Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
Part of Mental health clinical trials.
This study tests a new brain stimulation treatment for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. You must have tried at least four different depression treatments without success, and either had or refused electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). You’ll need to be under a psychiatrist’s care and be enrolled in Medicare. The study involves brain scans and EEG sessions to tailor the treatment to you.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Diagnosis of major depressive episode that is chronic or recurrent (per DSM-5)
- Failed at least 4 adequate antidepressant treatments from at least 2 different categories
- Either had electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or refused it when clinically recommended
- Score of 20 or higher on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD)
- Able to complete required study procedures, including brain imaging (MRI) and EEG testing
- Under the care of a licensed psychiatrist and willing to allow communication with your healthcare providers
- Provide contact information for at least 2 people (age 22 or older) who live within 30 minutes of you
- Enrolled in Medicare
- No history of seizures, brain damage, or conditions that make surgery unsafe
- No active suicidal intent or plan, and no suicide attempt requiring medical treatment in the past year
- Not pregnant or willing to avoid pregnancy during the study
- No positive drug screen or active substance use disorder that would interfere
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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