Evaluating a wellbeing intervention's effects on inflammation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• University of California, Los Angeles
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Robin Blades
• Email: rblades@g.ucla.edu
• Phone: 5105205780

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.