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Brain zaps synced to your brain waves may boost depression treatment

NCT ID NCT03421808

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether delivering TMS pulses in sync with the brain's alpha rhythm improves depression outcomes more than standard TMS. 34 adults with depression received daily TMS over several weeks. The goal was to see if timing the pulses to when the brain is more excitable leads to higher remission rates.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could lead to a more effective, personalized TMS treatment for depression by synchronizing pulses with the brain's natural rhythms.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 34 participants, so results may not apply widely. The approach is still experimental and may not show a clear benefit over standard TMS.

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 major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Medical University of South Carolina Brain Stimulation Division

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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