Can tailored brain zaps beat standard therapy for depression?

NCT ID NCT07743398

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This trial tests whether a personalized, context-guided form of brain stimulation works better than the standard approach for adults with major depressive disorder. Participants receive either standard intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) or a version where the stimulation target is chosen using their own brain scans and is paired with a positive emotional video. The study compares treatment response rates two weeks after the five-day treatment course.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Context-guided personalized intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a noninvasive brain stimulation device
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a more effective, personalized brain stimulation treatment for major depressive disorder, potentially helping those who don't respond to standard approaches.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small, early-stage trial, so results may not be conclusive or generalizable. The personalized approach may not outperform standard treatment, and brain stimulation can have side effects like headache or discomfort.

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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

  • Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100088, China

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