Can magnetic pulses ease depression and pain together?
NCT ID NCT04556890
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve symptoms of major depression and chronic pain at the same time. Fifty-four adults with moderate depression and pain will receive 30 sessions of active rTMS over several weeks. Researchers will track changes in mood and pain scores, along with blood markers of inflammation.
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)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-drug treatment that reduces both depression and chronic pain symptoms at the same time.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with no placebo group, so results may be less reliable. The treatment is time-intensive (30 sessions) and may not work for everyone.
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 54 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
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 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 18-75 years of age * Language: Participants must speak English fluently, as demonstrated by verbal skills sufficient to answer questions at a level that assures adequate understanding of the study * Must have confirmed diagnosis of moderate Major Depressive Disorder (single or recurrent episode), minimum score of 17 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17). No minimal MDD duration necessary for study participation * 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\* * Must have a confirmed FM or ME/CFS diagnoses and moderate pain complaints, minimum score of 15 on the McGill Pain Questionnaire. * Pain chronicity for at least 3 months prior to study enrollment. * Subjects are willing and able to adhere to the treatment schedule and required study visits. Exclusion Criteria: * Are mentally or legally incapacitated, unable to give informed consent. * Are pregnant. * Have an active suicidal intent or plan. * Have had prior Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment. * 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. * Psychotic depression or other 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 metallic and magnetic-sensitive medical device present in the body scan, including but not limited to a cochlear implant, infusion pump, implanted cardioverter defibrillator, pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, aneurysm clip, metal prosthesis, 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)
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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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UCLA Semel Institute
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90024, United States
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