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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Accelerated TMS for Depression

N/A
Recruiting
Led By David Spiegel, MD
Research Sponsored by Stanford University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
TMS naive.
Currently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and meets criteria for a Major Depressive Episode, according to the criteria defined in the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
Must not have
Unstable symptoms between screening and baseline as defined by a ≥ 30% change in MADRS-S score.
Any history of ECT (greater than 8 sessions) without meeting responder criteria
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up at baseline (day 3) and at immediate post-treatment follow up visit (day 8).

Summary

This trial will evaluate if an accelerated schedule of theta-burst stimulation using a transcranial magnetic stimulation device can help treat people with depression that has not responded to other treatments.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 22-65 with treatment-resistant depression, who haven't tried TMS before. They must be able to understand English, have a stable antidepressant regimen, and not plan on pregnancy. Exclusions include unstable symptoms, certain psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder or severe personality disorders, substance abuse issues, contraindications to MRI or rTMS (like metal in the head), and recent use of rapid acting antidepressants.
What is being tested?
The study tests an accelerated form of theta-burst stimulation via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS-DLPFC) against a sham procedure in people with major depressive disorder. Participants are randomly assigned to either real or fake treatments without knowing which one they're getting.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort at the stimulation site, headache, lightheadedness, tingling or spasms of facial muscles. There's also a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have never undergone TMS therapy.
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I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
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I am between 22 and 65 years old.
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My medical records show I have hard-to-treat depression, as scored by a specific test.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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My mood symptoms have not worsened by 30% or more recently.
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I've had more than 8 ECT sessions without improvement.
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I have a history of serious brain or nerve conditions.
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My treatment's intensity is more than 65% of the maximum level.
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I have a hormone-related condition that is untreated or not fully treated.
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I do not have metal implants in my head, a history of seizures, or known brain lesions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~at baseline (day 3) and at immediate post-treatment follow up visit (day 8).
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at baseline (day 3) and at immediate post-treatment follow up visit (day 8). for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in resting state functional connectivity of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) and the default mode network (DMN).
Secondary study objectives
Relationship between acute mood state and resting state functional connectivity between the sgACC and DMN in active vs. sham participants.
Relationship between clinical improvement and resting state functional connectivity between the sgACC and DMN in active vs. sham participants.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Active TBS-DLPFCExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
The active group will receive theta-burst TMS stimulation.
Group II: Sham TBS-DLPFCPlacebo Group1 Intervention
The sham group will receive sham theta-burst TMS stimulation.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Active TBS-DLPFC
2017
N/A
~30

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Stanford UniversityLead Sponsor
2,472 Previous Clinical Trials
17,501,718 Total Patients Enrolled
Nolan Williams, MDStudy DirectorStanford University
17 Previous Clinical Trials
1,182 Total Patients Enrolled
David Spiegel, MD3.73 ReviewsPrincipal Investigator - Stanford University
Stanford University
11 Previous Clinical Trials
1,717 Total Patients Enrolled
1Patient Review
I was very disappointed with my recent experience at this office. I arrived early for my appointment and was informed that the doctor would be running late. I waited for 18 minutes before leaving. I was then called by the doctor and told that I needed to come back. I don't appreciate being treated this way by a professional. I will not be returning.

Media Library

Active TBS-DLPFC (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04243798 — N/A
Major Depressive Disorder Research Study Groups: Sham TBS-DLPFC, Active TBS-DLPFC
Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trial 2023: Active TBS-DLPFC Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04243798 — N/A
Active TBS-DLPFC (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04243798 — N/A
~23 spots leftby Dec 2025