What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for depression, such as TMS and tDCS, generally have mild side effects. For TMS, side effects can include scalp discomfort, headaches, and lightheadedness, but serious adverse events are rare. tDCS may cause mild tingling, itching, or redness at the site of stimulation. Traditional antidepressants, such as SSRIs, can cause nausea, weight gain, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) are neuromodulatory treatments that have been studied for their efficacy in treating depression. TMS, which involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, has been FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, particularly in patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications. tDCS, which uses direct electrical currents to modulate neuronal activity, is still under investigation and has not yet received FDA approval for the treatment of depression. These treatments offer alternative options for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to TMS or tDCS for depression patients include Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). VNS has shown positive outcomes in treatment-resistant depression, while DBS is being investigated for its potential in modulating brain activity in severe cases. ECT remains a robust option, particularly for treatment-resistant cases, with ongoing advancements in its application and safety.

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Neurostimulation

Brain Stimulation and Decision Making

Verified Trial

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Michael Treadway, PhD

Research Sponsored by Emory University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Are you right-handed and between the ages of 18 and 40?

For payment purposes, do you have a social security or tax identification number?

Must not have

Have you ever been diagnosed with, or think you may have, any psychological disorders?

Is there any reason you would NOT be able to undergo an MRI scan?

Timeline

Screening 1 week

Treatment 0 days

Follow Up 3 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial uses TMS and TI to stimulate specific brain areas in patients with depression and healthy individuals. The goal is to understand how these brain regions affect decision-making, especially during challenging choices. By observing changes in behavior, researchers hope to gain insights into cognitive control and decision-making in depression. TMS has shown promising results in improving cognitive functions.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking adults with no history of mental illness. Participants should be able to complete an MRI scan and have no one in their immediate family with a history of seizures.

What is being tested?

This study determines how brain stimulation affects decision-making. It involves game-like tasks performed while undergoing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Temporal Interference stimulation (TI), focusing on the cingulate cortex's role in cognitive control during challenging choices.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects from TMS/TI may include discomfort at the stimulation site, headache, lightheadedness, or seizures (rare). There also might be temporary changes in thinking patterns or mood.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Timeline

Screening ~ 1 week0 visits

Treatment ~ 0 days0 visits

Follow Up ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Screening ~ 1 week

Treatment ~ 0 days

Follow Up ~3 weeks

This trial's timeline: 1 week for screening, 0 days for treatment, and 3 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Staggered Effort-Based Decision-Making Task

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Experimental Treatment0 Interventions

Participants with MDD will complete computer tasks while receiving TMS/ TI

Group II: Healthy ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Participants without MDD will complete computer tasks while receiving TMS/TI

0 / 6Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) are neuromodulation techniques used to treat depression by altering brain activity. TMS uses magnetic fields to induce electrical currents in specific brain regions, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in depression. This stimulation can enhance neural activity and improve mood regulation. tDCS, on the other hand, delivers a low electrical current through electrodes placed on the scalp, modulating neuronal excitability and connectivity. These treatments are important for depression patients because they offer non-invasive options that can target specific brain areas involved in mood regulation, potentially providing relief when traditional pharmacotherapy is ineffective.

New targets for rTMS in depression: a review of convergent evidence.Effect of low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation on an affective go/no-go task in patients with major depression: role of stimulation site and depression severity.Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a therapeutic tool in psychiatry.