Mind over mood: brain training shows promise for depression
NCT ID NCT05703256
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether real-time brain feedback can help people with major depression. Participants learn to increase activity in the amygdala, a brain region linked to emotion, by recalling positive memories. The goal is to see if this training can reduce depressive symptoms and improve daily functioning without medication.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- real-time fMRI neurofeedback
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free, non-invasive way to reduce depressive symptoms by training the brain's emotional center.
- What could go wrong
- This is a mid-stage trial with 200 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be small or no better than sham feedback, and benefits may not last.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jun 2023
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 55 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 18 - 55 * primary diagnosis of MDD and are currently depressed * able to give written informed consent prior to participation * unmedicated OR are stable on an antidepressant regime (at least 4 weeks to ensure symptoms are stable). Effective medications will not be discontinued for the purposes of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * clinically significant or unstable cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal illness or unstable medical disorder * Current severe DSM-V alcohol or substance use disorder, with the exception of nicotine or caffeine. Clinician will access subjects' alcohol and substance use on a case-by-case to determine whether specific cases of mild or moderate alcohol or substance use would also interfere with the effects of the intervention. * history of traumatic brain injury * unable to complete MRI scan due to claustrophobia or general MRI exclusions (e.g., shrapnel inside body) * currently pregnant or breast feeding * unable to complete questionnaires written in English * current (within 3 weeks of testing) use of any antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, stimulants, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, or other medications (except antidepressants) likely to influence cerebral blood flow. Effective medications will not be discontinued for the purposes of the study. * diagnosis of psychotic or organic mental disorder, bipolar I or II disorder. * eye problems or difficulties in corrected vision.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Major depressive disorder are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can an antipsychotic restore feelings in people with depression?
- Can intense brain zaps lift depression? scientists track blood flow in real time
- Can an ancient herbal capsule boost antidepressant power?
- Can talk therapy keep Esketamine's relief going?
- Can brisk walking boost antidepressant results?
- Scientists probe brain's reward system in mental illness