Can thinking shrink depression? new Brain-Feedback study tests mind over mood

NCT ID NCT06050070

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a technique called real-time fMRI neurofeedback, where people with depression learn to control brain activity by watching a visual pattern change in real time during an MRI scan. Researchers want to see if this can help regulate brain networks linked to depression. The trial involves 58 adults with major depressive disorder and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

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 successful, this could point toward a non-drug technique to help people with depression better control brain activity and manage symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (58 people) testing feasibility, not treatment. It may not lead to any clinical benefit, and results may not apply to all depression patients.

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 58 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Mar 2024

Expected to finish

Sep 2026

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

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Meets The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders five (DSM5) criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, single or recurrent, active or in partial remission * Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) greater or equal (≥)6, and approximately (\~) 50% with PHQ9≥10 * If participants are taking antidepressant medications, on stable dosage for 4 weeks * No history of active substance use disorder in the past 6 months * Absence of suicidal thoughts with plans or intentions, as assessed by Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) * If a woman of child-bearing age, not pregnant or trying to become pregnant * Ability to tolerate small, enclosed spaces without anxiety * No metals, implants or metallic substances within or on the body that might cause adverse effects to the subject in a strong magnetic field, or interfere with image acquisition, e. g. aneurysm clips, retained particles (for example metal workers with exposures, protocol has more details), etc. * Size compatible with scanner gantry (per protocol) * Ability and willingness to give informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * Size not compatible with scanner * Not meeting diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, active eating disorder or Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) * No history of serious neurological illness (including, but not limited to, seizures/epilepsy) or current medical condition that could compromise brain function, such as liver failure * No history of closed head injury, e. g. loss of consciousness \> \~5 min, hospitalization, neurological sequela

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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 depressive disorder

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.

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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.

Can thinking shrink depression? new Brain-Feedback study tests mind over mood

What the study statuses mean