Can magnetic brain stimulation keep depression at bay longer than a drug?

NCT ID NCT07760168

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether maintenance rTMS—a non-invasive brain stimulation technique—can prevent depression from returning better than the medication quetiapine in people with treatment-resistant depression. After an initial course of rTMS, participants are randomly assigned to receive either monthly maintenance rTMS sessions or daily quetiapine for three months. Researchers track depression symptoms, overall improvement, side effects, and a blood marker called BDNF to see which approach offers longer-lasting relief.

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) and quetiapine
What this could lead to: If maintenance rTMS works better than quetiapine, it could offer a drug-free way to keep depression from returning in people who haven't responded to standard treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial, and results may not apply to everyone. rTMS can cause side effects like headache or scalp discomfort, and quetiapine has its own risks, including drowsiness and weight gain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant

As listed by the trial registrant

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

TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION (TRD)

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