Brain scans vs tape measures: which TMS targeting works best for depression?
NCT ID NCT07043738
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 6 times
Summary
This study tests whether using a person's brain scan (MRI) to guide TMS treatment for depression works better than the standard scalp-measurement method. 160 adults with major depression will receive accelerated TMS (10 sessions a day for 5 days) with either MRI or scalp targeting. The goal is to see if the extra cost and complexity of MRI targeting leads to better mood improvement.
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 MRI-based targeting works better, it could make TMS more effective for depression, though it's more expensive and complex.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage comparison study, not a treatment trial. The added benefit of MRI targeting may be small or not worth the extra cost and effort.
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 160 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2032
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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22 to 80 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 22-80 * English proficiency sufficient for informed consent, questionnaires/tasks, and treatment * Primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder per DSM-V criteria (Quick Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5) * \>20 on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) * \>20 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) * Moderate to severe level of treatment resistance (Maudsley Staging Method) * Stable antidepressant medication regimen, or remain medication free, for 4 weeks prior to treatment and to remain on this regimen throughout the study until the 1-month post-treatment visit. * Primary clinician (e.g. psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist, APRN, PA, etc.) responsible for psychiatric care before, during, and after the trial * Agreement to lifestyle considerations * Abstain from becoming pregnant from screening to one-month after treatment (the MRI visit) * Continue usual intake patterns of caffeine- or xanthine-containing products (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) throughout treatment * Abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before the start of each MRI and TMS session
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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 study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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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
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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