3 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
In this project, the investigators use real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) to causally relate dysfunction of right anterior insula (rAI) and right superior temporal sulcus (rSTS) connectivity with the intensity of repetitive negative thinking (RNT). The investigators hypothesize that rtfMRI-nf reducing rAI-rSTS connectivity would reduce RNT. The investigators propose a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled trial of rtfMRI-nf with 110 young adults (n=55/arm) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and high trait-RNT levels.
The investigators propose to use low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (LIFU), a novel neuromodulation method, to probe the causal involvement of individually defined components of an anteromedial brain circuit in the processing of self-referential thoughts, and the production of repetitive negative thinking (RNT), a prominent transdiagnostic manifestation with adverse clinical consequences. The investigators hypothesize that real vs. sham low-intensity sonication of individually-defined anteromedial structures connecting medial orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices with ventral striatum and anterior thalamus will show reduced initiation or maintenance of RNT as measured by (1) Brief State Rumination Inventory (BSRI) scores and distress associated to repetitive negative thoughts, and (2) improvement of the affective valence associated to self-referential adjectives, and that these changes will be associated with decreased connectivity between structures mentioned above. The present early feasibility study is an initial step that aims to determine its feasibility and help with the planning of a larger study addressed at actual hypothesis testing.
The study will test the hypothesis that mindfulness-based neurofeedback (mbNF) will improve repetitive negative thinking and social and role functioning over sham neurofeedback in adolescents at risk for serious mental illness. To do so, 90 adolescents ages 14-21 with elevated repetitive negative thinking will be enrolled into a double-blind randomized clinical trial of sessions of mindfulness training with either active mindfulness-based neurofeedback or sham neurofeedback and three months of mindfulness practice and follow up.