Could a weekend of brain zaps ease depression and long COVID?
NCT ID NCT07197138
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether an intensified schedule of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) — six sessions a day for five days — works better than the standard one-session-a-day for six weeks in people with depression and Post-COVID condition. Researchers will measure changes in blood markers of inflammation and depression symptoms in 42 participants. The goal is to gather early evidence for larger trials.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a faster treatment schedule for depression and Post-COVID fatigue by reducing brain inflammation.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (42 people) with no placebo group, so results may not be conclusive or apply to everyone. The intensified schedule may cause more discomfort or side effects.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Locations
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Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry
RECRUITINGMunich, Bavaria, 80804, Germany
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••