Using rTMS with and without supportive text messages to treat resistant 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 multicenter pilot trial investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with a supportive text messaging program called Text4Support compared to rTMS alone in treating patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Participants aged 18 and older, who have not responded to at least two standard antidepressant treatments, will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms. The study will involve six weeks of active treatment followed by observation periods at one, three, and six months. The primary outcome will be measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess changes in depression severity.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* aged 18 and above and diagnosed with MDD based upon the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and who have at least failed two or more standard antidepressant treatments during the current episode. Participants may be on psychotropic medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants. They must have a good understanding of the English language. Must have access to a smartphone and be able to receive and read text messages. Must be willing to provide written informed consent upon acceptance into the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients below the age of 18.
* Having diagnosis such as the following conditions (current unless otherwise stated): A neurological disorder, including a history of seizures, having primary or secondary tumors in the central nervous system, cerebrovascular disease, stroke, cerebral aneurysm, movement disorder,
* Having a current psychotic disorder such as substance-induced psychosis, psychotic disorder due to a medical condition, or MDD with psychotic features at the time of screening
* Having a current personality disorder that may hinder the patient's participation in this research or may have the potential of affecting cognition and ability to fully participate in the study.
* Having a learning disability as per identified through medical history or by the investigator during the assessment process.
* Participants involved in any drug or device clinical trial within the last six weeks before the screening visit and/or involvement in another clinical trial for the duration of this study.
* Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
* Identification and/or the sudden appearance of any condition or instance from the mentioned above and based on the expertise of the investigators that have the potential to hinder the progress and completion and/or become a confounding factor on the outcome assessments.

Where it's running

• Edmonton Mental Health Clinic
  Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
• Nova Scotia Health - Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building QEII Health Sciences Centre
  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Vincent Agyapong, MD, Ph.D — Division of Community Psychiatry, University of Alberta
• Study coordinator: Vincent Agyapong, MD, Ph.D
• Email: agyapong@ualberta.ca
• Phone: 780-215-7771

Similar studies

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

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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.