brain wave patterns to quickly tell if an antidepressant is working, potentially speeding up treatment decisions for depression.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 38 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The brain wave test (QEEG) is still experimental and not a proven tool for guiding treatment.

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.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States

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