Individualized brain stimulation approach for treating depression
Official title: A Novel Individualized Connectome-guided Approach for Precision Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation for Depression: a Double Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Institute of Mental Health, Singapore · NCT06385223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a personalized brain stimulation method to see if it helps people with depression who haven't found relief from other treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institute of Mental Health, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 1, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06385223 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and older with a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode and insufficient response to prior antidepressant medication.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychotic disorders, substance abuse issues, or those requiring immediate clinical intervention due to high suicide risk may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized connectome-guided approach to accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) compared to a standard anatomically-guided method for patients with depression. The study will involve a randomized, double-blind design, recruiting both inpatients and outpatients who have not adequately responded to previous antidepressant treatments. Participants will undergo targeted brain stimulation to assess improvements in their depressive symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from depression who have not responded to traditional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar studies using targeted brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in treating depression, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 21 years. 2. DSM-5 diagnosis of current Major Depressive Episode. 3. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score of 20 or more. 4. Inadequate response to an adequate trial (4 weeks) of at least one antidepressant medication. 5. Able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. DSM-5 psychotic disorder 2. Drug or alcohol abuse or dependence (preceding 3 months). 3. Rapid clinical response required, e.g., high suicide risk. 4. Significant neurological disorder, which may pose increased risks with TMS, e.g., epilepsy. 5. Metal in the cranium, skull defects, pacemaker, cochlear implant, medication pump or other electronic device. 6. Pregnancy. 7. Unsuitable for MRI.
Where it's running
-
Institute of Mental Health
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Phern Chern Tor, MBBS
- Email: phern_chern_tor@imh.com.sg
- Phone: 63892000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Smartphone-supported single-session psychotherapy for postpartum depression
A single online therapy session plus four weeks of app-based support is being tested to see if it reduces depressive symptoms in postpartum women compared with a waitlist.
-
Mindful Smartphone Use: A Mindfulness-Based Program for Teens with Sleep and Mood Challenges
This study tests Mindwire, a mindfulness-based program, to see if it helps teens with problematic phone use who also have depression or anxiety.
-
Tele-based wellbeing centres for women's mental health in Bangladesh
A randomized trial tests whether tele-counselling for depression and anxiety in Bangladeshi women is as effective as in-person counselling.
-
Remote monitoring for adults with depression using ThIA Suivi
This study tests whether adding the ThIA Suivi remote monitoring tool to usual psychiatric care helps adults with depression feel more improved after 3 months compared with standard care alone.
-
HBOT to see if it helps cognition and well‑being in first responders with prior brain injury
This study tests whether 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions can improve thinking skills and post-concussion symptoms in current or former first responders with a history of brain injury.
-
Focused ultrasound for mood and anxiety disorders
This study tests whether repeated low-intensity focused ultrasound using the ATTN201 device can help people with subsyndromal to moderate depression, anxiety, or OCD.
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.