Mechanisms of Behavioral Activation (BA)
Eligible age
15–17 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
Yes
See if you qualify for this study
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About this study
The investigators will be comparing brain (neural) activation of depressed adolescent patients before, during and after a course of Behavioral Activation (BA) therapy using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In particular, the project seeks to determine whether BA targets different neural mechanisms for behavioral avoidance associated with low motivation as compared to threat avoidance. A group of healthy controls will also be scanned as a comparator group for behavioral and imaging measures.
Sponsor: Emory University
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Male and female adolescents ages 15-17;
- ✓ current MDD diagnosis as determined by K-SADS-PL,
- ✓ CDRS-R raw score \> 45 (T-score \> 65) at baseline;
- ✓ estimated full scale IQ \> 80 as determined by the WASI-II;
- ✓ able to receive outpatient care;
- ✓ willing to not partake in other psychosocial treatments;
- ✓ not taking psychotropic medications in the two weeks (four weeks for fluoxetine) prior to consent, with the exception of psychostimulant medication prescribed for the treatment of ADHD.
- ✓ Additionally, depressed patients must have access to required technology (e.g. smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer) to complete the EMA portion of the study.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Current or past diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia, schizophreniform, schizoaffective disorders, or psychosis NOS;
- ✕ current diagnosis of developmental disorder, severe conduct disorder, life-threatening anorexia, OCD, or autism-spectrum disorders;
- ✕ taking psychotropic medications prior to entry;
- ✕ estimated IQ \< 80; alcohol/drug dependence or abuse within the last 3 months;
- ✕ potential/confirmed neurological disorder or epilepsy;
- ✕ claustrophobia;
- ✕ presence of a medical condition that precludes fMRI;
- ✕ endorsement of imminent and serious suicidality;
Where it's recruiting
Atlanta
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05548244 · last updated 2026-06-01