Brain study reveals secrets of placebo effect in depression

NCT ID NCT02562430

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looked at why some people with depression feel better after taking a placebo (a sugar pill with no active drug). Researchers used brain scans and other tests to find biological markers linked to this placebo response. The goal is to improve future depression treatments and clinical trials by understanding how the brain's own healing mechanisms work.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL) and placebo (sugar pill)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help researchers understand why placebos work for some people with depression, potentially leading to smarter clinical trials and more personalized treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not testing a new treatment. The findings may not directly lead to new therapies or apply to everyone with depression.

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 depressive disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Depression Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

More trials for these conditions

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