Could quick brain zaps lift teen depression? small study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07369713
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study will test a type of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (a-iTBS) in 45 adolescents aged 12-18 with major depressive disorder. Participants will get either real or sham stimulation, guided by MRI scans. The goal is to see if it's safe, acceptable, and shows early signs of easing depression symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (a-iTBS) using MRI-guided targeting
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a faster, non-drug treatment option for depression in teenagers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (45 teens) testing feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. It may fail to show benefit or have unknown side effects.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing, 400016, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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