New brain zaps could lift depression when pills fail

NCT ID NCT07529574

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Jung-Sun Lee Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a type of brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation (TBS) for people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. About 120 adults and teens will either get real TBS or a fake version first, then real TBS later. Researchers will measure changes in depression scores to see if the treatment helps and to find out who might benefit most.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: theta burst stimulation (TBS) of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug option to ease depression for people who haven't improved with standard antidepressants.
What could go wrong: This is an early exploratory trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The sham group eventually gets active treatment, which could blur comparisons.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION - MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Asan Medical Center

Seoul, 05530, South Korea

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