Using Functional MRI Neurofeedback to Modulate Self-blame in Major Depressive Disorder

Inclusion Criteria: * Capacity to consent. Participants will be asked to complete consent before trial begins * Understanding of verbal and written information given in English * Online access * Aged 18 or over * Male or female * Clinical diagnosis of MDD, with the following characteristics: * Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V (DSM-V) criteria for MDD * Experience of a previous major depressive episode (MDE) lasting at least two months (evidence of recurrent depression) * Patients must have stable symptoms, lasting at least six weeks before experimental group randomisation * Exhibiting at least partial treatment resistance, evidenced by insufficient response to at least one psychological intervention or antidepressant intervention * Current use of antidepressants is not basis for exclusion, but patients must be on a stable dose for at least six weeks without improvement before the study start, and must remain at this dose throughout the study Exclusion Criteria: * Standard reasons for being unable to undergo MRI (e.g. metal implants) * Impairments of vision or hearing which cannot be corrected for during the treatment sessions * Pregnant or breastfeeding * History of manic or hypomanic episodes, or schizophreniform or schizophrenia symptoms, or substance abuse * History of violent behaviour or aggressive impulses * History of neurological disorders such as seizures, loss of consciousness following brain injury or medical disorders affecting brain functio…