Neurofeedback treatment for major depression with anhedonia
Official title: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Study to Produce Guidelines for Integrating Prism for MDD Therapy (Reward System [RS] Upregulation) and to Demonstrate Its Superiority Over Sham Therapy
Run by GrayMatters Health Ltd. · NCT06982820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new neurofeedback treatment called Prism to see if it can help people with major depression and a lack of pleasure feel better over 24 weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 22 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 170 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | GrayMatters Health Ltd. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (Providence, Rhode Island and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06982820 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and experiencing significant anhedonia, who have previously tried at least one antidepressant treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI or those who have exhibited suicidal behavior in the past year may 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 research aims to evaluate a new treatment called Prism, which utilizes neurofeedback training to help individuals suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) characterized by anhedonia. Participants will undergo a series of assessments and training sessions over a 24-week period, including brain activity measurements through MRI and EEG. The study will compare the effects of active neurofeedback training against a sham treatment to determine its efficacy in improving depressive symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel and effective approach for alleviating symptoms of major depression, particularly the loss of pleasure in activities.
How similar studies have gone: While neurofeedback approaches have been explored in other studies, this specific application for MDD with anhedonia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Primary Diagnosis of MDD with Anhedonia, established according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM5TR) - HDRS-17 score of ≥20, SHAPS-C score of ≥25. 2. Fluency in written and spoken English. 3. Able intellectually to understand the instructions 4. Ability to give signed, informed consent either written or electronic (via REDCap eConsent). 5. Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing. 6. Ability to adhere to the study schedule. 7. Completed at least one antidepressant treatment course at an adequate dose and duration in the current episode per the ATRQ. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal in the body, claustrophobia). 2. Any suicidal behavior in the past 1 year (i.e., actual attempt, interrupted attempt, aborted attempt, or preparatory acts or behavior) assessed using Columbia -Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) prior to screening and during the screening period. 3. Diagnosis for current moderate or severe substance or alcohol use disorder (SUD/AUD) within the past month (as defined in DSM-5-substance use disorder). 4. Any unstable medical condition, as per the clinical judgement of the investigator. 5. Any change in, or initiation of, fluoxetine within the past 8 weeks or of other SSRIs/SNRIs antidepressants, bupropion, stimulants, or other psychiatric medications within the past 4 weeks. 6. Recent initiation (within the past 2 months) of psychotherapy; continuation of established maintenance supportive therapy will be permitted. 7. Enrollment in another therapeutic clinical study at screening or within 2 months prior to screening or intended enrollment within the duration of this study.
Where it's running
-
Butler Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting -
Houston Center For Advanced Psychiatric Treatment
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Sheba Medical Center
Ramat Gan, Israel Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Adar Shani, MSc
- Email: adar@graymatters-health.com
- Phone: +972-54-2347770
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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.