Tailored brain zaps could revolutionize depression treatment
NCT ID NCT06572683
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study explores a personalized form of brain stimulation called resonant frequency rTMS for people with major depression. Researchers will test different stimulation frequencies to see which one best engages brain circuits. The goal is to develop a more targeted treatment approach. The study involves 84 participants and uses brain imaging and EEG to measure effects.
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 successful, this could lead to more effective, personalized brain stimulation treatments for depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study focused on measuring brain activity, not on treating depression directly. It may not lead to better outcomes for 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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About 84 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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21 to 75 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: * All subjects must be between 21-75 years of age. * Must have confirmed diagnosis of severe \*Major Depressive Disorder (single or recurrent episode) as confirmed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) or/and a score of 17 or above on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). * Failure to respond to a minimum of 2 trials of antidepressant medication. * Failure to respond from at least two different agent classes. * Accompanied by at least two evidence-based augmentation therapies (Benzodiazepines do not count). * Must have a trial of psychotherapy known to be effective in the treatment of MDD of an adequate frequency and duration. * Subjects are willing and able to adhere to the treatment schedule and required study visits. * TMS treatment is clinically-approved only for those suffering from Major Depressive Disorder as their primary diagnosis. Exclusion Criteria: * Are mentally or legally incapacitated, unable to give informed consent * Have an infection or poor skin condition over the scalp where the device will be positioned. * Have increased risk of seizure because of family history, stroke, or currently use medications that lead to increased risk for seizure. * Diagnosis of acute or chronic psychotic symptoms or disorders (such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder) in the current depressive episode. * Neurological conditions that include epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, having a history of repetitive or severe head trauma, or with primary or secondary tumors in the central nervous system. * Presence of an implanted magnetic-sensitive medical device present in the body scan, located less than or equal to 30 centimeters from the transcranial magnetic stimulation magnetic coil or other implanted metal items, including but not limited to a cochlear implant, implanted cardioverter defibrillator, pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, or metal aneurysm clips or coils, staples, or stents. (Note: Dental amalgam fillings are not affected by the magnetic field and are acceptable for use with transcranial magnetic stimulation and MRI.) * Current diagnosis of substance use disorder.
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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
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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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University of California
Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a group program teach teens to cope before therapy starts?