Deep TMS for adolescents hospitalized with 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 is a double-blind, sham-controlled randomized trial enrolling 60 inpatients aged 14–18 with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder. Participants will be randomized to active or sham deep TMS delivered with the Brainsway H7 coil targeting dorsomedial prefrontal and cingulate cortices during hospitalization. The study will track safety, tolerability, adherence, changes in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and time to psychiatric readmission. Follow-up assessments will continue for 12 months post-discharge to capture longer-term outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Fluent in English and able to volunteer in the informed consent process and provide spontaneous narrative description of key elements, risks, and benefits of the study.
2. Aged 14 years to 18 years, inclusive.
3. Diagnosis of MDD based on psychologist diagnosis and DSM-5-checklist based interview.
4. Symptoms of moderate to severe depression according to Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Score \> 20.
5. Participants are not required to discontinue current interventions

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participation in an investigational drug trial within the past three months.
2. Contraindications to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation including, but not limited to, a history of epilepsy, the presence of metallic foreign bodies, or implanted medical devices (e.g. ventriculoperitoneal shunt, pacemaker, medical pump).
3. Actively psychotic (i.e. disorganized, delusional, paranoid, or having hallucinations)
4. Actively suicidal (have a suicidal plan and intent and is on 1:1 close observation)
5. For female subjects of childbearing potential, a positive urine pregnancy test.

Where it's running

• Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center
  Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rana Elmaghraby, MD — Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Ashley Krafft, Masters
• Email: ashley.krafft@cchmc.org
• Phone: 5138038644

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Ketamine with DBT for suicidality in adults with treatment-resistant depression or bipolar disorder and BPD

  This study tests whether four ketamine infusions plus Dialectical Behavioural Therapy can more quickly reduce suicidal thoughts in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder and treatment-resistant depression or bipolar disorder.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University Health Network, Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07569198

• Inhaled DMT for major depressive disorder

  This trial tests whether inhaled DMT can quickly ease depressive symptoms and reduce suicide risk in adults with major depressive disorder.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte · Fortaleza, Ceará and 4 other locations · NCT07562191

• Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation for adolescents and young adults with depression and suicidal thoughts

  This trial will try a fast, noninvasive, MRI-guided brain stimulation (accelerated intermittent theta burst TMS) given over five days to reduce depression and suicidal thoughts in 15–25 year olds recently treated for suicidality.

  Recruiting University of California, Davis · Sacramento, California · NCT07025720

• Treating suicidal thoughts in depression with ketamine

  This study is testing if ketamine can help people with major depression who are having suicidal thoughts feel better by giving them infusions over two weeks while also looking at their brain activity and experiences.

  Recruiting Phase 2/3 The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research · Ottawa, Ontario · NCT06891300

• Assessing mental health disorders in Hong Kong using a new recall method

  This study is testing a new way to help people in Hong Kong remember important life events to see how many have experienced major depression and thoughts of suicide.

  Recruiting The University of Hong Kong · Hong Kong · NCT06804525

• Emotional Reactivity in Severe Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression Using Eye-Tracking and Physiological Measures

  This study tests how people with severe alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, both conditions, or neither, recognize and react to emotions using eye-tracking and physiological data.

  Recruiting Université Catholique de Louvain · Brussels, Belgium · NCT07925281

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.