Teaching joy: new program targets anhedonia in kids of depressed moms

NCT ID NCT05988138

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether an 8-week program focused on boosting positive emotions could improve how children of mothers with depression process rewards. 73 children aged 8-12 and their mothers participated. The program used cognitive and behavioral skills to up-regulate positive emotions, and the researchers measured brain responses to rewards using EEG.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Family Promoting Positive Emotions (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a prevention strategy for anhedonia and depression in at-risk youth.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 73 participants, focused on brain activity measures rather than clinical outcomes. Results may not generalize or lead to a proven prevention method.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANHEDONIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANHEDONIA DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Jesup/Hobbs Building

Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, United States

More trials for these conditions

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