Actively Recruiting
taVNS or TMS or Both for Depression
Led by Medical University of South Carolina · Updated on 2025-08-05
24
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
172 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of the research is to test out a combined treatment for depression where the investigators stimulate a nerve in the ear while at the same time stimulate the brain with magnets. These treatments are called transcutaneous (through the skin) auricular (ear) vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and transcranial (through the skull) magnetic stimulation (TMS). For participants who already have a cervical VNS device, the investigators will not change their treatment and will use this in place of the taVNS. The investigators think this combined method might treat depressive symptoms better than either alone. This study is in person at the Institute of Psychiatry in downtown Charleston on the MUSC campus. First, participants will have a screening session and then will have 6 treatment days total where participants will receive either VNS treatment alone, TMS treatment alone, or both at the same time. The treatment that participants start with will be randomized, and they will have 2 treatment days of each combination.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
taVNS or TMS or Both for Depression
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 75 years
- Currently undergoing cervical VNS or have tried and failed two antidepressant medications in the current depressive episode
- Able to provide informed consent
- Able to read, write, and speak English
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17-item) score of at least 20
- Not responding to talking therapy for depression
You will not qualify if you...
- Preexisting neurological disorders or dementia
- History of major head trauma
- Life expectancy less than 1 year
- Cognitive impairment requiring legal guardian approval
- Score above 2 on suicidality question of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
- Active suicidal intent or plan, recent suicide attempt within 6 months, or judged at high suicide risk
- Pregnancy or potential for pregnancy without confirmed negative pregnancy test
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Medical University of South Carolina Institute of Psychiatry
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29412
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mark George
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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