Accelerated intermittent vs continuous theta-burst stimulation for treatment-resistant depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares accelerated unilateral intermittent TBS (iTBS) and continuous TBS (cTBS) delivered with a figure-eight coil in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Participants meet strict inclusion criteria (ages 18–65, right-handed, HDRS ≥20, MADRS ≥20, and failure of at least two antidepressant trials) and undertake an intensive two-week treatment course with multiple daily sessions followed by a 12-week follow-up. The study measures changes in depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive performance, and overall functioning. The protocol builds on TBS methods designed to increase stimulation dose and targeting precision to induce lasting neuroplastic changes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 to 65 years old
2. Patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM 5 and the severity of their illness
3. Scoring 7 points or more on the Maudsley staging method
4. Having depression unresponsive to 2 different antidepressants
5. No clinical mental retardation
6. Agree to participate in the study
7. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 \[HDRS\] score of 20 or higher
8. Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale \[MADRS\] score of 20 or above
9. Being right hand dominant
10. Having used the same antidepressant at the same dose for the last 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with a neurological or metabolic disease that affects cognitive functions (Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, polyneuropathy, inflammatory rheumatologic disease and malignancies)
2. Having a foreign body such as a pacemaker, intracranial implant that can magnetically interact
3. Hearing and visual impairments that prevent communication
4. Unstable or acute medical conditions
5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
6. Having a primary psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder
7. Being diagnosed with severe MDD with psychotic features

Where it's running

• Ataturk University
  Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Omer Faruk UYGUR, Associate professor doctor — Ataturk University
• Study coordinator: Mahmut Balamur, research assistant doctor
• Email: m.balamur5@gmail.com
• Phone: +905350705623

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.