Personalized TMS treatment for depression
Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Depression
This study is testing a personalized TMS treatment for people with depression who haven't found relief from regular treatments, using brain scans to tailor the therapy specifically for them.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Institute of Mental Health, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT06341803 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to validate an individualized approach to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for patients with Major Depressive Disorder who have not responded to standard treatments. Participants will undergo MRI scans to guide the TMS treatment, which will be delivered in an accelerated format over 10 sessions. The study employs a multi-session hierarchical Bayesian model to determine the optimal target locations for stimulation based on each patient's brain connectivity. This pilot implementation focuses on Asian patients to assess the effectiveness of this personalized treatment method.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode who have not responded adequately to previous antidepressant treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders, significant neurological conditions, or those requiring rapid clinical response may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have performed: While personalized approaches to TMS are emerging, this specific method using connectome-guided localization is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 21 years. 2. DSM-5 diagnosis of current Major Depressive Episode. 3. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score of 20 or more. 4. Inadequate response to an adequate trial (4 weeks) of at least one antidepressant medication. 5. Able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. DSM-5 psychotic disorder 2. Drug or alcohol abuse or dependence (preceding 3 months). 3. Rapid clinical response required, e.g., high suicide risk. 4. Significant neurological disorder, which may pose increased risks with TMS, e.g., epilepsy. 5. Metal in the cranium, skull defects, pacemaker, cochlear implant, medication pump or other electronic device. 6. Pregnancy. 7. Unsuitable for MRI.
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- Institute of Mental Health — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Phern Chern Tor, MBBS
- Email: phern_chern_tor@imh.com.sg
- Phone: 63892000
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.