New brain zaps could lift depression when pills fail
NCT ID NCT07529574
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation (TBS) for people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. About 120 adults and teens will either get real TBS or a fake version first, then real TBS later. Researchers will measure changes in depression scores to see if the treatment helps and to find out who might benefit most.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- theta burst stimulation (TBS) of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug option to ease depression for people who haven't improved with standard antidepressants.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early exploratory trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The sham group eventually gets active treatment, which could blur comparisons.
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 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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May 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- 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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15 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: * Age ≥15 years * Diagnosis of depressive disorder based on DSM criteria * Adults: treatment-resistant depression * Adolescents: depressive disorder requiring treatment * Moderate or greater depressive symptoms * Adults: HAM-D ≥17, MADRS ≥14 * Adolescents: age-appropriate validated scale (e.g., CDRS-R) * Currently receiving or eligible for antidepressant treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychotic disorder * Substance use disorder (recent) * Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, brain injury) * Severe medical illness * Metal implants or contraindications to TMS * Pacemaker or implanted device * Prior rTMS or ECT * Pregnancy * Any condition deemed unsuitable by investigator
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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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Asan Medical Center
Seoul, 05530, South Korea
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