Brain Activity Feedback During 7-Tesla MRI Scans in People With Depression
Tests repeated real-time brain feedback sessions in adults with major depressive disorder.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Mechanisms of Repeated Real-time Biofeedback With 7-Tesla MRI in Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Oxford, United KingdomSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07694076, who can take part
Where in United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN) FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe HospitalOxford, United KingdomTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Oxford
- Trial code
- NCT07694076
- Record updated
- 3 November 2026
- Original description
Previous work demonstrated that individuals are able to self-regulate their ventral tegmental area (VTA) activity using real-time biofeedback. The current study expands this approach to a larger sample with repeated training sessions to more robustly characterize the effects of VTA modulation. This mechanistic study will assess change in mood and motivation-related measures, as well as neural activity and connectivity changes.Read full original descriptionShow less
Mechanisms of Repeated Real-time Biofeedback With 7-Tesla MRI in Depression
Previous work demonstrated that individuals are able to self-regulate their ventral tegmental area (VTA) activity using real-time biofeedback. The current study expands this approach to a larger sample with repeated training sessions to more robustly characterize the effects of VTA modulation. This mechanistic study will assess change in mood and motivation-related measures, as well as neural activity and connectivity changes.
Inclusion: Male or female aged 18-65 years; Meets DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis Disorders (SCID) or the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI); with a current major depressive episode; as conducted in a research-based non-clinical setting; Participants must have a level of understanding of the English language sufficient to agree to all tests and examinations required by the study and must be able to participate fully in the informed consent process.
Exclusion: Antidepressant medication initiated within 2 weeks of the Baseline Assessment and concomitant use of any other medication with central nervous system activity during active participation; Current or history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder, neurocognitive disorder or cognitive impairment; Active substance use disorder within the past 1 year; Any unstable medical illnesses; Women who are pregnant; Any contraindications to MRI; Active suicidal intent or plan.