Using accelerated brain stimulation to treat difficult 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 study aims to identify specific biological markers that predict how well patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) will respond to accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (arTMS). The approach involves multiple daily sessions of rTMS, which stimulates targeted brain areas to alleviate depressive symptoms. Participants will undergo psychiatric assessments and cognitive tasks at various points during the treatment to evaluate changes in their condition. The goal is to develop a more effective and personalized treatment protocol for individuals suffering from TRD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder - Fifth Edition (DSM-5);
* Subjects without clinical response to at least two antidepressant treatments administered at adequate dosage and duration during the current episode;
* Stable psychopharmacological treatment for at least one month.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Co-morbidity with organic diseases that could interfere with magnetic stimulation safety (epilepsy, brain lesions or diseases, previous neurosurgery, metal grafts, cardiac devices) based on applied procedure guidelines;
* Diagnosis of Substance or Alcohol Use Disorder (DSM-5) in the past 6 months;
* Substances of abuse or alcohol acute intoxication or abstinence;
* Co-morbidity with significant organic or neurological diseases;
* Personal or familiar (1st degree relatives) medical history of seizures;
* Significant eye diseases that could interfere with ERG execution;
* For female patients: Pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Where it's running

• Itab
  Chieti, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mauro Pettorruso, MD, PhD
• Email: mauro.pettorruso@unich.it
• Phone: +393391979487

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• EEG-Guided TMS for Adults With Depression

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• Ketamine plus behavioral activation therapy for treatment-resistant depression

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• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression in adults

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  Recruiting Senz · Doorn, Utrecht · NCT07706478

• Mindfulness‑augmented brain stimulation for treatment‑resistant depression

  This trial will test whether combining fast brain stimulation (iTBS) with a digital mindfulness program helps people with treatment‑resistant depression reduce symptoms and improve thinking.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of California, San Diego · San Diego, California · NCT07512284

• ipRGCs as biomarkers to predict TMS response in major depressive disorder

  This study tests whether retinal cells called ipRGCs can predict who will respond to TMS in treatment-resistant depression.

  Recruiting Polytechnic Institute of Porto · Porto, Porto District · NCT07474974

• Rapid, robot-guided TMS with NRX-101 for treatment-resistant depression

  This trial tests whether a single-day, robot-guided brain stimulation plus NRX-101 can help adults with treatment-resistant depression compare to sham stimulation and placebo.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 2/3 NeuroRx, Inc. · Sarasota, Florida and 2 other locations · NCT07227103

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.