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Drug Free Treatment for Depression in Teens and Young Adults in Rhode Island and Cambridge, Massachusetts
We are seeking participants for a new and exciting treatment study in Providence, RI and Cambridge, MA. The goal of the research is to learn more about how neurofeedback can help relieve symptoms in adolescents and young adults who are feeling depressed.
Neurofeedback is a safe, enjoyable, and relatively new form of psychological treatment involving training or exercising the brain. Brainwave information is sent to a computer where the information is displayed as a graph or a game on the screen. When people see changes in brain activity on a computer screen immediately after it occurs, they gain the ability to influence it. Through repeated training they improve their ability to alter their brain activity. Preliminary research has shown that this method of reshaping brain activity can improve motivation and mood.
Adolescents and young adults who agree to participate in this study will come to the NeuroDevelopment Center in Providence, Rhode Island or Cambridge, Massachusetts for half-hour neurofeedback sessions 2 times a week for 10 weeks. Participants will watch an age-appropriate entertaining TV episode or movie clip. While watching the screen, their brainwaves will be recorded and they will receive training in how to alter those brainwaves. Some participants will receive training based on their own brain’s activity, while others will receive training that is not based on their activity, but rather external signals. If one form of training leads to a greater decrease in depression than another form, then anyone who did not receive the most successful form of training will be offered an opportunity to receive it at the end of the first 20 session period. There is no cost for any of the treatments.
While neurofeedback is considered a new treatment, many studies have been completed. This body of research has shown that the process is safe and helpful in reducing symptoms of ADHD and other brain based difficulties. For more information on neurofeedback, click here..
If you are between the ages of 12-21 and have been experiencing depressive symptoms, you may qualify for this study. Symptoms of depression include sad or irritable mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep patterns, feeling tired and difficulty concentrating. Please talk this over with your parents before deciding whether to participate.
If you or your child fits the above description, and you are interested in participating, or if you would like more information, please e-mail us at neurofeedback@elist.tufts.edu or complete the form below and we will contact you.