Early brain stimulation vs. antidepressant for depression
Part of Mental health clinical trials.
This study compares two early treatments for moderate-to-severe depression: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, versus a standard antidepressant medication called escitalopram. The goal is to see which works better for people who have not yet tried antidepressants.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 18 and 65 years old.
- You have been diagnosed with moderate to severe depression (according to DSM-5 criteria).
- Your current depressive episode has lasted between 2 weeks and 2 years.
- You have never taken antidepressants before for this or any past episode.
- You do not have active suicidal thoughts (a score of 4 or less on a specific depression scale).
- You do not have psychotic symptoms, epilepsy, or certain neurological conditions.
- You do not have a pacemaker or metal implants in your head.
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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