25 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Sham TMS for Healthy Subjects

Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of California, Davis
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a person's expectations about treatment can affect mood, motivation, and reactions to daily rewards. Participants will undergo an accelerated sham version of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), meaning no actual brain stimulation will occur. The study examines whether different treatment schedules alter these expectations and their effects. Young English-speaking individuals aged 15-25, without any metal in their bodies that could interfere with MRI scans, may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to understanding how expectations influence treatment outcomes.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

While most treatments for neurological conditions rely on active interventions like medication or stimulation, sham Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a unique angle by providing no active stimulation at all. Researchers are excited about this trial because it helps distinguish the psychological effects of receiving treatment from the physiological effects of actual TMS. This can deepen our understanding of how expectations and beliefs impact treatment outcomes, potentially leading to more effective and targeted therapies in the future.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I can give my consent to participate.
I am between 15 and 25 years old.
I speak English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline clinical assessments and an MRI session

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo five days of accelerated sham TMS (no active brain stimulation is delivered)

1 week
5 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete post-treatment MRI and follow-up assessments at 1 week and 4 weeks

4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Open label shamExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials
958
Recruited
4,816,000+