Mindfulness meets brain zaps: new hope for depression?
NCT ID NCT04586699
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether pairing meditation with a brain stimulation technique called rTMS can better treat depression. rTMS is already FDA-approved but only works for about 15-30% of patients. The researchers hope that adding a focus on internal attention (like breathing) during stimulation will boost its effects. Fifty adults with moderate to severe depression who haven't responded to antidepressants are taking part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paired with meditation tasks
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could lead to a more effective, faster-acting treatment for depression that combines brain stimulation with mindfulness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 50 participants. The approach may not prove more effective than standard rTMS, and results may not apply to all depression patients.
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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52 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2021
- Finished
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Jun 2026
- 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 years and older
- 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: * moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 scale score \>9 with confirmation using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders) * treatment refractory to antidepressants (i.e. failed 1-3 antidepressants in current episode) or intolerant to antidepressants (i.e. tried 2 antidepressant of inadequate dose/duration in current episode) Exclusion Criteria: * active substance abuse/dependence * psychotic disorders * any factor that increases risk of TMS (metal implants/history of stroke/seizure disorder). * displaying acutely suicidal behaviors on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Neuromodulation Clinic Veterans Affairs San Diego
San Diego, California, 92037, United States
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UC San Diego Health Psychiatry
San Diego, California, 92127, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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