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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 11, 2022 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04864080 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
- Study coordinator: David Darrow
- Email: hdlab@umn.edu
- Phone: (612) 624-6666
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.