Brain Responses in Depression and Autism Using Magnetic Stimulation and Scans
Compares brain activity and inflammation in adults with depression, autism, or both.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Investigating the Brain's Physiological Responses in Depression and Autism, Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electroencephalography
Key facts
- Where
- Taipei, TaiwanSee 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 20 and 50 years old?
Source: NCT06821646, who can take part
Where in Taiwan
- National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, TaiwanNo longer taking part
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
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT06821646
- Record updated
- 12 January 2026
- Original description
The goal of this observational study is to investigate the brain physiological responses in depression and autism. The main questions aim to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Social Cognition in Major Depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Cortical Excitatory-inhibitory Imbalance and Neuromechanism
The goal of this observational study is to investigate the brain physiological responses in depression and autism. The main questions aim to answer are:
1. Comparing the ratios of cortical excitation and inhibition among four groups: autism group, autism with depression group, depression group, and normal control group using Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). This study explores the relationship between the ratios of cortical excitation and inhibition and the severity of clinical symptoms. 2. Comparing the brain inflammation among four groups: autism group, autism with depression group, depression group, and normal control group using Positron emission tomography (PET). This study investigates the relationship between brain inflammation and the severity of clinical symptoms. 3. The mutual influence between the severity of brain inflammation and Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance (E/I imbalance).
Participants will receive clinical assessment, neurocognitive function tests, TMS-EEG, gamma oscillation, and PET examinations.
Inclusion: Autism group : Adults aged 20-50 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder。Intelligence Quotient(IQ) > 70, with autonomous abilities; Autism group with comorbid depression : Adults aged 20-50 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Diagnosed with depression. IQ > 70. Not on antidepressants for at least one week, with autonomous abilities; Major depression disorder group : Adults aged 20-50. Diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR(DSM-IV-TR). IQ > 70. Not on antidepressants for at least one week, with autonomous abilities; Typically developing control group : Adults aged 20-50. Never diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Never diagnosed with depression. IQ > 70, with autonomous abilities.
Exclusion: Previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or substance use disorder according to DSM-IV; Previously suffered from major medical or neurological diseases; Previously undergone or soon to undergo brain surgery, or have metal implants in the head or neck area, such as neuro-stimulators or cochlear implants; Taking medications that may affect Excitatory/inhibitory balance (E/I balance); Brain structural abnormalities (e.g., brain tumor or arteriovenous malformations) or neurological diseases (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, or epilepsy); Have a cardiac pacemaker; Other conditions that render the patient unable to cooperate, such as unsuitability after screening, unstable physical illness, or refusal to sign the informed consent; Pregnant participants; Participants with strong suicidal intentions; Claustrophobia, unable to undergo positron emission tomography(PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans.