The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the neural mechanisms underlying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) using concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in both healthy controls (HCs) and patients with high negative affect symptoms, such as depression. Approximately half male and half female participants aged 18-65 will be recruited.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Is the acute/transient effect induced by single-pulse TMS related to the long-term modulatory effect induced by repetitive TMS (rTMS)?
2. Do any of these effects predict negative affect symptoms, such as depression?
Participants will:
1. Complete several tests to assess their cognitive abilities and emotional states
2. Undergo several brain scans, including resting-state fMRI, structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and task fMRI
3. Have two different types of TMS sequences, single-pulse and repetitive pulses, administered to specific brain regions while undergoing fMRI
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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 for patients:
* Diagnosis of major depressive disorder
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years
* Age less than or equal to 65 years
* Able to understand and consent for research participation
* English-speaking
Inclusion for healthy controls:
* Report no lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and treatment
* scores on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) lower than 4
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years
* Age less than or equal to 65 years
* Able to understand and consent for research participation
* English-speaking
Exclusion for all subjects:
* Age less than 18 years
* Age greater than 65 years
* With epilepsy or seizure disorder
* With implanted ferromagnetic equipment in their face or skull near the stimulation target
MRI Exclusion criteria for all subjects:
* Implanted device including pacemaker, coronary stent, defibrillator, or neurostimulation device that is not MRI-compatible
* Metal in body including bullets, shrapnel, metal slivers
* Claustrophobia
* Uncontrolled high blood pressure
* Blood circulation problems
* Opiate medication, antihypertensive medication, or any medication that interferes with blood flow (interferes with fMRI recordings)
* Significant heart disease, such as atrial fibrillation
* Pregnancy in female participants
* Prior exposure to deep brain stimulation, rTMS, or tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) therapies
* History of neurological or cardiovascular disorders, brai…
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
1
Pre and Post TBS Modulation Effect Comparison
Timeframe: Up To 10 Minutes
2
Difference in TBS Modulation Effect Across Comparison Groups