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Mindfulness-based Neurofeedback for Repetitive Negative Thinking in Adolescents

This study is looking for 90 adolescents, aged 14 to 21, who experience repetitive negative thinking and may be at risk for serious mental illness. It aims to see if mindfulness-based neurofeedback (mbNF) can help reduce these negative thoughts and improve daily functioning compared to a sham (inactive) version of the treatment. All participants will receive mindfulness training. Then, half will get active mindfulness-based neurofeedback and the other half will get sham mindfulness-based neurofeedback. Researchers will measure changes in repetitive negative thinking after two weeks to see if the active treatment is more effective. The study is currently unclear on its status.

Study design
This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 90 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham mindfulness-based neurofeedback.
What's involved
You would have a baseline assessment, followed by two in-person visits about 1-2 weeks apart, each including an MRI scan and mindfulness training or a refresher. You will also practice mindfulness for three months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcome, repetitive negative thinking, is measured at 2 weeks. The study also mentions three months of mindfulness practice and follow-up.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06901232

Mindfulness-based Neurofeedback to Reduce Negative Thinking in CHARMS Adolescents

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 14–21InterventionalPrevention
Massachusetts General Hospital
~90 participants
Updated 2026-02-12 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Mindfulness TrainingActive mindfulness-based neurofeedback (Active mbNF)Sham mindfulness-based neurofeedback

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in repetitive negative thinking (RNT)
Measured over 2 weeks

Conditions

Repetitive Negative Thinking
Serious Mental Illness Symptoms

Explore related trials

Repetitive Negative ThinkingSerious mental illness

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Massachusetts1

Study leadership

  • A. Eden Evins, MD, MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Massachusetts General Hospital

Who to contact

Julia Jashinski, MSW
[email protected]
617-643-1984
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Ages 14-21, inclusive
Recurrent negative thinking, defined as PTQ-C (\<18 years) or PTQ (18 years or older) total score \>30 and at least two questions scored 3 or 4.
Able to understand study procedures, read, and write in English
If age is 18 years or older: Competent and willing to provide written informed consent
If age is less than 18 years: Competent and willing to provide written informed assent AND have a parent/legal guardian who is competent and willing to provide written informed consent
Access to a mobile device to complete daily survey assessments

Exclusion

Any of the following lifetime mental health disorders by DSM-V criteria: psychotic disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, developmental disorder (e.g., autism), post-traumatic stress disorder, or eating disorder
Substance use disorder, moderate or severe in past six months.
Unstable medical or neurologic condition, epilepsy or seizure disorder, head injury, loss of consciousness \>5 minutes
MRI contraindications (i.e. presence of ferromagnetic implants, cardiac pacemaker or pacemaker wires, metallic particles in the body, vascular clips in the head or previous neurosurgery, prosthetic heart valves, magnetic dental implants claustrophobia).
Visual, auditory, or cognitive impairment (IQ\<80 based on the Wechsler Abbreviated Intelligence Scale (WASI)) that may make it difficult to participate.
Any condition or situation that would, in the investigator's opinion, make it unlikely that the participant could adhere safely to the study protocol.
Pregnancy; a negative pregnancy test is required at enrollment
Individuals who are under the legal protection of the government or state (Wards of the State)
Inability to speak, read, or write English fluently

What this trial measures

  • Change in repetitive negative thinking (RNT)2 weeks

    Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire- Child Version (PTQ-C), is a content-independent measure of RNT, with 15 items, rated on a 5- point scale (never, almost never, sometimes, often, almost always), with excellent internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha=0.95, in both clinical and non-clinical samples, validated and normed in clinical and non-clinical adolescent and young adult samples as a transdiagnostic research tool that has been shown to predict MDD. Higher scores indicate greater RNT.