Using TMS to maintain remission in treatment-resistant depression
Transitioning From Maintenance ECT to Maintenance TMS in Treatment Resistant Depression
This study tests if using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help people with treatment-resistant depression stay in remission after they’ve responded to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT06682299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the use of maintenance transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an alternative to maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have achieved remission through ECT. Participants will have the option to choose between continuing with maintenance TMS or ECT after their initial ECT treatment. The TMS regimen involves a structured schedule of sessions over six months, utilizing intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to assess its effectiveness in maintaining remission. Cognitive assessments will be conducted at various points to evaluate any potential cognitive side effects associated with the treatments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who have achieved remission from TRD through an initial series of ECT and are deemed appropriate for maintenance TMS.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of seizures, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions that preclude TMS treatment will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a less invasive and more tolerable long-term treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have performed: While maintenance ECT has established efficacy, the use of maintenance TMS is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients treated for TRD who have achieved remission through an index series of ECT * Able to provide informed consent * Age between 18 and 65 years * Deemed appropriate for maintenance TMS by their psychiatrist * Right-handed Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures or a seizure disorder * Related neurological disorder, or any other medical condition that would preclude TMS treatment determined by the treatment team.
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Austin R Messner, MD
- Email: austin.messner@uky.edu
- Phone: 859-323-6861
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.