Investigating brain stimulation techniques for treating depression
Invasive Decoding and Stimulation of Altered Reward Computations in Depression
This study is testing new brain stimulation techniques to see if they can help people with severe depression feel better by targeting specific areas of the brain involved in mood and decision-making.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05239780 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores innovative neurostimulation strategies for major depressive disorder by targeting specific brain regions involved in mood regulation and decision-making. Participants with intractable epilepsy will undergo invasive monitoring to record neural activity from the orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala during decision-making tasks. The researchers will analyze both behavioral and neural responses, comparing them across different depression statuses. A subset of participants will receive electrical stimulation to assess its impact on mood and behavior.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with intractable epilepsy who also experience major depressive disorder.
Not a fit: Patients over 80 years of age or those under 18 years will not benefit from this study due to age-related cognitive concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatment options for patients with major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using neurostimulation techniques for depression, but this approach is novel in its specific targeting of limbic brain regions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- The study will follow clinical criteria for epilepsy patient recruitment for invasive monitoring. As a results, individuals of adults of all ages are expected to be included in this study. Exclusion Criteria: * Adults over 80 years of age will be excluded as per concerns of cognitive decline. * Children under 18 will be excluded from the study since the maturation of frontal lobes continues through adolescence and significant differences in frontal lobe functioning between children younger than 18 and adults are often observed.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ignacio Saez, Ph.D. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Lizbeth Nunez Martinez
- Email: lizbeth.nunezmartinez@mssm.edu
- Phone: (661) 772-6200
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.