Testing brain stimulation to treat depression symptoms in adults
Tests magnetic brain stimulation in adults with major depressive disorder, comparing brain network effects.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Targeting Specific Brain Networks to Treat Specific Symptoms in Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Boston, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT05523817, who can take part
Where in United States
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT05523817
- Record updated
- 9 October 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Probing the Functional and Behavioral Impact of Precision Circuit Modulation in Neuropsychiatric Diseases
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.
Inclusion: 18-65 years of age; Capacity to provide informed consent form to participate in the study; 18-65 years of age; Capacity to provide informed consent form to participate in the study; Currently in a major depressive episode. Comorbid anxiety disorders and personality disorders will be allowed provided that MDD is the primary diagnosis.
Exclusion: Implanted pacemakers, medication pumps, vagal stimulators, deep brain stimulators, or ventriculoperitoneal shunts, etc; Meeting criteria, in the past or currently, for bipolar affective disorder, hypomania or mania; Meeting criteria, in the past or currently, for a primary psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia); Neurological conditions with known structural brain lesions, e.g., intracranial masses, multiple sclerosis; Any personal history of seizures or a family history of epilepsy in a first-degree relative; Severe or unstable medical illness; Currently pregnant, as assessed with urine pregnancy test in women of childbearing age; Metal in the body that is ferromagnetic or metallic injury to the eyes; Substance abuse or dependence that is current and active within the last six months, as indicated by self-report (e.g., heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines); Inability to meet the safety criteria for MRI scanning for any other reason.