Exploring brain activity and emotional processing in healthy individuals and those 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 observational study investigates how brain activity related to emotional processing, attention, and memory changes in healthy participants and those with major depressive disorder. Using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and fNIRS, along with non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as TMS, researchers aim to understand the brain's neuroplasticity and its implications for treating emotional difficulties. The study seeks to identify individualized stimulation parameters that enhance cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation, potentially leading to improved treatments for depression and related conditions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Study 1 (Healthy Participants)

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years
* Medically and psychiatrically healthy with no history of psychiatric or neurological disorders
* English-speaking
* Capacity to provide informed consent
* Willingness and ability to complete study procedures
* Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any current or past psychiatric diagnosis
* Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease
* History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold
* Significant head injury or loss of consciousness
* Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS
* Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine)
* Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation
* Inability to complete study procedures

Studies 2, 3, and 4 (Participants With Depression)

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years
* Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
* Depression severity consistent with study criteria (e.g., HAM-D ≥17)
* No history of psychotic or bipolar disorders
* English-speaking
* Capacity to provide informed consent
* Willingness and ability to complete study procedures
* Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease
* History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold
* Significant head injury or loss of consciousness
* Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS
* Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine)
* Current participation in another interventional clinical trial
* Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation
* Any condition that would interfere with safe participation or completion of study procedures

Where it's running

• Medical Univeristy of South Carolina
  Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lisa McTeague, PhD — Medical University of South Carolina
• Study coordinator: Lisa McTeague, PhD
• Email: MCTEAGUE@MUSC.EDU
• Phone: 843-792-8274

Similar studies

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

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• Rapid brain stimulation patterns to boost mood in adults with major depressive disorder

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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.