Brain zaps for young minds: can TMS ease anxiety and depression?
NCT ID NCT06892847
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is testing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can reduce anxiety and depression in children and teens aged 6 to 18. About 120 participants will receive TMS treatment, and researchers will track symptom changes using questionnaires. The goal is to see if this brain stimulation technique can help young people who are struggling with these conditions.
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 it works, this could offer a non-drug treatment option for young people with anxiety and depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early open-label trial with no placebo group, so results may be due to expectation. TMS is generally safe but can cause discomfort or rare seizures.
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.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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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6 to 18 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged between 6 and 18 years old 2. diagnosis of anxiety or depression made by a qualified medical professional 3. active anxiety and/or depression symptoms Exclusion Criteria: 1. status epilepticus in past 12-months 2. presence of any disease, medical condition, or physical condition that, in the opinion of the study investigator may compromise, interfere, limit, affect, or reduce the participant's ability to complete the study 3. hospitalization for suicide attempt within the past 3 months (unless participant is under the daily supervision of a physician, such as in a mental health day treatment program) 4. TMS-related contraindications, including implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemaker) 5. if actively taking prescription medication, no changes in medication for at least 3 months prior to entry into the study, with no anticipation of change in the frequency or dose over the duration of the study, unless changes to medication are required for participant safety 6. unable to understand instructions in English
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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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Alberta Children's Hospital
RECRUITINGCalgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada
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