Actively Recruiting
Targeting Specific Brain Networks to Treat Specific Symptoms in Depression
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2025-09-29
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
250 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a way of non-invasively stimulating specific brain networks and is an established treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This proposal will reveal network mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of rTMS by investigating how stimulating each network specifically changes network connectivity and behavior. This will be done in a highly individualized manner in depressed and healthy patients, leading to more effective and more individualized treatments for depression.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Targeting Specific Brain Networks to Treat Specific Symptoms in Depression
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 65 years
- Ability to provide informed consent
- For healthy participants: no current major depressive episode
- For participants with Major Depressive Disorder: currently experiencing a major depressive episode, including those with comorbid anxiety or personality disorders if MDD is the primary diagnosis
You will not qualify if you...
- Past or current bipolar affective disorder, hypomania, or mania
- Past or current primary psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia
- Neurological disorders with structural brain lesions (e.g., intracranial masses, multiple sclerosis)
- Personal history of seizures or family history of epilepsy in a first-degree relative
- Presence of ferromagnetic metal or metallic eye injury
- Implanted pacemakers, medication pumps, vagal stimulators, deep brain stimulators, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, or similar devices
- Current substance abuse or dependence within the last six months
- Inability to safely undergo MRI scanning
- Severe or unstable medical illness
- Currently pregnant women as confirmed by urine pregnancy test
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02129
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
6
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