Actively Recruiting
Stanford-Matter Neuroscience High-Resolution fMRI Advanced Neurofeedback Feasibility Trial Using Matter Neuroscience App for Depression
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-05-26
240
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating depression using the Matter Neuroscience app, a smartphone application designed to help users understand and activate positive emotions through photos and other personal information. The study aims to lay the groundwork for future clinical trials by measuring changes in depression symptoms and brain function. This trial focuses on adults with mild to moderate nonpsychotic major depressive disorder and involves detailed brain imaging with a 7TMRI scanner. Participants are assigned randomly to one of eight groups that differ by the presence or absence of home training, neurofeedback, use of personal or stock photos, and repeated brain scans. The app helps users collect and rate positive moments, which generates a Matter Score reflecting neurotransmitter activity linked to brain plasticity. Some groups will practice home training while others will not, and some will receive neurofeedback to see how it affects mood and brain changes. During the study, participants will undergo multiple assessments including depression rating scales at several time points: screening, baseline, immediately after treatment, and follow-ups at one, three, and optionally six months. Brain imaging will be done at baseline and during follow-up visits to track changes. Participants will use the app regularly to record positive emotions, and researchers will monitor safety and treatment response throughout the study lasting several months.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
fMRI Neurofeedback With Matter Neuroscience App
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or female between 18 and 80 years old at screening
- Primary diagnosis of nonpsychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features
- MADRS depression score between 15 and 25
- Able to read, understand, and provide written informed consent in English
- Possess an iPhone with compatible iOS or willing to use a loaner iPhone
- Experienced at least one lifetime antidepressant treatment failure
- Stable dose of primary antidepressant medication for at least 4 weeks prior to baseline and agree to maintain dose
- In good general health as determined by medical history and physician
- Women of reproductive potential agree to use highly effective contraception
- Adequate vision (with or without glasses) to view study materials in MRI
- Agree to follow lifestyle considerations during the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindication to MRI such as ferromagnetic metal in body
- Severe claustrophobia
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or planning pregnancy during the study
- Primary psychiatric condition other than MDD requiring treatment, except stable anxiety
- History or current psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or severe borderline personality disorder
- Intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodevelopmental disorders
- Current moderate or severe substance use disorder or acute withdrawal
- Positive urine drug test for recent recreational drug use except marijuana
- Considered at significant risk for suicide
- Recent or concurrent use of rapid acting antidepressant treatments (ECT, TMS), excluding ketamine
- Significant neurologic diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's, brain tumor, seizure disorder
- Untreated or poorly controlled endocrine or metabolic disorders
- Other conditions deemed by physician to interfere with study or increase risk
- Alexithymia as determined by a specific scale
- Treatment with investigational drugs during study period
- Not currently experiencing a major depressive episode
- More than 5 lifetime adequate antidepressant medication failures
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 - Up to 6 weeks
Participants use the Matter Neuroscience app on an iPhone to engage with positive emotion activities and collect photos, with some groups receiving home training and/or neurofeedback through repeated brain scans.
Multiple visits including baseline and repeated scans at Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, and immediate post-intervention
Duration - Up to 6 months
Participants are monitored for changes in depression and brain function after completing the intervention.
Visits at 1 month, 3 months, and optional 6 months post-intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Stanford University Brain Stimulation Lab
Stanford, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Stephanie Wan
N
Nick Bassano
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
8
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