Sleep-focused TMS for Depression

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 trial tests sleep-state transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to promote brain plasticity and potentially improve depressive symptoms. It includes adults with major depressive disorder and a separate healthy control group, with TMS delivered during sleep-related states. The study collects feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary signals of efficacy, using EEG and iTBS modalities to guide treatment. Healthy controls help establish baseline safety and brain response, while depressed participants receive the intervention alongside their stable antidepressant regimens. Lead coordination is through Stanford University with support from NCATS and NIMH.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ages 18-65 years
* Current Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) diagnosis
* Failed ≥1 antidepressant medication
* Moderate-to-severe depression
* Stable antidepressant medication dose for ≥ 6 weeks prior to enrollment
* Healthy control participants are adults ages 18-65 years without current MDD symptoms, not taking antidepressant or antipsychotic medications, and without major psychiatric, neurological, substance use, medical conditions affecting brain function, or TMS/MRI contraindications.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intellectual disability
* Significant head injury/neurological disorder
* Pregnancy or postpartum
* TMS/MRI contraindications
* Active substance use/suicidal ideation

Where it's running

• Stanford University
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Umair Hassan, PhD — Stanford University
• Study coordinator: Hansong Lee, MS
• Email: kellerlab@stanford.edu
• Phone: 408-909-2203

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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.