Brain stimulation for anxiety and depression in children and teens
Official title: Brain STimulation for ANxiety and Depression in Youth: Brain STAND
Run by University of Calgary · NCT06892847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to see if it reduces anxiety and depression in children and teens aged 6 to 18 who are referred by their doctors.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06892847 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children and adolescents aged 6–18 with a clinician-diagnosed anxiety disorder or depression, active symptoms, and stable medication use are the ideal candidates for this program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent status epilepticus, implanted medical devices that contraindicate TMS, recent hospitalization for a suicide attempt, unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, or anticipated medication changes are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This open-label intervention offers repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sessions to children and adolescents referred for anxiety or depression. Participants aged 6–18 with an existing clinical diagnosis and active symptoms are enrolled, with medication stable for at least three months if applicable. There is no sham control arm; outcomes focus on changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms and functional status following the treatment course. All visits and treatments occur at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TMS could provide a noninvasive treatment option that reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and improves daily functioning for affected youth.
How similar studies have gone: TMS has shown benefit for adult depression and small early pediatric studies are emerging, but evidence in youth—particularly for anxiety—is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
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Alberta Children's Hospital
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kara Murias, MD/PhD — The University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Kara Murias, MD/PhD
- Email: krmarten@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 1 403-441-8411
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.