Actively Recruiting
Brain Changes During Social Reward Psychotherapy for Mid- and Late-Life Suicidality: A Precision Imaging Trial
Led by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Updated on 2026-03-27
128
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how social disconnection affects suicidality and depression in middle-aged and older adults. It focuses on the Positive Valence System (PVS) in the brain, which is involved in experiencing social rewards. The study evaluates changes in brain function and behavior related to this system during psychotherapy using advanced imaging and clinical measures. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two 9-week psychotherapy programs. The first, Engage & Connect, is delivered remotely and encourages engaging in rewarding social activities through personalized action plans with a therapist. The second, Symptom Review and Psychoeducation (SRP), involves reviewing symptoms and providing education about depression and aging to help participants better understand their condition. Participants will complete four research assessments and three MRI scans at baseline, midtreatment (week 6), and post-treatment (week 9). Researchers will measure changes in brain connectivity and reaction times related to social feedback. The study includes monitoring of symptoms and brain activity to assess treatment effects over the 9-week period. Participation lasts for the duration of the treatment and assessments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Changes During Social Reward Psychotherapy for Mid- and Late-Life Suicidality
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Ages 50 to 80 years, with approximately half older than 65
- Current suicidal ideation with a specific score on the SCID-5 suicide item
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder confirmed by SCID-5
- Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of 16 or higher
- Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) score of 23 or greater
- Off antidepressants or on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks without planned changes during the study
- Ability to provide informed consent for research and treatment
You will not qualify if you...
- Intent or plan to attempt suicide in the near future
- Other psychiatric diagnoses except major depressive disorder without psychotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, or specific phobia
- Use of psychotropic drugs or cholinesterase inhibitors beyond permitted lorazepam dose
- Neurological disorders such as dementias, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy
- Recent acute or severe medical illness that could affect brain function or ability to participate
- Contraindications to MRI including certain implants or claustrophobia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 9 weeks
Participants attend weekly psychotherapy sessions for 9 weeks, either receiving Engage & Connect therapy focusing on social reward exposure or Symptom Review and Psychoeducation about depression and aging.
Weekly visits for 9 weeks
Duration - Throughout treatment and post-treatment period
Participants complete 4 research assessments and 3 MRI scans to evaluate brain and behavioral changes during and after psychotherapy.
4 research assessments and 3 MRI scans scheduled at baseline, midtreatment (week 6), and post treatment (week 9)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States, 10065
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nili Solomonov, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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