Synaptic Effects of iTBS for Depression in Adults

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 early-phase study looks at how intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) affects brain connections in people with major depressive disorder or in healthy participants. It uses sham iTBS, TMS, and pharmacologic agents like d-cycloserine and dextromethorphan to explore the role of NMDA receptors in the prefrontal cortex. The trial aims to understand whether combining brain stimulation with these drugs can produce stronger, more reliable antidepressant effects. Participants must be able to safely receive TMS and study medications and maintain stable treatment regimens. The study is conducted at McLean Hospital with collaboration from NIMH.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Can safely receive TMS and study drugs
* Stable medication regimen for one month prior to study participation, and for the duration of the study
* Not currently receiving TMS, ECT, or ketamine
* No active safety concerns related to suicidality

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of seizures or epilepsy
* History of intracranial pathology or lesions from any etiology
* History of traumatic brain injury including prolonged loss of consciousness more than 15 min
* Signs of increased intracranial pressure
* Any major neurological conditions (ex: recent stroke, tumor, neurodegenerative disorders, etc.)
* Major medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
* Severe migraines that may result in treatment intolerance.
* Inability to tolerate MRI.
* Pregnancy
* Known allergic reaction to d-cycloserine or dextromenthorphan

Where it's running

• McLean Hospital
  Belmont, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Joshua C Brown, MD, PhD — Mclean Hospital
• Study coordinator: Joshua C Brown, MD, PhD
• Email: jbrown@mclean.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-855-2944

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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.