Using rTMS to treat depression after COVID-19

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Post-COVID Associated Affective Symptoms

This study is testing if a treatment called rTMS can help people who are feeling depressed after having COVID-19.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich)
• Trial ID: NCT06716996 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on patients experiencing depression following COVID-19 infection. The study is randomized and double-blinded, aiming to determine whether rTMS can alleviate affective symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks post-infection. Participants will be assessed for their depression levels using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and will either receive active rTMS treatment or a sham treatment for comparison. The trial seeks to address the limited therapeutic options available for post-COVID depression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who have experienced COVID-19 and have persistent depressive symptoms for over 12 weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with a psychiatric history prior to COVID-19 or those with contraindications to rTMS will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for patients suffering from post-COVID depression.

How similar studies have performed: While rTMS has shown success in treating various forms of depression, its application for post-COVID affective symptoms is still being explored and is considered novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion:

* Informed Consent as documented by signature
* Age between 18-65 years
* Proof of past COVID-19 infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or serology
* Negative COVID- 19 PCR test at the time of inclusion
* Affective symptoms (≥ 15 points on the Montgomery- Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) lasting for more than 12 weeks since COVID-19 infection
* No psychiatric history prior to the COVID-19 infection
* No major somatic comorbidities or substance use disorder

Exclusion:

* Contraindications to the rTMS treatment e.g. cochlear implants and metallic devices close to the TMS coil, a history of strokes, head injuries or seizures/epilepsy
* Epileptiform potentials in the electroencephalogram (EEG)
* Previous rTMS prior to the study
* Known severe hypersensitivity or severe adverse reaction to rTMS
* Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
* Intention to become pregnant during the course of the study
* Psychiatric history prior to the COVID-19 infection
* Major somatic comorbidities e.g. renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, heart failure, cardiovascular disease.
* If the participant took antidepressants before the beginning of the study, there needs to be a washout period. The antidepressant has to be stopped for at least 3 weeks before commencing the study.
* The following drugs are not allowed during the study: any antidepressants, any antipsychotics, any drugs that lower the seizure threshold
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems
* Participation in another study with investigational treatment within the 30 days preceding and during the present study
* Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons

Where this trial is running

Zurich, Canton of Zurich

• Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich — Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Flurin Cathomas, PD Dr. med.

Conditions: Post COVID -19 Depression, Post COVID -19 depression, repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation