Plain-English translation of NCT05548244 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Depression research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This research study is testing a type of talk therapy called behavioral activation for teenagers ages 15–17 who are struggling with depression. Behavioral activation is a treatment that helps people feel better by encouraging them to do activities they enjoy and find meaningful, even when depression makes it hard to get started. Researchers want to understand exactly how and why this therapy works by watching brain activity and tracking mood changes.
Depression in teenagers is serious and affects many young people, but we don't fully understand which teens will benefit most from this treatment or what changes in the brain help it work. This study will help doctors predict who will improve with this therapy and learn more about how it actually helps.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you join this study, you would receive up to 16 sessions of behavioral activation therapy over 16 weeks, meeting with a therapist to work on activities that improve your mood. You would also have brain scans (called fMRI) at the beginning, middle, and end of treatment—these scans are painless and let researchers see which parts of your brain are active while you do tasks. Between sessions, you'd use your phone or computer to briefly answer questions about your mood and daily activities.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States