Twice-daily rTMS for Depressed Youth in Hospital

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 single-center feasibility project offers an accelerated rTMS pathway for adolescents admitted with major depressive episodes, delivering rTMS twice daily while participants engage in inpatient schooling and therapeutic programming. Eligible participants are typically aged 14–19 with moderate-to-severe depression (GRID-HAMD-17 ≥16) who have not responded to at least one evidence-based psychotherapy or antidepressant. The study will monitor feasibility, tolerability, safety, and depressive symptom change using standard rating scales and clinical observation. The protocol is informed by prior rTMS work in youth and accelerated rTMS pilots in adults, but focuses specifically on the inpatient setting to address access and logistical barriers.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* age 14-19 years
* primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder or of bipolar I or II disorder, current episode depressed with no psychotic or mixed features
* current episode of depression lasting at least 4 weeks
* failed ≥1 evidence-based psychotherapy or antidepressant
* have a GRID-HAMD-17 (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) score of ≥16 (moderate-severe range)
* currently an inpatient or suitable for an elective inpatient admission

Exclusion Criteria:

* lifetime diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa diagnosis of a substance use disorder (except caffeine and tobacco) within the past year
* obsessive compulsive disorder or personality disorder that is the main source and driver of distress
* active psychosis and/or mania
* history of epilepsy or any other neurologic condition that includes a history of seizures
* use of medications that lower the seizure threshold
* pregnancy or nursing
* history of severe headaches within the previous year
* improvement in depressive symptom severity between screening and baseline by 25% or more
* inability to adhere to the protocol

Where it's running

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

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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.