Depression & Neurofeedback Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you depressed and between the ages of 18-55? You may be able to take part in a research study to find out if neurofeedback can teach you to train your brain activity and improve your response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Depression is a common and serious problem. Symptoms of depression include feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, irritable, or worthless, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, loss of energy, trouble concentrating, changes in eating and sleeping habits, thoughts of death or suicide, and others. There are many different types of treatments for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that is used to help people change the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are causing problems. CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for some people with depression. The purpose of this study is to find out if an intervention called neurofeedback can improve the response to CBT in people who are depressed. Neurofeedback involves showing a person their brain activity during a brain scan, and teaching them how to better understand and control their brain activity. Research has shown that neurofeedback can reduce symptoms of depression, at least for a short time.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-55
• Experiencing symptoms of depression
• Interested in treatment for your depression
• Right handed
• Willing and able to have an MRI scan

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves 3 visits to UPMC in Oakland on separate days for testing, followed by 10 weekly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions. The CBT sessions are provided at no cost to you, and can be scheduled at your convenience. Testing visits will include interviews, questionnaires, and performing tasks in an MRI scanner. MRI scans are not invasive and do not involve the use of radiation. This study does not involve any medications or blood draws.