Brain scans guide depression therapy in new pilot study
NCT ID NCT02863380
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether using brain scans to personalize magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could improve treatment for people with depression that hasn't responded to medication. 27 participants received either personalized rTMS, standard rTMS, or a different type of brain stimulation (tDCS). The main goal was to see if the personalized approach could better correct brain activity abnormalities, with symptom improvement as a secondary measure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
personalized rTMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) guided by functional MRI
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a more effective, personalized way to treat depression that doesn't respond to standard medication.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study that was terminated early, so results are limited. The approach is still experimental and may not prove better than existing treatments.
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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Locations
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Service de Psychiatrie 1, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, 67091, France