Plain-English translation of NCT05232032 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Depressive Disorder, Major research guide →Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.
This research study is testing a to see if it can help normalize how the brain makes approach and avoidance decisions in people with major depression or anxiety disorders. Researchers will give some participants the medication and others a placebo (a dummy pill with no active drug), then use brain imaging to see how the medication affects brain activity and decision-making. The goal is to understand whether this treatment could help restore healthier brain patterns in people struggling with depression and anxiety.
People with depression and anxiety often struggle with approach and avoidance decisions—their brains may get stuck avoiding situations that could actually help them. This medication targets a specific brain system that may be dysregulated in these conditions, and researchers want to know if correcting this imbalance could improve how people make important life decisions.
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You will start with an interview to confirm your diagnosis and have blood drawn to measure certain brain chemicals. Then you'll receive either the new medication or a placebo, complete a decision-making task on a computer, and undergo a brain scan (fMRI) about 2 hours later to see how your brain responds. You'll also be asked to use your smartphone to track your mood and experiences at home throughout the study period.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 14, 2026 · Not medical advice
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