Multimodal Differences in Effort-based Decision-Making in Depression (NCT06648460) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Multimodal Differences in Effort-based Decision-Making in Depression
United States90 participantsStarted 2026-08-01
Plain-language summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious condition that causes long-term symptoms such as feeling sad, losing interest in activities, and having thoughts of self-harm. Difficulty in making an effort is a key factor in functional impairment. Current methods to evaluate this difficulty use clinical assessments and computer-based tasks, but there is a gap between the measurements and real-life behavior. To address this, the study team proposes creating an instrumented behavioral test, HORMES, to objectively assess reduced motivation during everyday activities and measure physiological responses. The study will examine differences in brain activity, autonomic system function, and metabolic energy expenditure in patients with major depression during a decision-making task that involves physical effort.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Matched control group
* 18-65 years old
* Able-bodied
* Fluent in English
* Able to give written and verbal informed consent to the proposed experiment
* Able to comprehend the study procedure, potential risks, and benefits
* Group with depression
* Diagnosed with major depression
* Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomology (QIDS) score \> 5
* 18-65 years old
* Able-bodied
* Fluent in English
* Able to give written and verbal informed consent to the proposed experiment
* Able to comprehend the study procedure, potential risks, and benefits
Exclusion Criteria:
* Matched control group
* Current diagnosed psychiatric disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)
* Current pregnancy
* BMI \> 35
* Currently on antipsychotics
* Group with depression
* Diagnosed with psychotic symptoms
* Diagnosed with other neurological or psychiatric disorders
* Current pregnancy
* BMI \> 35
* Currently on antipsychotics
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.