CompletedNot Applicable

Imaging to Improve Brain Stimulation

United States42 participantsStarted 2019-10-24

Plain-language summary

This study investigates how brains change as a result of a treatment for depression called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). People who receive rTMS will have pictures of their brains and brain activity taken by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner before and after their treatment, as well as up to three times during the six-week treatment course. These images will be examined to see if the rTMS is placed correctly to help treat their symptoms, and what changes in brain activity are happening during the rTMS treatment

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran beginning TMS therapy for the treatment of MDD at the Providence VAMC Neuromodulation Clinic * Age between 18 and 80 years * Able to read, verbalize, understand, and voluntarily sign the informed consent form * Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) confirmed diagnosis of MDD Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to MRI (e.g. implanted metal or electronic devices) * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \< 26 * Pregnant

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Distance between treatment location and brain target

Timeframe: Within one week of the conclusion of clinical rTMS therapy course

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04016402

SponsorVA Office of Research and Development

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2024-09-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depressive Disorder trials