Exploring how psychotherapy affects brain function in depression

Research on the Biological Mechanism of the Efficacy of Psychotherapy for Depression Based on the Near-Infrared Functional Imaging System (fNIRS)

NA · First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University · NCT05927129

This study is testing how different types of therapy for depression, including medication and talk therapy, affect brain function to see which works best.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University (other)
Locations1 site (Zhejiang, Hangzhou)
Trial IDNCT05927129 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the biological mechanisms behind the effectiveness of psychotherapy for depression using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Patients diagnosed with depression will receive medication therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, specifically focusing on Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). Comprehensive fNIRS assessments will be conducted to evaluate changes in brain function, alongside standardized psychological assessments to compare treatment effectiveness. Additionally, blood samples, cranial magnetic resonance images, and electroencephalograms will be collected to further explore the biological markers associated with psychotherapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 to 50 who meet the DSM-5 criteria for depression and are proficient in Mandarin Chinese.

Not a fit: Patients with significant physical illnesses affecting communication and mobility, or those with co-occurring psychiatric disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the biological underpinnings of psychotherapy, potentially leading to more effective treatment strategies for depression.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been neuroimaging studies on depression and psychotherapy, this specific approach using fNIRS to establish biological markers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Meet the diagnostic criteria for depression according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition).
* Have at least a junior high school education or higher.
* Age between 16 and 50 years old.
* Grew up in a Chinese-speaking environment and are proficient in Mandarin Chinese for effective communication.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Physical illnesses that significantly impact communication and mobility.
* Co-occurring psychiatric disorders other than depression.
* History of substance dependence or substance addiction.

Where this trial is running

Zhejiang, Hangzhou

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depressive Disorder, Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, fNIRS, depression, Biological Mechanism, Psychotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.