Brain scans may end guesswork in treating stubborn depression

NCT ID NCT07680140

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether brain imaging and clinical data can help select the best treatment for people with depression that hasn't improved with standard therapies. Participants receive either repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or ketamine, and researchers check if certain biomarkers predict who responds better to which option. The goal is to develop a tool that speeds up effective treatment and reduces the trial-and-error process.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

rTMS (brain stimulation) and ketamine (medication)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help doctors quickly match people with treatment-resistant depression to the therapy most likely to work for them, reducing trial-and-error.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 27 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The biomarker tool may not reliably predict responses, and both rTMS and ketamine have side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

More trials for these conditions

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Weill Cornell Medicine

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••