Could magnetic brain zaps ease hoarding and depression?

NCT ID NCT05985356

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Diego Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called iTBS could help people who have both hoarding disorder and depression. Fourteen adults received 20 sessions over 4 weeks. Researchers measured changes in hoarding and depression symptoms, as well as brain connectivity. The goal was to see if this non-invasive treatment could improve both conditions at once.

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) - a type of brain stimulation using magnetic pulses
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug treatment option for people struggling with both hoarding disorder and depression.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study with only 14 people, so results may not apply to everyone. It's also completed, so no further testing is planned yet.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder Hoarding Hoarding Disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION HOARDING HOARDING DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

UC San Diego

La Jolla, California, 92093, United States

More trials for these conditions

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