Evaluating a wellbeing intervention's effects on inflammation

Effects of a Wellbeing Intervention on Inflammation Through Reward and Threat Processes

This study is testing whether a program that helps people focus on positive experiences can lower inflammation in college students.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 25 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Los Angeles, California)
• Trial ID: NCT06294145 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how a savoring intervention can influence reward and threat processes, potentially reducing inflammation. The intervention aims to enhance positive affect, which may blunt stress responses and lead to lower inflammation levels. Participants, consisting of 20 undergraduate students, will undergo a 7-week program involving brain scans, daily diaries, questionnaires, a behavioral task, and blood collection before and after the intervention. The study seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which wellbeing impacts inflammation and health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 with moderate depression and low positive affect.

Not a fit: Patients with serious medical conditions or diseases that influence inflammation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved mental and physical health by reducing inflammation associated with low positive affect.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using savoring to influence inflammation is novel, related studies have shown that wellbeing interventions can positively impact health outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Moderate to moderately severe depression indicated by a PHQ-8 score between 9 and 20
* Low positive affect indicated by a PANAS score of less than 24
* No anxiety to moderate anxiety indicated by a GAD-7 score of less than 15
* 18 to 25 years old
* English speaking
* Willing to refrain from starting other psychosocial/pharmacological treatments until study completion

Exclusion Criteria:

* MRI contraindications (left-handedness, claustrophobia, colorblindness, pregnancy, metal implants, and BMI above 35)
* Presence of disease that may influence inflammation (e.g. asthma requiring inhaler, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, gum disease, sleep disorder, eating disorder)
* Presence of serious medical conditions (e.g. anemia, cancer (current or history), diabetes, endocrine disorder, fibromyalgia, heart problems)
* Presence of disease that may impact patterns of neural activity (e.g. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, head trauma, epilepsy, problems with drugs or alcohol)
* Use of medications that may influence inflammation in last 6 months
* Bupropion, dopaminergic or neuroleptic medications in last 6 months, consistent with other studies that investigate anhedonia, given their potential influence upon reward processing
* Current use of heterocyclics and SSRIs if not stabilized for at least 3 months
* History of regular (5-7 times per week) drug use (marijuana, cocaine, stimulant use before age of 15)
* Current nicotine use (more than 11 cigarettes a week or nicotine equivalent)
* Prior or current behavioral activation psychotherapy
* Concurrent psychotherapy

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

• University of California, Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Robin Blades

Conditions Low Positive Affect