Using brain training to help people with treatment-resistant depression

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Young, Kym — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Young, Kym

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression

  This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.

  NIH research Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · College Station, United States · NIH-11568938

• Personalized deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression

  A new brain-stimulation approach aims to help people with hard-to-treat depression by tailoring where and when stimulation is given based on individual brain signals.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11374734

• Precision brain mapping to understand hard-to-treat depression

  A study using new brain-imaging methods to find reliable biomarkers in people with treatment-resistant depression.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11360699

• Bioenergetic supplements for hard-to-treat depression and anxiety

  A grant test-beds the idea that nutrients like creatine and acetyl-L-carnitine could help people with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems.

  NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11352678

• Multi-site psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression in Veterans

  A large, multi-site study is testing whether psilocybin can help Veterans with hard-to-treat depression, with or without PTSD.

  NIH research Birmingham VA Medical Center · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11298677

• Cell-free DNA as a biomarker for electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression

  A study with people who have treatment-resistant depression will explore whether fragments of DNA circulating in blood can reflect how well electroconvulsive therapy works.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11289221

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.