Using brain training to help people with treatment-resistant depression
Amygdala rtfMRI Neurofeedback for Treatment Resistant Depression
This study is exploring a new way to help people with treatment-resistant depression by using a special brain training technique that encourages positive feelings, and it's designed for those who haven't found relief with standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10830285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD) by using real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) to enhance amygdala activity in response to positive memories. Participants will undergo five training sessions aimed at increasing their brain's response to positive stimuli, which may help alleviate depressive symptoms. The study will assess changes in brain activity and the effectiveness of this intervention in improving mood and emotional responses. By focusing on the amygdala's role in emotional processing, the research seeks to provide a new therapeutic avenue for those who have not benefited from traditional treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder who have not responded to standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with mild depression or those who have responded well to traditional antidepressant therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar neurofeedback techniques for depression, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Kym — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Young, Kym
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 below.