RecruitingPhase 3

Prefrontal Glutamatergic Modulation by NAC and MBCT for Depression in Youth

United States160 participantsStarted 2026-02-26

Plain-language summary

The primary goal is to investigate to what extent changes in glutamate and glutathione modulation and functional integration between brain networks associated with emotion and attention regulation are associated with treatment response in mildly depressed youth.

Who can participate

Age range

15 Years – 24 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

. age between 15 years, 0 months to 24 years, 11 months old;
. presenting with mild depression, defined by meeting DSM-5 criteria for a current major depressive episode, mild severity, or persistent depressive disorder, or other specified depressive disorder (depressive episode with insufficient symptoms to meet criteria for a major depressive episode);
. medication-naïve or medication free for at least 5 half-lives since the last use of a psychoactive medication, with the exception of stimulants for ADHD;
. if on ADHD stimulant medication over 2 months prior to screening, willing to maintain stimulant dose constant during the study participation;
. Tanner stage greater than or equal to III;

Exclusion criteria

. significant suicidal risk, defined by suicidal ideation of type 3, 4 or 5 on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) in the past 3 months, or any lifetime suicidal attempts;
. current major depressive episode, moderate or severe
. current or lifetime history of manic or hypomanic episodes, and/or diagnosis of bipolar disorder;
. current or lifetime history of psychotic disorders, and/or prior diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders;

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.

What they're measuring

Glutamate levels in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC)

Timeframe: From baseline to week 8

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07464886

SponsorUniversity of Cincinnati

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2030-03

Contact for this trial

Fabiano Nery, MD, PhD

513 558-5035 neryfo@ucmail.uc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mild Depression trials