Can magnetic pulses ease depression and pain together?

NCT ID NCT04556890

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve symptoms of major depression and chronic pain at the same time. Fifty-four adults with moderate depression and pain will receive 30 sessions of active rTMS over several weeks. Researchers will track changes in mood and pain scores, along with blood markers of inflammation.

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)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-drug treatment that reduces both depression and chronic pain symptoms at the same time.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with no placebo group, so results may be less reliable. The treatment is time-intensive (30 sessions) and may not work for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia major depressive disorder myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC PAIN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCLA Semel Institute
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States

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