Recruiting

rTMS Response Trajectories in Depression

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT03348761

PhaseNA

Enrollment70

SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong

Age18 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Depression

About this study

Notwithstanding the cumulative evidence on the safety and efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression care, the non-response rate to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) amongst treatment-resistant depression has remained substantial despite the health care cost and time incurred. There remains a compelling clinical need to find valid biomarkers to inform personalized treatment. Using supervised machine learning on 4 combined features of neuroimaging markers, our group recently reported excellent prediction for clinical response in 70 patients receiving TMS to left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for medication-resistant major depression in 2015-18 (Phase 1 study).The clinical utility of these potential neuroimaging biomarkers is still uncertain without further validation of the trained model in an independent clinical cohort.

Interventions

Device: rTMS group

Primary outcomes

Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scale (Percentage change baseline versus week 4)
Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scale (Percentage change baseline versus week 6)
Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scale (Percentage change baseline versus week 8)
Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scale (Percentage change baseline versus week 12)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * right-handed * meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for major depressive disorder * at least moderate episode or with a score of \>20 on Montgomery-asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and \>18 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HDRS) 17-item; * has failed to respond adequately to at least one full course (\>6 weeks) of antidepressant medication or medication intolerant. Exclusion Criteria: * significant head trauma * active abuse of alcohol or illegal substances * current psychotic symptoms * suicide ideation/recent suicide attempts * other DSM-IV Axis I and II psychiatric diagnosis * neurological disorders and contraindications to fMRI (e.g. pace makers, metal implants, pregnancy) or rTMS, or having undergone electroconvulsive therapy in the preceding year.

Study locations

Department of Psychiatry, CUHK, Hong Kong, 852 Hong Kong

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.