Recruiting

Using TMS to Understand Neural Processes of Social Motivation

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06274112

PhaseNA

Enrollment40

SponsorAuburn University

Age25 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Social Avoidant Behavior, Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder

About this study

The purpose of this study is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to better understand the neural circuits associated with social motivation. Participant includes four study visits each that range from 1.5 - 3.0 hours in duration over approximately a one month period. The first study visit involves answering survey questions, a clinical interview, and computer tasks. The second study visit involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computer tasks, and a brief TMS protocol. The second and third study visits involve a full session of TMS followed by an MRI scan and computer tasks. Adults in the Auburn/Opelika area and surrounding areas who avoid social situations, experience symptoms of depression or social anxiety, and are between 25 years old and 50 years old are eligible to participate.

Interventions

Device: TMS — TMS will be administered using a Cool B-65 coil to a personalized right dlPFC region.

Primary outcomes

Social motivation (Immediately post-intervention)
Neural circuit function (Immediately post-intervention)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder OR a diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder (assessed/confirmed at screening visit). * Scoring above clinical threshold on a measure of social avoidant behavior (assessed/confirmed at phone screen). Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable psychotropic medication regimen (i.e., changes in psychotropic medication or dosage in past 3 months). * Current or lifetime diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. * A diagnosis of substance use disorder within past 12 months. * A diagnosis of psychotic-spectrum disorder such as Schizophrenia. * Pregnancy or probable pregnancy. * Medical illness or medical treatment that would preclude or inhibit study participation. * Neurological disorder associated with brain damage. * History of seizures or head trauma with loss of consciousness \> 5 minutes. * Family history of epilepsy or personal epilepsy/seizures * Ferromagnetic implants or ferrmagnetic objects within body (e.g., pacemaker).

Study locations

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849 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.