Actively Recruiting
Accelerated TMS for Treatment-Resistant ECT
Led by Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · Updated on 2025-08-11
200
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
165 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study investigates whether an additional treatment using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help severely depressed patients who did not respond well to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). All participants will first receive standard ECT treatment for depression, including brain scans (fMRI), psychological testing, clinical assessments, and the collection of blood and stool samples. If the ECT treatment is not effective, patients will be invited to participate in a second part of the study where they receive a 4-day course of accelerated TMS (20 sessions in total). The study aims to assess whether this additional TMS treatment can reduce depressive symptoms. The study also explores how brain structure, genetics, and gut health may relate to treatment success. In total, 200 patients will be included.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Accelerated TMS for Treatment-Resistant ECT
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Age between 18 - 70 years
- Referred for ECT treatment
You will not qualify if you...
- Personal or family history of seizures or epilepsy
- Factors lowering seizure threshold such as sleep deprivation or substance abuse
- Previous head injury
- Presence of metallic implants in the head (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, electrodes) except dental fillings
- Presence of cardiac pacemakers, neurostimulators, surgical clips, or other electronic equipment
- Neurological disorders like increased intracranial pressure, space-occupying lesions, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, brain aneurysm, or structural brain damage with increased epilepsy risk
- Cognitive disturbances or dementia (Mini Mental State score less than 24)
- Suicide attempt within 6 months before study start or present suicide risk per clinical judgment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UZ Brussel
Jette, Brussels Capital, Belgium, 1090
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chris Baeken, MD, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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