Neurofeedback for Treatment Resistant Depression

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Treatment Resistant Depression

In brief

The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical efficacy of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) training to increase the amygdala's response to positive autobiographical memories in patients with depression who are considered treatment-resistant

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03428828

Run by

Kymberly Young

People needed

60

Starts

2018-10-22

Expected to finish

2026-03-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• right-handed adults (ages 18 - 55) with a primary diagnosis of MDD according to diagnostic criteria DSM-5 for recurrent MDD who are currently depressed will be recruited to participate
• must be able to give written informed consent prior to participation
• must have fewer than 45% memories categorized as specific on the Autobiographical Memory Test
• must have a SHAPS score > 4, indicating the presence of anhedonia
• unmedicated or stable on an SSRI antidepressant regime (at least 3 weeks to ensure symptoms are stable)
• previously failed to respond to two previous SSRI medications according to either a medical record review or clinical interview during Visit 1

You may not qualify if…

• have a clinically significant or unstable cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal illness or unstable medical disorder
• met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol and/or substance dependence (other than nicotine) within 12 months prior to screening
• have a history of traumatic brain injury
• are unable to complete MRI scan due to claustrophobia or general MRI exclusions (e.g., shrapnel inside body)
• are currently pregnant or breast feeding
• are 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 SSRI antidepressants) likely to influence cerebral blood flow. Effective medications will not be discontinued for the purposes of the study. Inclusion of patients on stable antidepressant medications was decided in order to allow generalization towards a real world population
• have a DSM-5 diagnosis of psychotic or organic mental disorder, bipolar I or II disorder or any past or current manic or hypomanic symptoms, autism, or a primary diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (though co-morbid anxiety will not be excluded)
• have any eye problems or difficulties in corrected vision.

Where it is running

• University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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