Tests brain stimulation and therapy for depression with thoughts of suicide
Tests magnetic brain stimulation and talk therapy in adults with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: RECOVERS - Realigning Emotion and COgnition Via prEcision Regulation networkS
Key facts
- Where
- Charleston, 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: NCT05977439, who can take part
Where in United States
- Medical Univeristy of South CarolinaCharleston, 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
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Trial code
- NCT05977439
- Record updated
- 21 July 2026
- Original description
In this research study, investigators examine how brain activity changes during tests of emotional processing, attention, and memory using multimodal neuroimaging methods including electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to probe and modulate brain networks related to cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Multiphase Program of Multimodal Computational Modeling and Hybrid Interventions Including EEG-Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In this research study, investigators examine how brain activity changes during tests of emotional processing, attention, and memory using multimodal neuroimaging methods including electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to probe and modulate brain networks related to cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation.
The study includes multiple related sub-studies involving healthy participants and participants with depression. Some study components focus on mechanistic modeling using non-therapeutic neurostimulation in healthy participants, while other components include interventional approaches such as individualized EEG-synchronized repetitive TMS (rTMS), cognitive tasks, and brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in participants with depression. Certain study components also evaluate CBT alone without TMS to assess behavioral intervention effects.
Inclusion: Age 18-65 years; Medically and psychiatrically healthy with no history of psychiatric or neurological disorders; English-speaking; Capacity to provide informed consent; Willingness and ability to complete study procedures; Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential; Age 18-65 years; Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); Depression severity consistent with study criteria (e.g., HAM-D ≥17); No history of psychotic or bipolar disorders; English-speaking; Capacity to provide informed consent; Willingness and ability to complete study procedures; Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential.
Exclusion: Any current or past psychiatric diagnosis; Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease; History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold; Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine); Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease; History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold; Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine); Any condition that would interfere with safe participation or completion of study procedures; Significant head injury or loss of consciousness; Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS; Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation; Inability to complete study procedures; Studies 2, 3, and 4 (Participants With Depression); Significant head injury or loss of consciousness; Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS; Current participation in another interventional clinical trial; Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation.
Study 1 (Healthy Participants).