Examining brain activity differences in 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 observational study aims to evaluate the differences in cortical excitability modulation between patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and healthy individuals using repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). The researchers will compare measures of cortical excitability and the degree of modulation in the motor cortex after rTMS application. Additionally, the study will assess changes in cortical excitability in MDD patients after six weeks of antidepressant treatment, while also analyzing cognitive performance through psychophysical tasks. The goal is to clarify the neuroplasticity mechanisms underlying MDD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria (clinical groups):

1\. Diagnosis of major depressive episode or disorder as provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association. 2013).

Exclusion criteria (clinical groups):

1. Moderate to severe suicide risk;
2. Known personal history of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder;
3. Alcohol or other substance abuse and/or dependence;
4. Developmental disorder;
5. Dementia;
6. Presence of uncontrolled active medical illness;
7. Known structural lesion of the central nervous system;
8. Electrical or metallic brain implants;
9. Cardiac implants;
10. Epilepsy;
11. Active use of medication known to cause seizures;
12. Pregnancy;
13. Breastfeeding.

For the healthy control group, participants will also be recruited at the Champalimaud Clinical Center, by advertisement in places of public circulation. The recruitment of this population will be done in order to generate a pairing with both clinical groups in terms of age and sex. The same exclusion criteria will be applied, as well as the presence of any history of neuropsychiatric disease. The total number of participants for this study will be approximately 90 volunteers. Exclusion criteria will be assessed through self-report and/or MINI.

Where it's running

• Champalimaud Foundation
  Lisbon, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Albino J Oliveira-Maia, MD, MPH, PhD — Champalimaud Foundation
• Study coordinator: Sofia Marques
• Email: sofia.marques@research.fchampalimaud.org
• Phone: 00351 210480048

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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.