A brief automated neurocognitive training to extend ketamine’s quick antidepressant effects
Official title: 1/2 A Brief Automated Neurocognitive Training to Enhance the Real-World Impact of Ketamine's Rapid Antidepressant Effect
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11345783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a digital cognitive training tool designed to prolong the mood benefits after an IV ketamine dose in people with depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $968,785 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136179-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with depression who are receiving ketamine treatment and willing to participate in digital cognitive training after infusion.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not receiving ketamine or those unable to participate in digital training may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to pair a fast-acting ketamine treatment with a computerized self-association training to solidify positive self-views while the brain remains highly plastic. By delivering Automated Self Association Training soon after ketamine, researchers hope to extend the antidepressant window beyond the usual 1-2 weeks. The study will enroll adults with depression and follow them after infusion to see if the combined treatment yields longer-lasting mood improvements and cognitive changes. Outcomes will include depressive symptoms, cognitive processing, and safety, with emphasis on real-world applicability in community ketamine settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer-lasting relief from depressive symptoms after ketamine, reducing relapse and the need for frequent dosing.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests combining neuromodulation with cognitive training can extend treatment effects, but this specific ketamine + ASAT approach is innovative and evidence is developing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Rebecca — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Price, Rebecca
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.