NCT06080646 · San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Reward Processing and Depressive Subtypes: Identifying Neural Biotypes
What this study is about
Deficits in motivation and pleasure are common in depression, and thought to be caused by alterations in the ways in which the brain anticipates, evaluates, and adaptively uses reward-related information. However, reward processing is a complex, multi-circuit phenomenon, and the precise neural mechanisms that contribute to the absence or reduction of pleasure and motivation are not well understood.
View original scientific description
Deficits in motivation and pleasure are common in depression, and thought to be caused by alterations in the ways in which the brain anticipates, evaluates, and adaptively uses reward-related information. However, reward processing is a complex, multi-circuit phenomenon, and the precise neural mechanisms that contribute to the absence or reduction of pleasure and motivation are not well understood. Variation in the clinical presentation of depression has long been a rule rather than an exception, including individual variation in symptoms, severity, and treatment response. This heterogeneity complicates understanding of depression and thwarts progress toward disease classification and treatment planning. Discovery of depression-specific biomarkers that account for neurobiological variation that presumably underlies distinct clinical manifestations is critical to this larger effort.
Interventions
OTHER
cross-sectional MRI and EEG assessments (NO INTERVENTION)
n/a there is no intervention in this observational study
Primary outcome measures
Stimulus preceding negativity
Time frame: 1 month (EEG measure of reward anticipation)
Stimulus preceding negativity (EEG measure of reward anticipation) of reward-related brain activation patterns and EEG responses on participants
Reward positivity
Time frame: 1 month (EEG measure of reward feedback)
Reward positivity (EEG measure of reward feedback) of reward-related brain activation patterns and EEG responses on participants
Late positive potential
Time frame: 1 month (EEG measure of effective salience)
Late positive potential (EEG measure of affective salience) of reward-related brain activation patterns and EEG responses on participants
fMRI response to win vs. loss reward feedback
Time frame: 1 month (fMRI data)
fMRI response to win vs. loss reward feedback of reward-related brain activation patterns and EEG responses on participants
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18-70 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) for MDD group, or without for unaffected comparison (UC) group
- Negative metal screen for MRI safety
- Normal (or corrected to normal) vision
Exclusion criteria
- Past or present neurological problems (including seizures and head trauma resulting in neurological or cognitive symptoms)
- Loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 30 minutes or any LOC with neurologic symptoms
- Major medical conditions (e.g., seizure disorders, treatment with anticonvulsant medication, endocrine disorders, significant cardiac pathology)
- Substance dependence, within the past year, or failed urine toxicology on the day of neuroimaging sessions
- Known claustrophobia
- Current Pregnancy
- IQ estimate \< 70
Where
- San Francisco, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 2, 2024 · Source of record for eligibility and locations