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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00168272

Priming rTMS In Major Depression

The purpose of this study is to assist in understanding the most effective parameters for TMS in Depressive Disorders. Most research conducted has used high frequency stimulation on the left hemisphere.However, low frequency on the right hemisphere has also been shown to have antidepressant properties and appears to be better tolerated. A promising approach to improve responses to rTMS may be to combine high and low frequency stimulation where they are both applied to the right side of the brain. In this approach, high frequency stimulation is provided first which may 'prime' or pre-prepare the brain for low frequency stimulation in a way that enhances its response. Participants are randomised to receive active or placebo priming stimulation.If participants do not respond to this treatment condition after 10 sessions applied over a two week period they will be offered 10 session of high frequency left sided TMS treatment. Alternatively, if participants respond favorably they may continue with that treatment condition for another 10 sessions.

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Key information

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Depressive Disorder Depressive Disorder, Major Mental Disorders Mood Disorders

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre

Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia

About this study

The primary outcome measure used is the MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale). This is administered at baseline and on a fortnightly basis. At study end response criteria is defined as a 50% reduction in total MADRS score and remission defined as a MADRS score of less than or equal to 10.

Other outcome measures administered fortnightly are: BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale), CORE (measure of melancholic symptoms), BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), CGI (Clinical Global Impression Scale), GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning Scale). A cognitive battery is also administered.

Inclusion criteria

  • Moderate to severe depressive symptoms as indicated as MADRS >20
  • Failure to respond to a minimum of two antidepressant medications
  • No increase or initiation of new antidepressant therapy in the four weeks prior to entering the trial Exclusion Criteria
  • Have an unstable medical condition, neurological disorder or any history of seizure disorder or are currently pregnant or lactating
  • Previous brain injury or surgery, any metal clips, plates or other metal items in the head, cardiac pacemaker
  • In the opinion of the investigator, are a sufficient suicide risk to require immediate electro-convulsive therapy
  • Have a current DSMIV diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence disorder, a diagnosis of a personality disorder or another axis 1 disorder

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Moderate to severe depressive symptoms as indicated as MADRS >20
  • Failure to respond to a minimum of two antidepressant medications
  • No increase or initiation of new antidepressant therapy in the four weeks prior to entering the trial

Exclusion criteria

  • Have an unstable medical condition, neurological disorder or any history of seizure disorder or are currently pregnant or lactating
  • Previous brain injury or surgery, any metal clips, plates or other metal items in the head, cardiac pacemaker
  • In the opinion of the investigator, are a sufficient suicide risk to require immediate electro-convulsive therapy
  • Have a current DSMIV diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence disorder, a diagnosis of a personality disorder or another axis 1 disorder

Treatment and study plan

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Device

Primary outcomes

  1. The primary outcome measure used is the MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale). At study end response criteria is defined as a 50% reduction in total MADRS score and remission defined as less or equal to 10.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Other outcome measures administered fortnightly are: BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale), CORE (measure of melancholic symptoms), BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), CGI (Clinical Global Impression Scale), GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning Scale).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The Alfred

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Randomised Double-Blind Trial of Low and High Frequency Stimulation rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) In Major Depression

Important dates

Study start
2004
Study completion
2007
First posted
Sep 15, 2005
Registry last updated
Apr 16, 2007

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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