Major Depression Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are conducting a study on personalized neurofeedback using MRI to help reduce depressive symptoms in adults experiencing a depressive episode.
Fast Facts
Adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)
Not currently taking psychoactive medication or in therapy
Conducted in
Philadelphia, PA
Study Background
This study is exploring whether personalized neurofeedback can help retrain attention patterns in the brain and reduce symptoms of depression.
Depression is often linked to negative attention bias, which means the brain naturally focuses more on negative information than positive or neutral information. This pattern can make depressive symptoms stronger and harder to overcome. Researchers are studying whether a new type of neurofeedback can gently guide the brain toward healthier attention patterns by responding to a person’s real-time brain activity.
In this study, participants complete tasks while inside an MRI scanner. The scanner measures brain activity and provides feedback that changes based on how well the participant is paying attention. Because the study is randomized and double-blinded, neither the participant nor the researcher knows whether the feedback is tailored or not. This helps ensure results are accurate and unbiased while testing the effectiveness of this innovative treatment approach.
Study Background
This study is exploring whether personalized neurofeedback can help retrain attention patterns in the brain and reduce symptoms of depression.
Depression is often linked to negative attention bias, which means the brain naturally focuses more on negative information than positive or neutral information. This pattern can make depressive symptoms stronger and harder to overcome. Researchers are studying whether a new type of neurofeedback can gently guide the brain toward healthier attention patterns by responding to a person’s real-time brain activity.
In this study, participants complete tasks while inside an MRI scanner. The scanner measures brain activity and provides feedback that changes based on how well the participant is paying attention. Because the study is randomized and double-blinded, neither the participant nor the researcher knows whether the feedback is tailored or not. This helps ensure results are accurate and unbiased while testing the effectiveness of this innovative treatment approach.
Additional Information
This study is testing a new psychotherapy-based neurofeedback method to reduce negative attention bias and improve depression symptoms.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Not currently taking psychoactive medication
- Not currently in therapy
- Speak English
- Able to undergo an MRI (no permanent metal in the body)
- Live in Pennsylvania
- Ages 18-65
-
Complete an initial screening and eligibility confirmation
-
Attend all study visits in person in the Greater Philadelphia Area
-
Each visit lasts about 2.5 hours
-
At each visit, you will:
-
Complete a behavioral task
-
Fill out self-report questionnaires about your symptoms
-
Participate in an MRI scan while doing a task
-
-
You will complete a total of 5 MRI scan visits
-
After the MRI visits, you will complete two virtual follow-ups at:
-
One month
-
Three months
-
-
All interested participants will be directed to an online survey to begin screening
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.