RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This study compares two new group therapies designed to help people with major depression. Depression can be difficult to treat, and many people still struggle even after receiving usual care. This research aims to see if targeting specific changes in how people think and feel might lead to better results. One therapy, 'Expectation-Focused Psychotherapy', helps individuals challenge rigid negative thoughts about themselves and the future. The other, 'Reward Enhancement and Activation Therapy', focuses on helping people notice and enjoy positive experiences more. Both are given in a group setting to encourage peer support. The study hopes to find more personalised and effective ways to help people living with depression.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Philipps University Marburg

Enrolment target

150

Start

13 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2028

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

This study is looking at new ways to help people who are experiencing major depression. Depression is a common condition that can make everyday life very challenging. Sometimes, even with existing treatments like talking therapies, people don't fully recover or their symptoms come back.

Researchers think that by focusing on specific ways depression affects people, they might find more effective treatments. This study is testing two new group therapies. The first, called 'Expectation-Focused Psychotherapy', helps people deal with very fixed and often negative thoughts about themselves, others, or what will happen in the future. It's about helping people become more flexible in their thinking. The second therapy, 'Reward Enhancement and Activation Therapy', focuses on helping people get more out of positive experiences. Sometimes, with depression, people lose their ability to feel pleasure or find joy in things they once did. This therapy aims to build that feeling back up.

Both therapies are given in a group setting, which can be helpful because people can support each other and learn from shared experiences. The study will also use special brain scans (fMRI) for some participants to see if these therapies change how the brain works, which could help us understand why they might be effective. The overall goal is to find more targeted and lasting treatments for depression, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

Key takeaways

This study looks at two new group therapies for depression.
One therapy helps change negative expectations, the other boosts positive feelings.
It aims for more targeted and personalised treatments for depression.
Participation involves weekly group sessions for five weeks and follow-up assessments.
Some participants will have brain scans to understand how therapy affects the brain.
You must be an adult with a depression diagnosis and able to attend sessions in German.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 80 years old and have a current diagnosis of major depression. Your doctor would help confirm this.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have certain other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder, or if you have a high risk of harming yourself, this study might not be suitable. Also, if you have severe brain injuries or certain metal implants that prevent you from having an MRI scan, you wouldn't be able to join.

It's important that you're not currently having other types of talking therapy or starting new antidepressant medication within the last four weeks before the study. You'd also need to be able to attend the group sessions and understand German, as the therapy and assessments are in this language.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Do you have a current diagnosis of major depression?
Are you able to attend group sessions twice a week for five weeks?
Do you understand German well enough for therapy and assessments?
Do you have no other serious mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or psychosis?
Are you generally healthy enough for an MRI scan (if applicable)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have some assessments to make sure the study is right for you. Then, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups, a bit like drawing names out of a hat. You'll either receive the 'Expectation-Focused' therapy, the 'Reward Enhancement' therapy, or be in a 'waiting list' group.

If you're in one of the therapy groups, you'll attend 10 group sessions over five weeks (which means two sessions per week). You'll have assessments before the therapy, right after it finishes, and then again three and six months later to see how you're doing. If you're in the waiting-list group, you'll have assessments at the start and after three months before being offered other treatment options. Some participants will also have brain scans (fMRI) before and after the therapy sessions. You won't be given any medication as part of the study itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer various benefits, including gaining access to new, focused therapies for depression that might improve your symptoms and overall well-being. By joining, you'll also be helping researchers learn more about depression, which could lead to better treatments for others in the future. Potential risks might include the time commitment involved, the emotional effort of engaging in therapy, or the minor discomforts associated with MRI scans for those who have them. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Philipps-University Marburg
Verified postcode
Marburg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Major Depressive Disorder'?

It's a common mental health condition causing ongoing feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that affect daily life. It's often simply called 'depression'.

What is 'group therapy'?

Group therapy involves a small group of people meeting regularly with a therapist (or therapists) to share experiences and learn new coping skills together. It can offer peer support.

What does 'randomly assigned' mean?

It means you'll be put into one of the study groups by chance, like flipping a coin. This helps make the study fair and scientific.

What is an fMRI scan?

An fMRI is a special type of brain scan that can show which parts of your brain are active when you do certain tasks. It's safe and doesn't involve radiation.

Will I have to stop my current treatment to join?

If you're currently in psychotherapy or have started new antidepressant medication in the last four weeks, you likely won't be able to join this study right now.

How to find out more

Masia Fernanda Hoffmann, M.Sc.

fernanda.hoffmann@uni-marburg.de +4917656538480 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.