Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Identifying cognitive biomarkers for pain and depression

Official title: Transdiagnostic Cognitive Biomarkers

Run by University of Minnesota · NCT04864080 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to find out if certain brain signals can help us understand how chronic pain and depression affect thinking in people who have these conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment48 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 11, 2022
Main results expectedMarch 1, 2027
Study endsMarch 1, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT04864080 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with chronic pain or depression, as well as healthy controls.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant or under 18 years old will not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the feasibility of identifying cognitive biomarkers that are applicable across different conditions, specifically chronic pain and depression. It will involve 15 healthy controls and 15 participants from each of the disease groups, utilizing task-based fMRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess cognitive function. The study will measure changes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity before and after TMS priming, alongside behavioral assessments and EEG monitoring. The goal is to better understand cognitive dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms in these populations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients suffering from chronic pain and depression.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of identifying transdiagnostic biomarkers is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive dysfunction across various conditions.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Arm 1, healthy controls:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have access to the online study platform.

Exclusion Criteria:

* under 18, non-English speaking

Arm 2: pain and depression:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pain or depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnant women

Where it's running

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.