Brain training device aims to restore joy in depression
NCT ID NCT06982820
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new treatment called Prism for people with major depression who have lost interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia). Prism is a software device that uses neurofeedback to train the brain's reward system. About 170 participants will receive either real Prism therapy or a sham version to see if it improves mood and pleasure. The study uses MRI and EEG to measure brain activity.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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About 170 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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22 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: 1. Primary Diagnosis of MDD with Anhedonia, established according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM5TR) - HDRS-17 score of ≥20, SHAPS-C score of ≥25. 2. Fluency in written and spoken English. 3. Able intellectually to understand the instructions 4. Ability to give signed, informed consent either written or electronic (via REDCap eConsent). 5. Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing. 6. Ability to adhere to the study schedule. 7. Completed at least one antidepressant treatment course at an adequate dose and duration in the current episode per the ATRQ. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal in the body, claustrophobia). 2. Any suicidal behavior in the past 1 year (i.e., actual attempt, interrupted attempt, aborted attempt, or preparatory acts or behavior) assessed using Columbia -Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) prior to screening and during the screening period. 3. Diagnosis for current moderate or severe substance or alcohol use disorder (SUD/AUD) within the past month (as defined in DSM-5-substance use disorder). 4. Any unstable medical condition, as per the clinical judgement of the investigator. 5. Any change in, or initiation of, fluoxetine within the past 8 weeks or of other SSRIs/SNRIs antidepressants, bupropion, stimulants, or other psychiatric medications within the past 4 weeks. 6. Recent initiation (within the past 2 months) of psychotherapy; continuation of established maintenance supportive therapy will be permitted. 7. Enrollment in another therapeutic clinical study at screening or within 2 months prior to screening or intended enrollment within the duration of this study.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
3 sites in 2 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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
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Butler Hospital
RECRUITINGProvidence, Rhode Island, 02906, United States
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Houston Center For Advanced Psychiatric Treatment
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77401, United States
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Sheba Medical Center
RECRUITINGRamat Gan, Israel
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a new pill ease depression without Add-Ons?
- Brain scans could make TMS for depression more precise
- Can brain training help depressed young adults stop ruminating?