Can a smartwatch predict depression in teen girls?
NCT ID NCT06816329
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how teen girls with a family history of depression respond to stress compared to those without. Researchers will use brain scans, smartphone surveys, and smartwatches to track stress reactions in real time. The goal is to find early warning signs that could lead to better prevention of depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help identify which teens are most at risk for depression, leading to earlier support and prevention strategies.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly test any therapy, and results may not lead to immediate changes in care.
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 148 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Mar 2030
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
-
13 to 15 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: General Inclusion Criteria for all Adolescent Cohorts: * Female sex assigned at birth * Ages 13-15 * English as first language or English Fluency * Right-handed * Have a personal cell phone to complete the ecological momentary assessments * Ability to give signed, informed consent/assent either written or electronic (via RedCap eConsent) * Normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing Additional Inclusion Criteria for Female Adolescents with a Parental History of MDD, high-risk group: • A biological parent meeting DSM-5 criteria for at least one past/current major depressive episode Exclusion Criteria: General Exclusion Criteria for all Adolescent Cohorts: • Presence of any contraindication for MRI: * Cardiac pacemakers * Metal clips on blood vessels (also called stents) * Artificial heart valve, artificial arms, hands, legs, etc. * Brain stimulator devices * Implanted drug pumps * Ear or eye implants * Known metal fragments in eyes * Exposure to metal filings or shrapnel (sheet metal workers, welders, and others) * Other metallic surgical hardware in vital area * Certain tattoos with metallic ink * Certain intrauterine devices (IUDs) containing metal * Any other metallic objects that are deemed a contraindication to MRI that cannot be removed * Certain transdermal (skin) patches such as: NicoDerm (nicotine for tobacco dependence) Transderm Scop (scopolamine for motion sickness) Ortho Evra (birth control) * Presence of medical or neurological illness that could impact fMRI measures of cerebral blood flow (e.g., head injury resulting in loss of consciousness greater than 5 minutes, seizure, tic disorder, serious/unstable cardiac, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrine, neurologic or hematologic illnesses) * Clinical/Laboratory Evidence of Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism * Use of hormonal replacement therapy, anabolic steroids * Lifetime history of electroconvulsive therapy * Current tobacco product use * Lifetime use of any psychotropic medication * Clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms according to the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (T Score \> 54, Poznanski et al., 1996) * Diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disorder w/ impairment in reading) that would interfere with study tasks (e.g., understanding and completing lengthy battery of questionnaires, ability to complete fMRI scan session and tasks without moving) Additional Exclusion Criteria for Female Adolescents with a Parental History of MDD, high-risk group: • Lifetime or current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 diagnoses of MDD, persistent depressive disorder, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, substance/alcohol use disorder, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder Additional Exclusion Criteria for Female Adolescents without a Parental History of MDD, low-risk group: * Any past or current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 psychiatric or substance/alcohol use disorder * First-degree relative history of any psychiatric disorder
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
-
McLean Hospital
RECRUITINGBelmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a new oral drug lift severe depression?
- Magnetic pulses target teen depression
- 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?