An interventional study of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback in Substance Use Disorder (SUD), sponsored by Yale University. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-14.
Sponsored by Yale University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This feasibility study collects initial data on the use of an fMRI neurofeedback protocol for treating anhedonia in methadone-treated individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The intervention tested has previously been shown to reduce anhedonia in individuals with depression and this study is collecting first-in-human data in an OUD population. Investigators will assess tolerability of the intervention and collect preliminary data from 2-3 subjects monitoring changes in anhedonia, non-substance-related autobiographical memory recall, and meaning in life.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will complete five study visits. They will receive neurofeedback at two separate scanning sessions (sessions 2-3). Neurofeedback scans will include rest, neurofeedback, and transfer (i.e., no feedback) runs, one week apart.
Device: real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback
A non-invasive, non-pharmacological therapeutic tool that enables an individual to learn to modulate their neural activity in order to effect behavioral change.
Number of participants who completed the intervention
Number of participants who completed the full intervention of those enrolled.
Time frame: Through study completion, up to one month post second neurofeedback session
Self-report ratings of tolerability
Questionnaire where participants indicate how worthwhile participating in the study was on a 1-7 Likert scale. Total score range 1-7 with higher numbers indicating greater tolerability.
Time frame: Up to one month post second neurofeedback session
Percentage of positive memories recalled as assessed by Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT)
A psychological assessment used to measure how specifically an individual can recall positive personal, life-related events.
Time frame: Baseline, one week post second neurofeedback session and one month post second neurofeedback session
Changes in anhedonia, as assessed by the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)
Total score range 0-14 with higher scores reflecting a higher level of anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure).
Time frame: Baseline, one week post second neurofeedback session and one month post second neurofeedback session
Plan to share: Yes — De-identified data will be shared with other researchers.
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Yale University