Could quick brain zaps lift teen depression? small study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07369713
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study will test a type of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (a-iTBS) in 45 adolescents aged 12-18 with major depressive disorder. Participants will get either real or sham stimulation, guided by MRI scans. The goal is to see if it's safe, acceptable, and shows early signs of easing depression symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (a-iTBS) using MRI-guided targeting
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a faster, non-drug treatment option for depression in teenagers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (45 teens) testing feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. It may fail to show benefit or have unknown side effects.
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 45 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 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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12 to 18 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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.
Inclusion Criteria: (1) Age 12 - 18 (2) Diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), confirmed through the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL), currently in a depressive episode (3) Score≥40 on the CDRS-R (4) Stable pharmacological treatment: At least 4 weeks of stable psychiatric medication use prior to enrollment, with continuation of the same psychiatric medication regimen throughout the study. \- Exclusion Criteria: 1. Psychiatric comorbidities other than anxiety disorders 2. Depression with psychotic symptoms 3. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score \>13 4. A history of neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, brain injury) or severe somatic diseases (e.g., thyroid disorders, lupus, diabetes, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal impairment, major trauma) 5. Patients currently using anticonvulsants or high-dose benzodiazepines 6. A history of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), or other neuromodulation treatments 7. A history of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence 8. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding 9. Current high suicide risk 10. Potential complicating factors related to transcranial magnetic stimulation, such as scalp conditions or perforations that may affect magnetic field delivery 11. Contraindications to MRI -
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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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The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing, 400016, China
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