Scientists probe brain networks in depression with High-Tech tools
NCT ID NCT05977439
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This research study examines how brain activity changes during emotional and thinking tasks in people with depression and healthy volunteers. Using brain scans (EEG, fMRI) and mild brain stimulation (TMS), researchers aim to understand the brain circuits involved in mood and suicidal thoughts. The study includes 120 participants and may also involve brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to see how it affects brain function.
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) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could point toward better ways to treat depression and suicidal thoughts by understanding how brain activity relates to emotions and thinking.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study focused on understanding brain function, not testing a proven treatment. The results may not lead to immediate therapies, and individual responses may vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2024
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Study 1 (Healthy Participants) Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Medically and psychiatrically healthy with no history of psychiatric or neurological disorders * English-speaking * Capacity to provide informed consent * Willingness and ability to complete study procedures * Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential Exclusion Criteria: * Any current or past psychiatric diagnosis * Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease * History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold * Significant head injury or loss of consciousness * Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS * Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine) * Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation * Inability to complete study procedures Studies 2, 3, and 4 (Participants With Depression) Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) * Depression severity consistent with study criteria (e.g., HAM-D ≥17) * No history of psychotic or bipolar disorders * English-speaking * Capacity to provide informed consent * Willingness and ability to complete study procedures * Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease * History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold * Significant head injury or loss of consciousness * Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS * Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine) * Current participation in another interventional clinical trial * Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation * Any condition that would interfere with safe participation or completion of study procedures
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Medical Univeristy of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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