Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 65Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
NCT05441969

In Vivo Cortical Excitability Modulation in Major Depressive Disorder

Led by Fundacao Champalimaud · Updated on 2025-02-26

90

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

293 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

The pathophysiology of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is unclear, with several theories for its neurobiological mechanisms. One possible explanation is the presence of altered neuroplasticity, which can be studied by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Using TMS to study these mechanisms is performed by applying electromagnetic stimuli to the motor cortex, to obtain measures of temporary cortical excitability modulation. It is known that depressed patients with higher cortical modulation are more responsive to a TMS treatment course. However, it is unknown if there are differences in cortical modulation between depressed patients and healthy subjects. Our goal is to answer this question and contribute towards clarification of the neuroplasticity mechanisms underlying MDD. Accordingly, the investigators will access cortical excitability modulation measures in both depressed patients and healthy volunteers and compare their results. The investigators will also re-assess these measures after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Finally, the investigators will study the association between cortical excitability measures and cognitive processes using an innovative cognitive task.

CONDITIONS

Official Title

In Vivo Cortical Excitability Modulation in Major Depressive Disorder

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 65Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Diagnosis of major depressive episode or disorder as provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5)
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Moderate to severe suicide risk
  • Known personal history of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
  • Alcohol or other substance abuse and/or dependence
  • Developmental disorder
  • Dementia
  • Presence of uncontrolled active medical illness
  • Known structural lesion of the central nervous system
  • Electrical or metallic brain implants
  • Cardiac implants
  • Epilepsy
  • Active use of medication known to cause seizures
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • History of neuropsychiatric disease for healthy control group

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

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Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Champalimaud Foundation

Lisbon, Portugal, 1400-038

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

S

Sofia Marques

CONTACT

How is the study designed?

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Masking

N/A

Allocation

N/A

Model

N/A

Primary Purpose

N/A

Number of Arms

3

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