Scientists probe brain networks to personalize depression treatment
NCT ID NCT05523817
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS to explore how stimulating specific brain networks changes mood, thinking, and brain activity in people with major depression and healthy volunteers. Researchers aim to understand the brain mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of this treatment. The study involves 80 participants and uses brain scans and cognitive tests to measure changes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) - a non-invasive brain stimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to more personalized and effective brain stimulation treatments for depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not testing a new treatment. It is small (80 people) and results may not apply to everyone with depression.
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 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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.
Inclusion Criteria for healthy participants: * 18-65 years of age * Capacity to provide informed consent form to participate in the study Inclusion Criteria for participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): * 18-65 years of age * Capacity to provide informed consent form to participate in the study * Currently in a major depressive episode. Comorbid anxiety disorders and personality disorders will be allowed provided that MDD is the primary diagnosis. Exclusion Criteria for all participants: * Meeting criteria, in the past or currently, for bipolar affective disorder, hypomania or mania. * Meeting criteria, in the past or currently, for a primary psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia). * Neurological conditions with known structural brain lesions, e.g., intracranial masses, multiple sclerosis. * Any personal history of seizures or a family history of epilepsy in a first-degree relative. * Metal in the body that is ferromagnetic or metallic injury to the eyes. * Implanted pacemakers, medication pumps, vagal stimulators, deep brain stimulators, or ventriculoperitoneal shunts, etc. * Substance abuse or dependence that is current and active within the last six months, as indicated by self-report (e.g., heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines). * Inability to meet the safety criteria for MRI scanning for any other reason. * Severe or unstable medical illness. * Currently pregnant, as assessed with urine pregnancy test in women of childbearing age.
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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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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
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