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Amygdala Neurofeedback for Depression - Large Scale Clinical Trial
Recruiting
Confirmatory Efficacy Randomized Clinical Trial of Amygdala Neurofeedback for Major Depressive Disorder
Who can join
Ages 18 to 55 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
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.
About the study
The goal of this study is to evaluate whether rtfMRI-nf training to increase the amygdala response to positive memories may serve as a stand-alone intervention for major depressive disorder
What is being tested
- Amygdala real-time fMRI neurofeedback (device)
- Sham feedback (device)
Sponsor: Kymberly Young · Participants: 200 · Started: Jun 1, 2023
Contact the study team
- Kymberly Young, PhD · Phone: 412-648-6179
- Lisa Stupar · Phone: 412-383-8100
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05703256
Locations in the U.S.
| Pennsylvania | University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.