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-11248528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with major depressive disorder feel better by using brain training that helps them respond more positively to happy things, and it’s looking for 200 participants to see if this method really makes a difference in reducing their depression symptoms.
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 | February 18, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $38,120 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH130337-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11248528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not found relief from standard antidepressant medications or therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have not been diagnosed with major depressive disorder 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 reactivity to positive stimuli. Participants will undergo training that allows them to visualize and modify their brain activity related to emotional responses. The study will involve 200 individuals with MDD, who will be randomly assigned to either the neurofeedback intervention or a control group receiving sham feedback. The goal is to determine if this method can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for individuals with depression who do not respond to traditional treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller 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.