Understanding how the brain processes rewards in depression
Reward Processing and Depressive Subtypes: Identifying Neural Biotypes Related to Suicide Risk, Resilience, and Treatment Response
This study looks at how the brains of people with depression respond to rewards compared to those without depression to see what might be causing their difficulties in feeling rewarded.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06080646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying reward processing deficits in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). By utilizing a combination of fMRI, EEG, and behavioral assessments, the study aims to characterize how the brain anticipates and evaluates rewards, and how these processes relate to clinical features of depression, including suicidality. The research will compare brain responses to reward anticipation between individuals with MDD and healthy controls, providing insights into the neurobiological variation that contributes to different clinical manifestations of depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-70 diagnosed with major depressive disorder or healthy individuals for comparison.
Not a fit: Patients with past or present neurological problems or significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of biomarkers that improve the classification and treatment of depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding reward processing in depression, but this specific approach is novel in its comprehensive multi-measure methodology.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Our studies require some in-person visits to our research lab, located at 42nd Ave and Clement St in San Francisco. * Because this study includes an MRI, part of the screening process will be to ensure you don't have any metal in your body, you do not have head or neck tattoos, and you are comfortable inside the MRI scanner. Inclusion Criteria: * 18-70 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) for MDD group, or without for unaffected comparison (UC) group * Negative metal screen for MRI safety * Normal (or corrected to normal) vision Exclusion Criteria: * Past or present neurological problems (including seizures and head trauma resulting in neurological or cognitive symptoms) * Loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 30 minutes or any LOC with neurologic symptoms * Major medical conditions (e.g., seizure disorders, treatment with anticonvulsant medication, endocrine disorders, significant cardiac pathology) * Substance dependence, within the past year, or failed urine toxicology on the day of neuroimaging sessions * Known claustrophobia * Current Pregnancy * IQ estimate \< 70
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- San Francisco Healthcare System — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susanna L Fryer, PhD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jason Hemmerle, MBA
- Email: jason.hemmerle@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415 221 4810
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.