Frequency-Varied TMS for Depression

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Must be taking: Antidepressants

Must not be taking: Seizure-inducing medications

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Epilepsy, Dementia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new approach to treating severe depression using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. The researchers aim to determine if adjusting the frequency of these magnetic pulses, specifically with a technique called Spectral Correlation Coefficient-based TMS, can be safe and effective. This trial targets individuals diagnosed with severe Major Depressive Disorder who have not responded to multiple antidepressants or therapies. Participants must commit to a treatment schedule for up to six weeks. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge treatment options for severe depression.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on medications that increase the risk of seizures, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this TMS protocol is safe for treating depression?

Research shows that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is generally well-tolerated. TMS uses magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain. The FDA has approved it for treating depression at a frequency of 10 Hz.

Studies have found that TMS at this frequency is safe for most people. Common side effects include mild headaches or slight discomfort at the treatment site, which usually resolve quickly.

Current research is exploring different frequencies of TMS. Although detailed safety information for these new frequencies is not yet available, the established safety of TMS at 10 Hz is reassuring. Prospective participants should discuss any concerns with the study team, who can provide more detailed information about the specific treatment being tested. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Frequency-Varied TMS for Depression because it tailors treatment to individual brain response patterns, potentially making it more effective than standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Unlike conventional TMS, which uses a fixed frequency, this approach personalizes the frequency of stimulation based on the spectral correlation coefficient (SCC) of each patient's brain activity. By targeting the brain's unique response patterns, this method could enhance the treatment's effectiveness, reduce side effects, and offer quicker relief for those with depression.

What evidence suggests that this TMS treatment might be effective for depression?

Research has shown that repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) can effectively treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), though results vary among individuals. In this trial, participants will receive treatment tailored to their individual frequency response patterns using the Spectral Correlation Coefficient (SCC) method. Studies have found that SCC can predict who might benefit most from the standard 10-Hz rTMS treatment by identifying brain patterns that respond well to different frequencies. This personalized approach could potentially improve outcomes for people with depression. Early evidence suggests that using varied frequencies in TMS may offer a promising alternative to traditional methods. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with severe Major Depressive Disorder who haven't improved after at least four different antidepressant medications and two augmentation therapies. Participants must have tried effective psychotherapy and be able to commit to the study schedule.

Inclusion Criteria

I am receiving two or more approved additional treatments (not including Benzodiazepines).

I have been diagnosed with severe Major Depressive Disorder.

My condition did not improve after trying two different types of treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I have an infection or poor skin condition on my scalp.

I am unable to understand or sign the consent form due to mental or legal reasons.

I have a neurological condition like epilepsy or severe head trauma.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo one quantitative electroencephalograph and one TMS procedure to determine the appropriate frequency and intensity for treatment

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive up to 30 TMS treatments at individualized frequencies based on SCC-determined patterns

6 weeks

Weekly visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Spectral Correlation Coefficient-based TMS

Trial Overview

The trial tests repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at non-standard frequencies for treating depression. It involves an initial assessment, determining treatment frequency/intensity, weekly mood checks, and up to 30 TMS sessions over six weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SCC Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will be treated according to their frequency response pattern which may show one or more distinct frequencies of stimulation that generated increased SCC

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04040062

NCT04040062 | Spectral Correlation Coefficient-based TMS

This study will analyze the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of administering repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) at frequencies other ...

2.

clinicaltrial.be

clinicaltrial.be/en/details/4446?per_page=20&recruiting=1&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0

Spectral Correlation Coefficient-determine TMS for Depres...

The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate feasibility of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment for depression at stimulation ...

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582998/

Accelerated TMS for Depression: A Systematic Review and ...

Neuromodulation modalities such as electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are options for treatment-resistant depression.

4.

centerwatch.com

centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT04166864/spectral-correlation-coefficient-determine-tms-for-depression

Spectral Correlation Coefficient-determine TMS for ...

In previous work, we have shown that Spectral Correlation Coefficient is a reliable biomarker for 10-Hz rTMS treatment outcome in depression ( ...

5.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X21002138

Brain Stimulation

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), but therapeutic benefit is highly variable.

6.

clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org

clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/trial/NCT04040062

Spectral Correlation Coefficient-based TMS - UC Clinical Trials

This study will analyze the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of administering repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) at frequencies other ...

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11338766/

Status and trends of TMS research in depressive disorder

This study aims to employ bibliometric methods to systematically review the global research status and trends of TMS in depression.

8.

ucla.clinicaltrials.researcherprofiles.org

ucla.clinicaltrials.researcherprofiles.org/depression

UCLA Depression Clinical Trials for 2025 — Los Angeles

Spectral Correlation Coefficient-based TMS ... This study will analyze the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of administering repetitive ...