Sensation Seeking and TMS Response in TRD: Does Personality Shape Treatment Outcomes?

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

In this observational study conducted in a clinical setting, adults with treatment-resistant depression receive standard TMS therapy while researchers measure sensation-seeking traits before treatment and track depressive symptoms during and after the course. The aim is to see if sensation-seeking scores predict changes in depression severity, using established scales at baseline, during, and after TMS. Data will be analyzed to identify whether personality traits help explain variability in response or remission rates. This information could inform personalized approaches to selecting and optimizing TMS for TRD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (≥18 years).
* Diagnosis according to ICD-10: recurrent depressive disorder, severe depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder (depressive episode) or bipolar affective disorder (depressive episode).
* Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): inadequate response to ≥2 adequate antidepressant trials in the current episode (per clinician judgment or ATHF if available).
* Baseline assessments available: MADRS within ≤7 days before first TMS session and baseline Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) prior to or at treatment initiation.
* Capacity to provide informed consent and ability to complete study questionnaires in the site language.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to TMS (per device labeling/clinical standards): any ferromagnetic or electronic intracranial/cranial implants, cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator, medication pump near coil, skull defect, or other conditions deemed unsafe by the treating clinician.
* History of seizure/epilepsy (except single, clearly provoked event), current epileptiform disorder, or significant neurological disease lowering seizure threshold (e.g., recent stroke, brain tumor, active TBI with persistent sequelae, active CNS infection).
* Moderate-to-severe substance use disorder within the past 3 months (excluding nicotine/caffeine), per clinician assessment.
* Imminent suicide risk requiring a higher level of care (e.g., active plan/intent) at screening.
* Concurrent acute ECT or investigational device/drug during the TMS acute course (participation allowed if such treatments are not initiated during the observation window).
* Any condition that, in the judgment of the treating clinician or PI, would preclude safe TMS delivery or reliable outcome measurement (e.g., severe cognitive impairment preventing valid MADRS/SSS completion).

Where it's running

• Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,
  München, Bavaria, Germany Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ulrike Vogelmann, Dr. med.
• Email: ulrike.vogelmann@mri.tum.de
• Phone: 17661535471

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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.