Zapping the Brain's reward center to fight anhedonia
NCT ID NCT05468853
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called TMS could reduce anhedonia, or loss of interest or pleasure. 72 adults with elevated anhedonia received TMS targeting the brain's reward circuit. Researchers measured changes in self-reported anhedonia and brain activity using EEG and fMRI.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment for anhedonia, a common symptom in depression and other conditions.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with no placebo group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone. TMS can cause mild side effects like headache or scalp discomfort.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
FSU MRI Facility
Tallahassee, Florida, 32306, United States
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