Magnetic pulses to the brain could help depressed patients think more clearly

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: Meet DSM-5 criteria for major depressive episode confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5), with no prior manic or hypomanic episodes; diagnosed as major depressive disorder without psychotic features by two attending psychiatrists. First episode or recurrent, currently in a depressive episode (HAMD\_17≥17). Age 18 to 45 years, all sexes and genders. Han Chinese, right-handed. Junior high school education or above, no color blindness, able to understand and provide informed consent, and complete assessments and tests. Willing to participate voluntarily and sign written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for any psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder. Received non-pharmacological treatments within the past 6 months, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or systematic psychotherapy (≥ 10 sessions). Prior treatment with CCRT. Received antipsychotics or other medications affecting cognitive function within the past month, or cholinergic agents (e.g., donepezil, galantamine) within 14 days, memantine within 20 days, or other racetam drugs (e.g., piracetam) within 2 days prior to randomization. Organic brain disorders or severe physical illnesses (e.g., thyroid disease, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, liver/kidney/lung impairment, infection, major trauma). History of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness or other conditions that may interfere with this study. History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence. Severe suicidal ideation or suicide attempt . Currently receiving hormonal therapy. Pregnancy, lactation, possibility of pregnancy, or planned pregnancy. History of epilepsy or family history of epilepsy. Implanted metal materials in the body (e.g., pacemaker, dental implants, metal intrauterine device). Any other factors that, in the investigator's opinion, place the participant at potential risk or interfere with the study participation.