Personalized brain stimulation to reduce negative emotions
Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States
This study is testing if personalized brain stimulation can help people with negative emotions like anxiety and depression feel better by targeting their specific brain patterns.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05437705 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18-65 with a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher, indicating moderate to severe depression.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or those who cannot tolerate TMS or MRI scans may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety by personalizing brain stimulation techniques.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS has been explored in other studies, this personalized approach using fMRI to tailor stimulation protocols is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 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
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.