New brain zaps could lift depression when pills fail
NCT ID NCT07529574
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.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Asan Medical Center
Seoul, 05530, South Korea
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••