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Targeting Specific Brain Networks to Treat Specific Symptoms in Depression

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a way of non-invasively stimulating specific brain networks and is an established treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This proposal will reveal network mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of rTMS by investigating how stimulating each network specifically changes network connectivity and behavior. This will be done in a highly individualized manner in depressed and healthy patients, leading to more effective and more individualized treatments for…

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT05523817
PhaseNA
Enrollment80
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital
Age18 Years
SexALL
I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Major Depressive Disorder

About this study

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a way of non-invasively stimulating specific brain networks and is an established treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This proposal will reveal network mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of rTMS by investigating how stimulating each network specifically changes network connectivity and behavior. This will be done in a highly individualized manner in depressed and healthy patients, leading to more effective and more individualized treatments for depression.

Interventions

Primary outcomes

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria for healthy participants: * 18-65 years of age * Capacity to provide informed consent form to participate in the study Inclusion Criteria for participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): * 18-65 years of age * Capacity to provide informed consent form to participate in the study * Currently in a major depressive episode. Comorbid anxiety disorders and personality disorders will be allowed provided that MDD is the primary diagnosis. Exclusion Criteria for all participants: * Meeting criteria, in the past or currently, for bipolar affective disorder, hypomania or mania. * Meeting criteria, in the past or currently, for a primary psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia). * Neurological conditions with known structural brain lesions, e.g., intracranial masses, multiple sclerosis. * Any personal history of seizures or a family history of epilepsy in a first-degree relative. * Metal in the body that is ferromagnetic or metallic injury to the eyes. * Implanted pacemakers, medication pumps, vagal stimulators, deep brain stimulators, or ventriculoperitoneal shunts, etc. * Substance abuse or dependence that is current and active within the last six months, as indicated by self-report (e.g., heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines). * Inability to meet the safety criteria for MRI scanning for any other reason. * Severe or unstable medical illness. * Currently pregnant, as assessed with urine pregnancy test in women of childbearing age.

Study locations

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: 2026-09-28.