New hope for depression? accelerated brain zaps show promise

NCT ID NCT03680781

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested an accelerated schedule of theta-burst stimulation, a type of brain stimulation, in 40 people with treatment-resistant depression. Participants received multiple sessions per day targeting the left or both sides of the brain. Researchers measured changes in depression scores to see if the faster schedule could improve mood.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered via a TMS device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a faster and more effective treatment option for people with depression that hasn't responded to other therapies.
What could go wrong: This was a small, open-label study with no placebo group, so results may be biased. The treatment is still experimental and may not work for everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BIPOLAR II DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar II disorder Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine

Palo Alto, California, 94305, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.