Recruiting NA Major Depressive Episode

Compares treatment options for Major Depressive Episode

Official title Comparing Uni- and Bi-lateral TBS in Major Depression

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04142996

What this study is testing

What it's testing
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a Health Canada approved treatment for major depression. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is a very promising new treatment for major depression that allows a 15-fold reduction in duration of daily sessions.
  • Which group you join is decided by chance.

A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.

Who can take part

Ages 18 and older

You may be able to join if

  • voluntary and competent to consent to study,
  • female or male aged 18 years old or older,
  • can speak and read English and/or French
  • primary and/or predominant diagnosis of major depressive episode without psychotic features in the current depressive episode (confirmed by a...
  • depressive symptoms have not improved after ≥ 1 adequate dose of antidepressant trial in the current depressive episode,

You likely can't join if

  • current or past (\< 3 months) substance (excluding caffeine or nicotine) or alcohol abuse/dependence, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical...
  • current use of illegal substances or recreational cannabis
  • have a concomitant major unstable medical or neurologic illness (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes or renal dysfunction),
  • organic cause to the depressive symptoms (e.g. thyroid dysfunctions), determined by the referring physician
  • acute suicidality or threat to life from self-neglect,
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or thinking of becoming pregnant during course of treatment,
See the full eligibility criteria
Who can join
  • voluntary and competent to consent to study,
  • female or male aged 18 years old or older,
  • can speak and read English and/or French
  • primary and/or predominant diagnosis of major depressive episode without psychotic features in the current depressive episode (confirmed by a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview),
  • depressive symptoms have not improved after ≥ 1 adequate dose of antidepressant trial in the current depressive episode,
  • moderate symptoms in the current depressive episode as indexed by a score of at least 15 at the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17),
  • have been referred to rTMS treatment by their treating physician, and took a free and informed decision to follow this treatment,
  • are able to adhere to treatment schedule,
  • have received a stable psychiatric medication (including prescribed cannabis) or psychotherapy regimen for at least four weeks prior to entering the trial,
  • have an education-adjusted score of ≥ 24 at the Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) if are aged ≥ 65.
What rules you out
  • current or past (\< 3 months) substance (excluding caffeine or nicotine) or alcohol abuse/dependence, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria. Based on the DSM-5 criteria, mild...
  • current use of illegal substances or recreational cannabis
  • have a concomitant major unstable medical or neurologic illness (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes or renal dysfunction),
  • organic cause to the depressive symptoms (e.g. thyroid dysfunctions), determined by the referring physician
  • acute suicidality or threat to life from self-neglect,
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or thinking of becoming pregnant during course of treatment,
  • have a specific contraindication for TMS (e.g., personal history of epilepsy or seizure, metallic head implant, pacemaker),
  • unwilling to maintain current antidepressant regimen,
  • are taking more than 1 mg of lorazepam or equivalent,
  • any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would adversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study,
  • have failed a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the current depressive episode due to the lower likelihood of response to rTMS.If they have had failed ECT in the past, this does not exclude them

The study team makes the final eligibility decision.

Where it's taking place

  • Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Questions & answers

Do participants get paid in this trial?

This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.

Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?

Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part - confirm specifics with the study team.

How long does this study last?

The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.

Who can join this trial?

This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.

Where is this trial taking place?

Study sites include Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Enter your location above to see the nearest site and check your eligibility.

Explore other conditions

BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool - not medical advice, and not the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov; the study team decides eligibility.