Novel Neural Circuit Biomarkers of Depression Response to Computer-augmented CBT (CCBT)

Are you suffering from depression? The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is seeking participants for an NIH-funded study. You can receive computer-augmented cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT), an FDA-approved treatment, from a CBT certified MD or PhD at no cost.
If you are interested, please click here to fill out our screening form and we will contact you if you qualify.
Some eligibility requirements include:
  • Ages 18-60 years old
  • Symptoms of depression
  • Have a smart phone (iPhone or Android)
  • Have access to a personal computer or electronic tablet
  • Eligible to receive MRI scans (not claustrophobic)
  • Willing to complete questionnaires
  • Willing to participate in the study for 8-12 weeks

 

Illustration of the brain

 

Detailed study description

CCBT is a trial of an FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), “computer-augmented cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT)”, to examine potential neural circuit biomarkers of CCBT treatment response. The goal of this project is to complement therapist-guided treatment with computer-based training at home to determine if treatment outcomes and brain effects are the same as traditional CBT. Demonstration of CCBT's efficacy may considerably improve the accessibility of CBT and streamline the efforts of therapists. MDD subjects will be randomized to either immediate or delayed treatment with 8 weeks of CCBT. We also will enroll 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All subjects will have an fMRI at baseline, while MDD subjects will have an fMRI after each treatment phase.