Targeting Adolescent Depression Symptoms Using Network-based Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback and Mindfulness Meditation (NIMH) Mindfulness-Based Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback for Depression (IRB)

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a new mindfulness-based real-time fMRI neurofeedback intervention for adolescents aged 13 to 18 years diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression is common in this age group and current treatments only help about half of patients. The study focuses on rumination, a pattern of repetitive negative thinking linked to depression onset and treatment resistance, by targeting brain activity related to this process. Participants will first receive about 45 minutes of mindfulness training outside the MRI scanner. Then they will undergo one session of mindfulness-based fMRI neurofeedback (mbNF), where they observe their brain activity and practice mindfulness to reduce overactivity in a brain network called the default mode network (DMN). The study compares two groups receiving different mbNF session lengths: 15 minutes or 30 minutes. During the study, researchers will measure changes in brain connectivity before and after mbNF sessions using fMRI. Depression symptoms and rumination will be assessed using clinician interviews, self-reports, and smartphone-based questionnaires at baseline, immediately after treatment, and one month later. The study monitors participant safety and evaluates whether mbNF reduces rumination and depressive symptoms. Participation lasts through these assessments up to one month post-treatment.

Mindfulness-Based fMRI Neurofeedback for Depression