Tests a shortened brain stimulation treatment in adolescents with a first episode of depression

Trial details

Who runs it

University of Texas at Austin

Trial code

NCT06523439

Record updated

19 August 2026

Original description

This is a single-site open-label clinical trial of fMRI-guided accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a new form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-known generally as accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS)-is effective as a first-line therapy in treating adolescents aged 13-20 years-old in their first episode of depression who have not undergone a full course of depression treatment prior to starting the trial and who remain antidepressant-free throughout the trial.Read full original descriptionShow less

Investigating a Truncated Version of paiTBS in Treatment-Naive Adolescents With Depression: An Open-Label Acceptability Trial

This is a single-site open-label clinical trial of fMRI-guided accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a new form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-known generally as accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS)-is effective as a first-line therapy in treating adolescents aged 13-20 years-old in their first episode of depression who have not undergone a full course of depression treatment prior to starting the trial and who remain antidepressant-free throughout the trial.

The main questions this trial aims to answer are:

* Does aiTBS relieve symptoms of depression as a first-line therapy in adolescents? * Is aiTBS a feasible option as a first-line treatment for adolescent depression?

Researchers will measure the depression symptoms in adolescent participants before and after aiTBS. Parents of the adolescent participant will also participate in the study providing information about their experience and preference for TMS as a first-line treatment.

Adolescent participants will:

* Remain antidepressant-free throughout the study period of 6-7 weeks. * Receive an fMRI of their head for precision targeting * Receive 5 days of aiTBS

Inclusion: Male or Female, between the ages of 13 and 20 at the time of screening; Able to read, understand, and provide written, dated assent and/or consent prior to screening. Proficiency in English sufficient to complete questionnaires and follow instructions during aiTBS interventions. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures, including availability for the duration of the study, and to communicate with study personnel about adverse events and other clinically important information; Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a current Major Depressive Episode (MDE), according to the criteria defined in the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5); No prior major depressive episodes (MDEs) as determined by MINI-KID; CDRS-R score of ≥40 at screening (Visit 1); Treatment-naive as determined by the ATHF (no adequate antidepressant trials prior to screening defined as fewer than 12 weeks of antidepressant medication in the past 2 years and fewer than 10 psychotherapy sessions for depression in the past year; willingness to taper medications and stop psychotherapy if recently started and within the window defined above.); TMS naive; Access to ongoing psychiatric care before and after completion of the study; In good general health, as evidenced by medical history; Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout study duration.

Exclusion: Recent (during the current depressive episode) or concurrent use of a rapid acting antidepressant agent (i.e., ketamine or a course of ECT); Contraindications to receiving rTMS (e.g., metal in head, history of seizure, known brain lesion); Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within the study period; The presence or diagnosis of prominent anxiety disorder, or dysthymia (>4 on SAPAS; >16 on GAD-7); Bipolar Affective Disorder and/or primary psychotic disorders; Autism Spectrum disorder or Intellectual Disability; A diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); Current moderate or severe substance use disorder or demonstrating signs of acute substance withdrawal; Any history of ECT (greater than 8 sessions) without meeting responder criteria; History of significant neurologic disease, including dementia, Parkinson's or Huntington's disease, brain tumor, unexpected seizure/epilepsy disorder, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, or history of significant head trauma; Untreated or insufficiently treated endocrine disorder; Any current or past history of any physical condition which in the investigator's opinion might put the subject at risk or interfere with study results interpretation; Any other condition deemed by the PI to interfere with the study or increase risk to the participant; Pregnancy; High-risk for suicide or active suicidal ideation as determined by clinical interview; Current severe insomnia (must sleep a minimum of 5 hours each night before stimulation); Current mania or psychosis; Urine screening test positive for illicit substances; Contraindications to MRI (ferromagnetic metal in their body); Depth-adjusted aiTBS treatment dose > 65% maximum stimulator output (MSO).

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06523439