5-Day brain zaps could lift depression fast
NCT ID NCT07487454
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether 5 days of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can quickly reduce depression symptoms. 264 adults with major depressive disorder will receive either real or sham stimulation, along with brain scans and mood tracking. The goal is to see if this rapid treatment works and how it changes brain activity.
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) via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a fast, non-invasive treatment option for major depression that reduces symptoms within days.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with no phase designation, so results may not confirm effectiveness. The sham group helps control for placebo effects, but individual responses vary.
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 264 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Dec 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 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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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: * English speaking * Able to provide informed consent * 18-65 years old * Meets MDD criteria per the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to consent (due to medical condition, acute psychosis, substance use, etc) * Use of benzodiazepines or medications that would interfere with TMS treatment as per PI discretion * Active substance use or severe substance use that in the opinion of the PI would interfere with study participation * Untreated, active psychosis * Female patient who is breastfeeding, pregnant or who is planning a pregnancy during the study * Contraindications to receiving TMS and/or MRI as determined by screening questionnaires * Participation in any clinical study with exposure to any investigational treatment or product within the previous 30 days, or plan on concurrent participation in other studies.
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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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UC Davis Medical Center
Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
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