Using brain stimulation to reduce suicide risk in depressed patients
Circuit-Based Approach to Suicide: Biomarkers, Predictors, and Novel Therapeutics
This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help reduce suicidal thoughts in people with depression or borderline personality disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04130958 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS-TMS) applied to the inferior parietal lobule in patients diagnosed with major depressive episode or borderline personality disorder who exhibit suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study aims to identify the brain circuit properties associated with suicidal risk and to determine biological predictors of response to the treatment. Participants will receive either active or sham stimulation while their brain activity is monitored through neuroimaging techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with major depressive episode or borderline personality disorder who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological conditions, severe psychopathology not suitable for treatment, or those with contraindications for MRI scanning may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce suicide risk in patients suffering from major depressive episode or borderline personality disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar brain stimulation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years of age * Diagnosed with BPD or MDE * Chief complaint of suicidal thoughts and behaviors Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological conditions with known structural brain lesion * Prior neurosurgical procedure * Metal in the body that is ferromagnetic or metal injury to the eyes * Epilepsy * Implanted pacemaker, medication pump, vagal stimulator, deep brain stimulator, TENS unit, or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt * Psychopathology not appropriate for the treatment (e.g., manic episode or psychosis) * Current alcohol dependence or active symptoms of non-alcohol psychoactive substance use withdrawal, as indicated by self-report * Inability to meet the safety criteria for MRI scanning according to the protocols of the MGH Department of Radiology * Current pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joan Camprodon, MD/PhD — 6177265348
- Study coordinator: DNN Inbox
- Email: mghdnn@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6177248780
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.