Confirmatory Efficacy Trial of Attention Bias Modification for Depression
Recruiting · Austin, Texas
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of two related, but different ABM (Attention Biased Modification) treatments for depression in adults with elevated symptoms of depression. The main aims are: * Aim 1:examine whether gamified ABM leads to greater change in the primary and secondary outcomes than sham ABM * Aim 1: establish that gamified ABM is at least as effective as traditional ABM.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of two related, but different ABM (Attention Biased Modification) treatments for depression in adults with elevated symptoms of depression. The main aims are: * Aim 1:examine whether gamified ABM leads to greater change in the primary and secondary outcomes than sham ABM * Aim 1: establish that gamified ABM is at least as effective as traditional ABM. * Aim 2: identify moderators of ABM efficacy and mechanisms responsible for its efficacy. * Aim 3: Identify the durability of ABM on depression symptoms during short-term follow-up Participants will complete self-report questionnaires, complete eye-tracking tasks, and be clinically assessed through interviews by clinician researchers. If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare sham, traditional, and gamified treatment groups to see if they moderate symptoms of depression.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •You can give informed consent.
- •You can read and speak English fluently.
- •Your baseline depression symptom score on QIDS-SR is 13 or higher. (QIDS-SR is a questionnaire that measures depression symptoms.)
- •You are between 18 and 70 years old.
- •If you take antidepressant medicine, your medication and dose have not changed in the past 12 weeks.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •You had suicidal behavior or strong thoughts of suicide within the past 6 months, measured by C-SSRS. (C-SSRS is a suicide risk rating scale.)
- •You have bipolar or psychotic disorders now or in the past.
- •You have a substance use disorder of moderate or greater severity within the past 12 months, measured by MINI. (MINI is a structured interview tool.)
- •You are currently taking opioid pain medicines or using systemic corticosteroids.
- •You are currently receiving psychotherapy.
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–70
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
This is an early-stage study. The treatment has gone through laboratory and preliminary testing before being studied in people here.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of two related, but different ABM (Attention Biased Modification) treatments for depression in adults with elevated symptoms of depression. The main aims are: * Aim 1:examine whether gamified ABM leads to greater change in the primary and secondary outcomes than sham ABM * Aim 1: establish that gamified ABM is at least as effective as traditional ABM.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is an early study (Phase 1), focused mostly on safety. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06361095 · Locations: Texas