Brain Scans to Predict Depression Treatment Response

Plain-English translation of NCT05892744 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.

What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand why some people with depression respond well to while others do not. This study uses brain imaging — including MRI and EEG scans — to identify brain patterns that predict which patients will benefit from this medication. By finding these brain signatures before treatment starts, doctors may one day be able to choose the best antidepressant for each person.

Many people with depression struggle to find an effective treatment because doctors currently have no way to predict in advance which medication will work best for them. This trial aims to discover brain biomarkers that could help doctors match patients with the right treatment faster, reducing the time people spend suffering while trying different medications.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with major depression that started before age 30 and has either lasted more than 2 years continuously or occurred multiple times in your life
you are experiencing a current depressive episode with moderate to severe symptoms
you are able to understand instructions in English and consent to the study
you are willing to undergo MRI and EEG brain scans
you have not already tried and failed antidepressant treatment during your current depressive episode at adequate doses

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
you have a condition that makes MRI unsafe, such as certain implants, pacemakers, or metal in your head
you are currently taking antipsychotic or mood-stabilizer medications that could interfere with the study drug
you are considered by the research team to be at significant risk of suicide

What participation looks like

You will have brain imaging scans (MRI and EEG) before starting treatment to measure your brain activity and connectivity patterns. Then you will take , an FDA-approved antidepressant, at doses up to 200 mg per day or the highest dose you can tolerate. The research team will track how you respond to the medication over time to see whether the brain patterns identified before treatment can predict your outcome.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Health Discovery Building (HDB), 1601 Trinity St., Bldg B., Z0600, Austin, Texas