Personalized brain stimulation to reduce negative emotions

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 study aims to create personalized brain signatures for individuals experiencing negative emotions such as rumination, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. Participants will undergo a series of MRI scans and assessments to identify their unique negative affect patterns. Following this, they will receive tailored repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sessions designed to disrupt these negative patterns. The study involves multiple visits, including behavioral tasks and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the stimulation protocols.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria:

1. 18-65 years old
2. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 score) = or \> than 10
3. Comprehension of instructions in the English language.
4. Capacity to provide informed consent and follow study procedures.
5. Availability for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder (as PI discretion), schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder
2. Recent use of psychoactive medications or substances as determined by investigators
3. History of neurological disorder or traumatic brain injury (other than mild)
4. Unable to have an MRI scan, or current or prior medical condition that could interfere with the collection or interpretation of MRI data
5. Unable to receive or tolerate TMS
6. Implanted devices, such as an aneurysm clip or cardiac pacemaker
7. History of stroke, epilepsy, or brain scarring
8. Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant (self-attestation alone)

During this study, participants are asked to:

1. Refrain from substance use (including marijuana and illicit drugs) for duration of the study (self-attestation alone).
2. Abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before the MRI scans (self-attestation alone).
3. Abstain from increasing caffeine intake or begin taking any new medications (self-attestation alone).

Where it's running

• University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Desmond Oathes, PhD — Associate Professor of Psychiatry
• Study coordinator: Camille Blaine
• Email: camille.blaine@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
• Phone: 215-573-0828

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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.