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Group Therapy for Major Depression: Comparing Expectation-Focused and Reward-Focused Psychotherapy Approaches

RecruitingNAAges 18 Years - 80 YearsAllPhilipps University Marburg
NCT07388004 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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In plain words

What the trial is, and whether it could suit you

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric conditions and often remains difficult to treat effectively. Many patients continue to experience residual symptoms or relapse even after receiving established forms of psychotherapy. This study tests whether targeting specific psychological mechanisms can improve outcomes for people with depression. We compare two novel group therapies: (1) Expectation-Focused Psychotherapeutic Intervention (EFPI), which aims to modify rigid, negative expectations that maintain depressive symptoms, and (2) Reward Enhancement and Activation Therapy (REACT), which focuses on increasing sensitivity to positive experiences and strengthening reward-related learning. Both are delivered in a group format to foster peer support and shared learning. A total of 150 adults with a current MDD diagnosis will be randomly assigned to EFPI, REACT, o

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📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-80 years * Current diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5, confirmed by structured clinical interview (e.g., DIPS) * Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) score ≥ 9 * Ability to attend group therapy sessions (2×/week for 5 weeks) * Ability to undergo MRI scanning (for participants in the fMRI component) Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current or lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or primary substance use disorder * High acute suicide risk requiring immediate intervention * Severe neurological disorder, brain injury, or contraindications for MRI (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia) * Ongoing psychotherapy or initiation of a new antidepressant medication within the past 4 weeks * Insufficient German language proficiency to participate in therapy and complete study assessments * Cognitive impairment or other conditions interfering with informed consent or study participation
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What it tests

  • Expectation-Focused Psychotherapeutic Intervention
  • Reward Enhancement and Activation Therapy
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Where

1 site
Philipps-University Marburg
Marburg, Germany
🤝 Taking part is your choice, and you can leave at any time. Only the trial team can confirm you are eligible — always decide together with your own doctor.
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