Comparing classic and deep rTMS treatments for depression

Open-label Randomized Comparative Study of the Effects of a Classic High-frequency rTMS Treatment Versus a Deep rTMS Treatment in the Management of Resistant Depression

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit · NCT04956016

This study is testing whether a new type of brain stimulation treatment for depression works better than a classic version for people who haven't found relief from other therapies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment152 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Henri Laborit Academic / other
Locations1 site (Poitiers)
Trial IDNCT04956016 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of classic high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using an 8-shaped coil against deep rTMS using an H-shaped coil for patients with treatment-resistant depressive disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms, receiving a total of 20 rTMS sessions over four weeks, along with standard therapy. Follow-up visits will occur at 30, 60, and 90 days post-treatment to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a diagnosis of recurrent or isolated depressive episodes who have not changed their antidepressant treatment for at least three weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with psychotic features of depression, substance abuse issues, or a high risk of suicide may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for both classic and deep rTMS approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Volunteer subjects over 18 years old
* Having signed a free and informed consent
* Having a diagnostic of caracterised depressive episod recurrent or isolated according to DSM IV criteria (A.P.A 1994).
* Having an antidepressant treatment not modified since 3 weeks
* Score to MADRS scale ≥ 21
* Subject affiliated to a social security regimen

Exclusion Criteria:

* Depression with psychotic caracteristics
* Co-morbid diagnosis according to axis I (DSM IV) of schizophrenia, dependence (or abuse) on alcohol and / or another substance (lifetime)
* Patient who has already undergone seismotherapy for current episode and non-responder to this treatment
* Patient hospitalized under duress or under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship)
* Patient with a high risk of suicide (item 10 of MADRS \> 4) in the absence of hospitalization.
* Contra-indication for IRM exam or rTMS : personnal history of comitial crisis, of neurological or neurochirurgical pathologies, metallic prosthetic material or foreign body (pacemaker, intraoculare ferromagnetic material, implanted cardiac defibrillator, cochlear implant, metal clip
* Pregnancy
* Simultaneous participation to another interventionnal study

Where this trial is running

Poitiers

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.