Neurofeedback Study for Treatment Resistant Depression

STUDY BASICS

Are you 18-55 years old and depressed? Have you taken at least 2 antidepressant medications? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to find out if an intervention called neurofeedback can improve symptoms in people with treatment resistant depression. Participation involves interviews, questionnaires, and MRI scanning. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Many adults struggle with depression, but standard antidepressant treatments often fail to help. Depression that does not get better with treatment is sometimes called “treatment resistant depression.” The purpose of this study is to help researchers find out if an intervention called neurofeedback can improve symptoms in patients with treatment resistant depression. Neurofeedback involves showing a person their brain activity during a brain scan and teaching them how to better understand and control their brain activity.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-55
• Diagnosed with depression
• Have taken at least 2 antidepressant medications
• Right-handed
• Participants may or may not be currently taking an antidepressant medication
• Willing and able to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic, no non-removable metal in your body, if female, not pregnant)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves an initial phone call to find out if you are eligible to participate in the study. If eligible after screening, you will complete a series of 4 visits over about 3 months. 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.