Using brain training to improve emotional responses in people with depression
Official title: Confirmatory Efficacy Clinical Trial of Amygdala Neurofeedback for Depression
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11099851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with major depressive disorder by using brain training to boost positive memories, and it's for anyone looking for a different treatment option when usual methods haven't worked for them.
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 | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $727,581 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130337-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to conventional pharmacological or psychological treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have responded well to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating major depressive disorder (MDD) by using real-time fMRI neurofeedback to enhance amygdala activity during positive memory recall. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive neurofeedback based on their own brain activity or a control condition where they see the brain activity of another participant. The goal is to determine if this targeted brain training can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms. By focusing on the brain's response to positive stimuli, the study aims to develop a new therapeutic option for those who do not respond to traditional treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals suffering from major depressive disorder who have not benefited from standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies have shown promising results with similar neurofeedback approaches, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.
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
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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.