Actively Recruiting
Accelerated rTMS Treatment Targeting Lateral and Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex for Depression and OCD Symptoms
Led by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Updated on 2026-02-27
500
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
T
The New Venture Fund / Foundation for OCD Research
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating an accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for people with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aims to optimize rTMS to improve symptoms by testing a new 5-day accelerated protocol. Additionally, brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to identify brain markers that predict treatment response and help target the best brain areas for stimulation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive rTMS targeting either the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) or the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). They will undergo a 5-day treatment course with sessions delivered hourly for 10 hours each day. Those who partially respond may receive a second 5-day course, and non-responders may switch to receive treatment targeting the opposite brain area. The rTMS is delivered using the MagVenture MagPro System with Brainsight neuronavigation, providing 10 sessions daily of theta-burst stimulation lasting about ten minutes each. During the study, participants will have clinical assessments of their symptoms and fMRI brain scans before and after each treatment course to measure changes in symptom severity and brain connectivity. Researchers will track outcomes such as changes in depression and OCD rating scales at various time points depending on the number of treatment courses received. The study includes careful monitoring of treatment response and safety, with the total participation duration varying based on individual response and treatment needs.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Accelerated TMS for Depression and OCD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder based on DSM-V criteria
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of 18 or higher or Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score of 16 or higher
- Failure of at least one standard treatment for depression or OCD, or refusal of such treatments for individual reasons
- Off antidepressants or on a stable dose of antidepressants for at least four weeks and plans to remain on this dose during the study
- Capacity to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Imminent risk of suicide based on clinical assessment
- Primary psychiatric diagnoses other than OCD, major depressive disorder, or co-morbid generalized anxiety disorder
- Cognitive impairment based on standardized testing
- Presence of psychotic symptoms affecting consent ability
- Significant substance use disorder within past 6 months
- Recent start of psychotherapy within 8 weeks before screening
- Prior completion of this accelerated TMS protocol during current depressive episode
- Participation in clinical trials with investigational drugs or devices within past 6 weeks
- Significant neurological disorders including stroke, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or severe head trauma
- History of seizures except juvenile febrile seizures or medications lowering seizure threshold
- Presence of metal implants contraindicating MRI
- Current pregnancy or plans to conceive during study
- Abnormal blood tests affecting electrolytes, thyroid, or liver function
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 5 to 10 days
Participants receive a 5-day course of accelerated rTMS treatment targeting either the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) or lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC). Non-responders may receive a second 5-day course targeting the opposite brain area based on clinical judgment and re-evaluation.
10 daily sessions lasting approximately ten minutes each
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States, 10065
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Megan Johnson
L
Lindsay Victoria, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here