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Computer-Based Intervention for Depression

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Emily L Belleau, PhD

Research Sponsored by Mclean Hospital

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

No first-degree relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis

Absence of any psychotropic medications for at least 2 weeks (6 weeks for fluoxetine; 6 months for neuroleptics; 2 weeks for benzodiazepines; 2 weeks for any other antidepressants);

Must not have

History of use of dopaminergic drugs (including methylphenidate)

History of head trauma with loss of consciousness

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up longitudinal, three time points (baseline, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will study how stress affects the brain's ability to process information related to perceived control among female adolescents with major depressive disorder, as well as how this may be linked to anhedonia (loss of pleasure) and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for female adolescents aged 14-18 with major depressive disorder, not on psychotropic meds for at least 2 weeks, and no first-degree relatives with depression or bipolar. They must be right-handed, English-speaking, in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle for fMRI scanning, and have a personal cell-phone.

What is being tested?

The study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to understand how stress affects perceived control in the brain of adolescent females with depression. It involves a 'value of control task' during the scan to track neural responses.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves only an fMRI scan and computer tasks without medication intervention, there are minimal side effects expected beyond typical MRI-related discomforts such as claustrophobia or noise exposure.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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None of my immediate family has had depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.

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I haven't taken any mental health medications for the required time.

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I am between 14 and 18 years old.

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I haven't taken any mental health medications for the required time.

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I am between 14 and 18 years old.

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I am fluent in English.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have taken medication that affects dopamine levels.

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I have had a head injury that made me lose consciousness.

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I am currently using hormonal replacement therapy, anabolic steroids, or hormonal contraception.

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I have undergone electroconvulsive therapy in the past.

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I have a history of seizures.

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I don't have conditions or implants that prevent MRI scans.

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I do not have any serious or unstable illnesses affecting my heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, hormones, nervous system, or blood.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ longitudinal, three time points (baseline, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~longitudinal, three time points (baseline, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and longitudinal, three time points (baseline, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up) for reporting.