Actively Recruiting
Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States Using Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Adults with Negative Emotions
Led by University of Pennsylvania · Updated on 2025-09-03
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying brain patterns related to negative emotions and testing personalized brain stimulation methods using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to disrupt these patterns. The study aims to create a negative affect brain map for each participant using functional MRI and then find the best and worst TMS frequencies to influence negative emotional brain states. This research involves neuromodulation sessions to see if these TMS frequencies can reduce negative emotions in people with rumination, major depressive disorder, or anxiety. The study includes 11 visits over about 10 weeks. It begins with screening, including remote questionnaires and in-person clinical interviews and TMS demonstrations. Participants then undergo MRI scans combined with TMS to identify optimal stimulation frequencies. Two separate 3-day sessions of repetitive TMS using the optimal and the least optimal frequencies are provided to compare their effects. Each neuromodulation session lasts about 1.5 hours, with assessments before, during, and after. Participants will complete MRI scans, computerized tasks, and questionnaires throughout the study. The research team will monitor changes in rumination scores to evaluate TMS impact. Safety and tolerance of TMS will be assessed during sessions. Participants may receive compensation for their time and involvement. The total study duration depends on scheduling but is approximately 10 weeks from screening to final assessments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 65 years old
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or higher
- Ability to understand instructions in English
- Capacity to provide 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 as determined by investigators
- History of neurological disorders or traumatic brain injury (except mild)
- Inability to have an MRI scan 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 cardiac pacemakers
- History of stroke, epilepsy, or brain scarring
- Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant (self-attestation)
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 screening and enrollment visit (remote and in-person parts)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete baseline MRI scans and assessments including computerized tasks and questionnaires.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo MRI scan with concurrent TMS while completing mental tasks to identify the optimal stimulation frequency.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 days
Participants receive a 3-day neuromodulation intervention using either the optimal or least optimal rTMS frequency, with computerized tasks and questionnaires before and after stimulation.
3 visits (in-person, approximately 1.5 hours each)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete a shortened MRI scan with TMS and questionnaires to assess effects of the first neuromodulation session.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 days
Participants receive a second 3-day neuromodulation intervention with the rTMS frequency not used in the first session, counterbalanced in order.
3 visits (in-person, approximately 1.5 hours each)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete a final MRI scan with TMS and assessments similar to the follow-up visit to evaluate the neuromodulation effects.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Camille Blaine
A
Almaris Figueroa-Gonzalez
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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