Individualized TMS treatment for emotional blunting in depression

Study on the Effect and Brain Influence Mechanism of Individualized Precise Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Based on Image Analysis on Emotional Blunting in Depression

This study is testing if a personalized brain treatment called TMS can help people with depression feel their emotions more strongly when other medications haven't worked.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Xijing Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Xi'an, Shannxi)
• Trial ID: NCT05555940 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of individualized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on emotional blunting in patients with depression. It aims to understand the therapeutic mechanisms behind TMS and improve treatment outcomes for those who do not respond well to traditional medication. Participants will undergo TMS targeting specific brain areas to enhance emotional responsiveness. The study will assess the efficacy of this approach through clinical evaluations and brain imaging techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed outpatients aged 18 to 65 with diagnosed depressive disorder and experiencing emotional blunting after prior SSRI or SNRI treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder or those who have a history of substance abuse within the last six months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve emotional responsiveness in patients suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with TMS in treating depression, but this individualized approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Outpatients of all genders, aged ≥18 years and ≤65 years, right-handed, admitted to the psychosomatic Department of Xijing Hospital;

  (2) In accordance with the diagnostic criteria for the depressive disorder of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)).

  (3) Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS): total MADRS score ≥12;

  (4) The total score of the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ) at baseline was ≥50, and the answer to the standardized screening question of emotional blunting was "yes";

  (5) Received at least 6 weeks of monotherapy with an SSRI or SNRI prior to enrollment;

  (6) Subjects who can understand and are willing to strictly follow the clinical trial protocol to complete this study and sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) Have a history of substance abuse within 6 months before the start of the study;

  (2) Patients with bipolar disorder and depression caused by other mental diseases (such as psychoactive substances and non-dependent substances);

  (3) Have a history of somatic severe diseases or diseases that may affect the central nervous system (such as tumors, syphilis, etc.);

  (4) Have neurological diseases or risk of seizures, such as previous brain diseases, head trauma, alcoholism, EEG abnormalities, MRI evidence of abnormal brain structure, or family history of epilepsy;

  (5) There are contraindications to MRI scanning or transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, such as metal or electronic instruments (intracranial metal foreign bodies, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, stents, and other metal foreign bodies);

  (6) Have obvious suicide risk, or have actual suicide behavior within 6 months before the start of the study;

  (7) Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the trial;

  (8) Other conditions that are not suitable for the study object in the researcher's judgment.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an, Shannxi

• XijingH — Xi'an, Shannxi, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yuyu Zhang

Conditions: Depression, emotional blunting, transcranial magnetic stimulation