Neurofeedback for Adolescent Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Rates of depression increase rapidly during adolescence, especially for girls, and, thus, research is needed to spur the development of novel interventions to prevent adolescent depression. This project seeks to determine if a novel visuocortical probe of affect-biased attention (i.e., steady-state visual evoked potentials derived from EEG) can 1) be used to prospectively predict depression using a multi-wave repeated measures design and 2) modify affect-biased attention and buffer subsequent mood reactivity using real time neurofeedback. This work could ultimately lead to improved identification of adolescents who are at high risk for depression and directly inform the development of mechanistic treatment targets to be used in personalized intervention prescriptions for high-risk youth.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those who have ever taken antidepressants.
Is neurofeedback safe for adolescents?
How is neurofeedback treatment different from other treatments for adolescent depression?
Neurofeedback is unique because it is a non-drug treatment that uses real-time feedback from brain activity to help patients learn to regulate their brain function. Unlike medications, it does not involve taking any substances and instead focuses on self-regulation and neurophysiological changes.13678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Neurofeedback for Adolescent Depression?
Research suggests that neurofeedback, which involves training the brain to change its activity, may help reduce symptoms of depression in adolescents by improving emotional regulation and self-processing. Studies have shown that neurofeedback can lead to short-term changes in brain activity associated with reduced depression symptoms.1391011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mary Woody, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for female adolescents aged 13 to nearly 16 who may be at risk for depression. They must have normal intelligence, no history of neurological issues or serious medical conditions, and cannot have taken antidepressants or have a history of certain mental health disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Neurofeedback Training
Participants receive real-time neurofeedback to modify affect-biased attention using EEG-derived steady-state visual evoked potentials
Laboratory Stressor
Participants complete a laboratory stressor to assess changes in sadness and anxiety reactivity following neurofeedback
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in affect-biased attention and mood reactivity after intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Chronic low back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic pain
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic pain
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator