RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Repeated Real-time Biofeedback With 7-Tesla MRI for Treatment of Depression

This research explores a new method to help people with major depression. It uses a special type of MRI scanner, called a 7-Tesla MRI, to give individuals real-time feedback on their brain activity. Participants learn to control a specific brain area, called the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is linked to motivation and mood. Because current depression treatments don't work for everyone, scientists are looking for new options. This study aims to understand if training people to adjust their VTA activity can improve depression symptoms. Researchers will compare those who get real brain feedback with a control group who get 'sham' (fake) feedback. They hope to see if this brain training can lead to lasting positive changes in mood and motivation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2033

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

Imagine learning to control a part of your brain that plays a big role in your mood and how motivated you feel. That's exactly what this study is exploring for people dealing with major depression. We know that current treatments don't work for everyone, so scientists are always looking for new and better ways to help. This research focuses on a specific area of the brain called the ventral tegmental area, or VTA, which is important for feelings of motivation and reward.

Previous small studies have shown that people can, with practice, learn to adjust the activity in their VTA using a special type of MRI scanner. This scanner shows them their brain activity as it's happening, almost like a mirror for your brain. This study aims to build on those findings by including more people and having them do more training sessions. The goal is to see if learning to control the VTA can lead to real, lasting improvements in mood and motivation for people with depression. They will also look at how these changes in brain activity are linked to how people feel.

Participants will be split into two groups: one will get 'active biofeedback,' meaning they'll see their actual brain activity, and the other will get 'sham biofeedback,' which is like a placebo or fake feedback. This helps researchers compare the true effects of the training. By understanding how controlling brain activity might help, this study could pave the way for exciting new, personalised treatments for depression in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new brain training method for major depression.
Uses advanced MRI to help individuals self-regulate brain activity.
Aims to improve mood and motivation in people with depression.
Compares real brain feedback with a 'sham' (placebo) approach.
Could lead to more personalised depression treatments in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers between 18 and 65 years old who have been diagnosed with major depression and are currently experiencing a depressive episode. You'll need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to participate in all parts of the study and understand what you're agreeing to.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a history of conditions like schizophrenia or other serious mental health disorders, or if you've had issues with drug or alcohol misuse recently. Also, if you have any serious ongoing medical conditions, are pregnant, or have anything that would make an MRI scan unsafe, you won't be able to take part.

Additionally, if you've recently started or changed antidepressant medication in the last two weeks, or are taking other medicines that affect the brain, you might not be eligible. The study also cannot accept anyone who has active thoughts or plans to harm themselves.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with major depression and are currently experiencing symptoms?
Can you understand and speak English well enough for the study?
Do you have a history of serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia?
Are you pregnant or do you have any metal implants that would make an MRI unsafe?
Have you recently started or changed antidepressant medication?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have an assessment to confirm your eligibility for the study. You will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either the active brain training group or the control group receiving 'sham' feedback. You won't know which group you're in, and neither will the researchers directly involved in your training, to keep the results fair.

The core of the study involves attending two training sessions. During these sessions, you'll be inside a special 7-Tesla MRI scanner. While in the scanner, you'll be given tasks and coached on how to try and change your brain activity, watching a visual display of your brain signals. Each session could last a few hours.

You'll also have assessments before, during, and after these training sessions to check your mood, motivation, and other brain activity. The study does not involve taking new medication, but it's important to discuss any current medications with the research team. The total duration of your active participation, including all visits and follow-ups, will be explained in detail, but it will involve multiple visits over a period of time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit if the active brain training helps improve your mood and motivation, although this is not guaranteed, as it is a research study. You would also contribute to valuable scientific knowledge that could help develop better treatments for depression in the future. Potential risks are generally low; MRI scans involve lying still in a confined space, which some people find uncomfortable, and there's the standard risk associated with any research, such as the possibility that the intervention might not be effective for you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN) FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'biofeedback'?

Biofeedback is a technique where you learn to control your body's functions, like brain activity, by seeing real-time information about them, often on a screen.

What is a 7-Tesla MRI scanner?

It's a very powerful type of MRI machine that can get extremely detailed pictures of your brain activity in real-time, helping with the biofeedback.

Will I know if I'm getting 'active' or 'sham' feedback?

No, it's designed so neither you nor the researchers working directly with you will know which type of feedback you are receiving, to ensure unbiased results.

Do I have to stop my current depression treatment if I join?

You must discuss all your current medications with the study team. You might not be eligible if you've recently changed antidepressant medication, but the study itself doesn't involve stopping your established treatment.

What happens after the study ends?

The study team will explain any follow-up plans. The main aim is to gather information, and you'll return to your usual medical care provider after your participation is complete.

How to find out more

Laurel S Morris, Dr

laurel.morris@ndcn.ox.ac.uk 01865 (6)16577 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.