Comparing two schedules of brain stimulation for teens with depression
Tests faster versus standard brain stimulation in adolescents with treatment-resistant depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Comparing the Efficacy of Accelerated vs. Standard fMRI-guided iTBS in Treating Adolescents Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Ottawa, CanadaSee 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 16 and 19 years old?
Source: NCT06528938, who can take part
Where in Canada
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health ResearchOttawa, CanadaTaking 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
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
- Trial code
- NCT06528938
- Record updated
- 1 October 2026
- Original description
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a Health Canada approved treatment for major depression. Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a type of rTMS, is a very promising new treatment for major depression in adults and adolescents. However, very few studies have assessed the efficacy of accelerated, three times a day TBS in comparison with standard once a day TBS in adolescents. The study aims to explore further evidence in hopes to conduct a large-scale, randomized, multisite, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-guided accelerated rTMS protocol vs. standard once/daily rTMS for treatment-resistant depression in adolescents.Read full original descriptionShow less
Randomized Pilot Trial Comparing the Feasibility and Efficacy of Accelerated vs. Standard fMRI-guided iTBS in Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adolescents
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a Health Canada approved treatment for major depression. Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a type of rTMS, is a very promising new treatment for major depression in adults and adolescents. However, very few studies have assessed the efficacy of accelerated, three times a day TBS in comparison with standard once a day TBS in adolescents. The study aims to explore further evidence in hopes to conduct a large-scale, randomized, multisite, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-guided accelerated rTMS protocol vs. standard once/daily rTMS for treatment-resistant depression in adolescents.
Inclusion: Voluntary and competent to consent; Ages 16-19 years old; Can speak and read English; Primary and/or predominant diagnosis of major depressive episode without psychotic features in the current episode, confirmed by The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID); Depressive symptoms have not improved after ≥ 1 adequate dose of antidepressant in the current depressive episode; Moderate symptoms in the current depressive episode, indexed by a score of at least 40 on the Children's Depression Rating Scale Revised for depression (CDRS-R); Are able to adhere to the treatment schedule; Have stable psychotropic medications and/or psychotherapy regimen for at least four weeks before participating in the trial.
Exclusion: Concomitant unstable major medical or neurological disease (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes or renal dysfunction); Diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria; Have a specific contraindication to TMS and/or MRI (e.g., personal history of epilepsy or seizures, metal head implant, pacemaker); Any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would impair the participant's ability to complete the study; Current or past substance (< 3 months) (excluding caffeine or nicotine) or alcohol abuse/dependence, as defined in the DSM-5 criteria. Based on DSM-5 criteria, mild cannabis or alcohol use would be allowed in the past 3 months, moderate to severe would be an exclusion; Current use of illegal substances or cannabis confirmed by urine screening test; Organic cause of depressive symptoms (e.g. thyroid dysfunction), ruled out by the treating physician; Acute suicidality or life-threatening due to self-neglect; Are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant during treatment (pregnancy will be assessed by a urine test); Unwilling to maintain the current antidepressant regimen; Taking more than 1 mg/day of lorazepam or equivalent.