Recruiting

Accelerated iTBS for Post Partum Depression

Study 1: The investigators are studying the feasibility and tolerability of 10x/day intermittent theta burst (excitatory) transcranial magnetic stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over the course of 6 days for women with post-partum depression. The investigators further aim to characterize the anticipated anti-depressant effect of this treatment paradigm. Study 2: The investigators are studying the feasibility and tolerability of 12 sessions/day of intermittent theta burse (excitatory)…

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT03417960

PhaseNA

Enrollment40

SponsorMedical University of South Carolina

Age18 Years

SexFEMALE

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Conditions studied

Post Partum Depression

About this study

Interventions

Device: iTBS — The investigators will treat post-partum depressed subjects with accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation. iTBS will be delivered via a MagVenture MagPro100 and Cool-B65 coil. The investigators will use a standard resting motor threshold (rMT) determination to determine the TMS dose. Treatment will be delivered at 120% of the motor threshold. In study 1, the accelerated paradigm will consist of 10 such sessions separated by 15 minutes, for three treatment days per week. There will be 2 weeks of 10 sessions on each of three days for a total of six treatment days, divided by one treatment-free week between treatment weeks. In study 2, the accelerated paradigm will consist of 12 sessions per day for 5 total treatment days. Treatments will be delivered at the 10-20 EEG coordinate for F3 (approximating the left DLPFC), and will be found using the Beam-F3 method.

Primary outcomes

Determine feasibility and tolerability of accelerated iTBS for postpartum depression. The investigators hope to retain >80% of recruited patients (feasibility) and reach a full treatment dose of 120%rMT in >80% of enrolled women (tolerability). (7 days)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must be able to provide informed consent and function at an intellectual level sufficient to allow accurate completion of all assessment instruments. 2. Participants must be over the age of 18. 3. Participants must meet criteria for post-partum depression: a) onset of symptoms in the first year postpartum 4. Participants must have a HRSD17 greater than or equal to 14 at baseline. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must not be pregnant. 2. Participants must not meet moderate or severe use disorder of any substance with the exception of Tobacco Use Disorder. 3. Participants must not have current psychotic symptoms. 4. Participants must not have a history of dementia or other cognitive impairment. 5. Participants must not have active suicidal ideation requiring hospitalization or a suicide attempt within the past 3 months. 6. Participants must not have any contraindications to receiving rTMS (e.g. metal implanted above the neck, history of seizure, any known brain lesion). 7. Participants must not have any unstable general medical conditions. 8. Participants must not have had eclampsia during pregnancy.

Study locations

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425 United States

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.