Understanding how the brain processes rewards in depression and its link to suicide risk and treatment response

Reward processing and depressive subtypes: Identifying neural biotypes related to suicide risk, resilience, and treatment response

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11115545

This study is looking at how depression changes the way the brain responds to rewards, especially for people who feel less motivated or find less joy in things they used to enjoy, to help find better ways to treat different types of depression.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11115545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain's processing of rewards is altered in individuals with depression, particularly focusing on symptoms like anhedonia and amotivation. By examining the neural mechanisms involved, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that can help classify different subtypes of depression and predict treatment responses. The approach combines clinical observations with advanced neurobiological techniques to better understand the variations in depressive symptoms and their underlying causes. Ultimately, this research seeks to pave the way for more personalized treatment strategies for those affected by major depressive disorder.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who experience symptoms such as anhedonia or amotivation.

Not a fit: Patients with depression who do not exhibit significant reward processing issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients with depression, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers related to depression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.