Recruiting

Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT05437705

PhaseNA

Enrollment40

SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Rumination, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety

About this study

The research study is being conducted to study brain patterns of negative emotion and develop personalized brain stimulation protocols to disrupt these patterns with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). First, the investigators will use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data to generate a negative affect map for each participant. Then, the investigators will apply a variety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sequences while the participant is inside the MRI scanner to determine the optimal and least optimal rTMS frequencies at changing negative affect brain states. Finally, these two frequencies will be tested over two 3-day rTMS neuromodulation sessions to assess whether they can reduce negative emotions.

Interventions

Device: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation — Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation. TMS can influence activity in various brain regions, and it allows researchers to test or modify brain circuit communication. The MagPro X100\* magnetic stimulator and Cool-B65 Butterfly Coil are FDA-approved for rTMS treatments of depression.

Primary outcomes

Change in ruminative response scale (RRS) score after using the optimal rTMS stimulation frequency vs the least optimal rTMS stimulation frequency (Up to 4 weeks)

Eligibility information

Inclusion criteria: 1. 18-65 years old 2. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 score) = or \> than 10 3. Comprehension of instructions in the English language. 4. Capacity to provide informed consent and follow study procedures. 5. Availability for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder (as PI discretion), schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder 2. Recent use of psychoactive medications or substances as determined by investigators 3. History of neurological disorder or traumatic brain injury (other than mild) 4. Unable to have an MRI scan, or current or prior medical condition that could interfere with the collection or interpretation of MRI data 5. Unable to receive or tolerate TMS 6. Implanted devices, such as an aneurysm clip or cardiac pacemaker 7. History of stroke, epilepsy, or brain scarring 8. Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant (self-attestation alone) During this study, participants are asked to: 1. Refrain from substance use (including marijuana and illicit drugs) for duration of the study (self-attestation alone). 2. Abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before the MRI scans (self-attestation alone). 3. Abstain from increasing caffeine intake or begin taking any new medications (self-attestation alone).

Study locations

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 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.