Recruiting
Amygdala Neurofeedback for Depression - Large Scale Clinical Trial
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
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT05703256
PhaseNA
Enrollment200
SponsorKymberly Young
Age18 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Major Depressive Disorder
About this 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
Interventions
- Device: Amygdala real-time fMRI neurofeedback — Participants are shown activity from their left amygdala in real time and are instructed to increase the level of activity in that region by thinking of positive autobiographical memories
- Device: Sham feedback — Participants are shown activity from another participant's left amygdala who previously completed the task and are instructed to increase the level of activity in that region by thinking of positive autobiographical memories
Primary outcomes
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) (baseline vs up to one year)
Eligibility information
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.
Study locations
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261 United States
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.