Actively Recruiting
Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States
Led by University of Pennsylvania · Updated on 2025-09-03
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
301 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The research study is being conducted to study brain patterns of negative emotion and develop personalized brain stimulation protocols to disrupt these patterns with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). First, the investigators will use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data to generate a negative affect map for each participant. Then, the investigators will apply a variety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sequences while the participant is inside the MRI scanner to determine the optimal and least optimal rTMS frequencies at changing negative affect brain states. Finally, these two frequencies will be tested over two 3-day rTMS neuromodulation sessions to assess whether they can reduce negative emotions.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or higher
- Ability to understand instructions in English
- Capacity to give informed consent and follow study procedures
- Availability for the entire duration of the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders
- Recent use of psychoactive medications or substances
- History of neurological disorders or traumatic brain injury (except mild)
- Inability to have MRI scans or medical conditions interfering with MRI data
- Inability to receive or tolerate transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Presence of implanted devices such as aneurysm clips or pacemakers
- History of stroke, epilepsy, or brain scarring
- Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
- Must refrain from substance use during the study period
- Must abstain from alcohol 24 hours before MRI scans
- Must avoid increasing caffeine or starting new medications during the study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Camille Blaine
CONTACT
A
Almaris Figueroa-Gonzalez
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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