Using brain imaging to improve depression treatment with rTMS

Pre-treatment Biomarker for Clinical Response to Neuronavigation Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Acute Phase Treatment of Refractory Major Depressive Episode- Role of Intrinsic Functional Connectivity

NA · Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT03348761

This study is testing if brain scans can help doctors figure out which patients with hard-to-treat depression will benefit the most from a specific type of treatment called rTMS.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT03348761 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate neuroimaging biomarkers that can predict treatment response in patients with treatment-resistant depression undergoing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Participants will be recruited from a specialized TMS center and will undergo a series of assessments, including clinical evaluations and MRI scans, prior to treatment. The study will utilize machine learning techniques to analyze neuroimaging data and improve personalized treatment approaches for depression. The goal is to enhance the efficacy of rTMS by identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from this intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to previous antidepressant treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with significant head trauma, current psychotic symptoms, or other psychiatric diagnoses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using neuroimaging biomarkers to predict treatment response in depression, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* right-handed
* meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for major depressive disorder
* at least moderate episode or with a score of \>20 on Montgomery-asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and \>18 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HDRS) 17-item;
* has failed to respond adequately to at least one full course (\>6 weeks) of antidepressant medication or medication intolerant.

Exclusion Criteria:

* significant head trauma
* active abuse of alcohol or illegal substances
* current psychotic symptoms
* suicide ideation/recent suicide attempts
* other DSM-IV Axis I and II psychiatric diagnosis
* neurological disorders and contraindications to fMRI (e.g. pace makers, metal implants, pregnancy) or rTMS, or having undergone electroconvulsive therapy in the preceding year.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depression, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, resting-state Functional magnetic resonance imaging, treatment response, neurostimulation, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, subgenual anterior cingulate cortex

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.