By InvitationNot Applicable

Causal Role of Rostromedial Prefrontal Cortex for Positive Savoring in Depression

United States48 participantsStarted 2026-03-23

Plain-language summary

This is a non-invasive brain stimulation and neuroimaging study that will examine how activity in the medial prefrontal cortex influences reward processing, particularly positive savoring, in individuals with depression. The central question is whether modulating medial prefrontal brain regions using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) alters neural and behavioral responses to rewards. Brain activity will be recorded using both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while participants perform reward tasks. The primary objectives are to (1) identify patterns of brain activity linked to impaired reward processing in depression using EEG and fMRI, and (2) determine the causal role of specific prefrontal areas in these processes through targeted TMS. The methods include four sessions over four weeks: a clinical assessment, EEG recording during reward tasks after participants learn/practice positive savoring, an fMRI session, and a TMS session combined with EEG while participants practice positive savoring and perform reward tasks during EEG.

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 Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 65 * Able to provide informed consent * Have normal or corrected vision * Right handed * Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study * Speak and understand English * Not color blind * Acceptable suicide risk as determined by less than 5 on the Depression Symptom Index Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) * A diagnosis of major depressive disorder (current episode) on the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 (SCID-5) * Between the ages of 18 and 65 Exclusion Criteria: * ADHD (currently under treatment) * Neurological disorders and conditions. Including but not limited to: history of epilepsy, seizures (except childhood febrile seizures), dementia, history of stroke, Parkindon's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysm, brain tumors * Medical or neurological illness or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study participation. For example, unstable cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, malignancy, liver or renal impairment * Prior brain surgery * Any brain devices/implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips, cardiac pacemaker, or any other implanted electronic device * History of current traumatic brain injury * Pregnancy (for females) * Claustrophobia * DSM-5 diagnosis of present moderate or severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, and past severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder * B…

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.

1This trial uses something called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation applied to specific brain regions — can you explain what that procedure actually feels like and what the known risks are for each of the three brain targets being tested?
2Since this study is listed as 'enrolling by invitation,' can you tell me whether I might be considered for an invitation, and what criteria are typically used to select participants?
3The trial is measuring something called the 'Late Positive Potential during Positive Savoring' — can you explain in plain terms what that brain signal means and what the researchers are hoping to learn from it about depression?
4This trial is listed as Phase NA, which usually means it's more of a mechanistic or exploratory study rather than a treatment trial — does that mean it's not designed to directly treat my depression, and if so, should I be pursuing a standard treatment at the same time?
5Since the study targets the rostromedial prefrontal cortex specifically for 'positive savoring,' which relates to enjoying good experiences, is this kind of research relevant to my particular symptoms, and are there other treatment options I should be considering alongside or instead of participating?

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

Late Positive Potential during Positive Savoring

Timeframe: From baseline EEG to post-stimulation EEG approximately 2 weeks apart

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07467473

SponsorFlorida State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Left Rostromedial Prefrontal Cortex - Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst trials