Set Your Goal: Engaging Go/No-Go Active Learning

NCT ID: NCT03538535

Last Updated: 2022-06-13

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 13 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2018-05-01
• Study Completion Date: 2019-03-01

Brief Summary

This study will test a computational model reinforcement learning in depression and anxiety and test the extent to which the computational model predicts response to an adapted version of behavioral activation psychotherapy. The model will be based on a data from a computer task of reinforcement learning during 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline.

Detailed Description

The dysfunction of reinforcement learning is emerging as a transdiagnostic dimension of mood and anxiety. Computational models of reinforcement learning may expedite our ability to identify predictors of response, thereby improving efficacy rates. We will will, first, examine the neural substrates of reinforcement learning in depression and anxiety, and, second, test a computational model of reinforcement learning as a predictor of response to an adapted version of behavioral activation psychotherapy. Subjects (N=10) will be enrolled in a two week evaluation, followed with a nine week weekly intervention program. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and during the intervention as the 3-, 6-, 9-week follow-ups. Reinforcement learning will be measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging during a computer task. All other measures include structured clinical interviews, questionnaires, and computer tasks.

Conditions

Depression; Anxiety

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NA
• Intervention Model: SINGLE_GROUP
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Go/No-Go Active Learning (GOAL)

Adaptation of Behavioral Activation, focused on reinforcement learning strategies.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Go/No-Go Active Learning (GOAL)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Behavioral Activation psychotherapy adapted to engage go/no-go learning

Interventions

Go/No-Go Active Learning (GOAL)

Behavioral Activation psychotherapy adapted to engage go/no-go learning

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Between the ages of 21 and 40
• Physically healthy
• Right handed
• Normal or corrected to normal vision
• Scores equal or higher of (a) 24 on Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Self Report, or (b) 15 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Self Report.

Exclusion Criteria

• Not currently in therapy or taking medications for anxiety or depression
• No contraindications for the magnetic resonance scan (claustrophobic)
• No history of head trauma, seizures, loss of consciousness
• Not taking hormone replacement, not pregnant
• No imminent suicidality
• No report of excessive alcohol or drug use in past three months

• Minimum Eligible Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 40 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Northwestern University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Jackie Gollan, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science

Locations

Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Countries

United States

References

Huys QJM, Russek EM, Abitante G, Kahnt T, Gollan JK. Components of Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression Engage Specific Reinforcement Learning Mechanisms in a Pilot Study. Comput Psychiatr. 2022 Oct 13;6(1):238-255. doi: 10.5334/cpsy.81. eCollection 2022.

Reference Type: DERIVED

PMID: 38774780 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

STU00206862

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id