ipRGCs as biomarkers to predict TMS response in major depressive disorder

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 interventional trial will enroll 44 adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder who will receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Researchers will measure retinal and ipRGC-related biomarkers, including post-illumination pupil response, before, after the treatment, and at a two-month follow-up, to see if these markers correlate with clinical improvement and cognitive status. The study aims to determine whether ipRGC signals can predict response to TMS and whether TMS modulates retinal markers. Data collection will include clinical outcomes and biomarker assessments to support personalized treatment strategies for TRD. The trial is conducted at the Polytechnic Institute of Porto with collaboration from Hospital de São João and related centers.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of MDD, confirmed via the structured clinical interview;
* TRD type;
* Age between 18-65 years;
* Visual acuity of 20/32 or better.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior rTMS treatment;
* Contraindications for TMS;
* Psychiatric disorders other than MDD;
* Systemic diseases affecting the eyes (e.g., diabetes mellitus);
* Ocular conditions;
* Head injuries causing loss of consciousness;
* Current or past alcohol/substance dependence within 6 months;
* Neurodegenerative diseases;
* Major neurological illnesses;
* Use of medications affecting iris mechanics or the autonomic nervous system.

Where it's running

• RISE-Health, Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto
  Porto, Porto District, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Inês Duarte D Pais, MSc
• Email: idp@ess.ipp.pt
• Phone: +351 222 061 000

Similar studies

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

• Dopamine D2/D3 receptor binding in treatment-resistant, non-resistant depression, and healthy adults

  This project will use PET scans to see if dopamine D2/D3 receptor binding differs between adults with treatment-resistant depression, non-resistant major depression, and healthy volunteers.

  Recruiting Unity Health Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT03537794

• Understanding how the orbitofrontal cortex guides approach vs. avoidance in depression

  This study tests how different parts of the orbitofrontal cortex influence whether people pursue rewards or risk loss, and whether this pattern is altered in Major Depressive Disorder.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California · NCT07896343

• Health education program to help depression in older adults and caregivers in Ho Chi Minh City

  A community-based education program for people 60+ and their caregivers is being tested to see if it can lower depression and improve quality of life compared with standard care.

  Recruiting University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City · Ho Chi Minh City, Cho Lon · NCT07877571

• EEG-Guided TMS for Adults With Depression

  This study tests whether delivering intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) timed to brain waves using EEG can improve treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded to usual antidepressants.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT07862205

• Prucalopride for low mood: testing a 5-HT4 receptor activator for cognition and sleep

  This study tests whether prucalopride, a 5-HT4 receptor drug, can improve thinking and sleep in adults with low mood or major depressive disorder compared to a placebo.

  Recruiting University of Oxford · Oxford, Oxfordshire · NCT07848477

• Pre-visit Companion Brief: a primary care AI-assisted check for depression and anxiety

  This pilot tests an AI-powered pre-visit assessment that creates a concise Companion Brief for clinicians to help identify depression and anxiety during routine primary care.

  Recruiting Singula Health, Inc. · Brentwood, New York and 1 other locations · NCT07834684

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.