Transcranial magnetic stimulation for reducing suicidal thoughts in older adults with depression
Theta Burst Stimulation, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Late Life Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex
This study is testing if a brain treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation can help older adults with depression feel less suicidal.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taoyuan, Guishan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05010915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on reducing suicidal ideation in older adults suffering from late life depression. It involves a three-year prospective design where participants aged over 50 will be randomly assigned to receive TMS targeting either the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), or a sham treatment. The study will utilize task-based fMRI neuronavigation to personalize the stimulation location based on individual brain imaging data. Researchers aim to evaluate changes in suicidal thoughts, brain structure and function, and inflammatory markers over a six-month follow-up period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals over 50 years old diagnosed with major depressive disorder and exhibiting significant suicidal thoughts.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal intent, dementia, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce suicidal ideation in older adults with depression, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with TMS in treating depression, but this specific approach targeting suicidal ideation in older adults is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age \> 50 years. 2. Major depressive disorder (MDD). 3. Right handiness 4. with a score ≥ 12 on the Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) and a score of at least 3 on Question #3 (Suicide: 3 ideas and gestures of suicide) of the HAMD Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to provide informed consent. 2. Dementia, as defined by MoCA 23/24. Other major mental or current psychotic symptoms 3. Active current suicidal intent as evidenced or the endorsement of an actual attempt, interrupted attempt, 4. Have known preexisting noise-induced hearing loss, concurrent treatment with ototoxic medications, or with cochlear implants are on medications known to lower seizure threshold. 5. Alcohol or other substances abuse of or dependence on within the past 3 months Organic brain, head trauma, 6. Elevated risk of seizure due to TBI 7. Participation in concurrent clinical trial 8. Non-correctable clinically significant sensory impairment (i.e., cannot hear well enough to cooperate with interview). 9. Unstable medical illness, including delirium, malignancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or cerebrovascular or cardiovascular risk factors that are not under medical management. Unstable cardiac disease or recent (\<3m) myocardial infarction 10. Mental implement in the brain, claustrophobia 11. Ever received ECT, TMS Consent procedures.
Where this trial is running
Taoyuan, Guishan
- "MAGSTIM" Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulator(rTMS) System — Taoyuan, Guishan, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shwu-Hua Lee
- Email: shlee@cgmh.org.tw
- Phone: 03-3281200
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.