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Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States

Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania

About this study

The research study is being conducted to study brain patterns of negative emotion and develop personalized brain stimulation protocols to disrupt these patterns with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). First, the investigators will use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data to generate a negative affect map for each participant. Then, the investigators will apply a variety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sequences while the participant is inside the MRI scanner to determine the optimal and least optimal rTMS frequencies at changing negative affect brain states. Finally, these two frequencies will be tested over two 3-day rTMS neuromodulation sessions to assess whether they can reduce negative emotions.

The study involves 11 visits over approximately 10 weeks, depending on scanner availability and scheduling. See below for the study schedule with a summary of the procedures: * Visit 1: Screening Procedures (\~3-4 hours). The first part of the screening will take place remotely (\~1 hour). The investigators will begin by reviewing the Informed Consent Form (ICF). Participants who agree to participate and sign the ICF will then complete several questionnaires. Those who meet preliminary eligibility criteria based on the remote procedures will be invited for an in-person visit. The in-person screening will include a brief TMS demonstration (\~20 minutes). If TMS is well tolerated, the visit will proceed to a comprehensive clinical interview (\~2-3 hours) to assess current and past mental he…

Where this study is enrolling

Who can participate

Inclusion criteria

  • ✓1. 18-65 years old
  • ✓2. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 score) = or \> than 10
  • ✓3. Comprehension of instructions in the English language.
  • ✓4. Capacity to provide informed consent and follow study procedures.
  • ✓5. Availability for the duration of the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • ✕1. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder (as PI discretion), schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder
  • ✕2. Recent use of psychoactive medications or substances as determined by investigators
  • ✕3. History of neurological disorder or traumatic brain injury (other than mild)
  • ✕4. Unable to have an MRI scan, or current or prior medical condition that could interfere with the collection or interpretation of MRI data
  • ✕5. Unable to receive or tolerate TMS
  • ✕6. Implanted devices, such as an aneurysm clip or cardiac pacemaker
  • ✕7. History of stroke, epilepsy, or brain scarring
  • ✕8. Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant (self-attestation alone)
  • ✕During this study, participants are asked to:
  • ✕1. Refrain from substance use (including marijuana and illicit drugs) for duration of the study (self-attestation alone).
  • ✕2. Abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before the MRI scans (self-attestation alone).
  • ✕3. Abstain from increasing caffeine intake or begin taking any new medications (self-attestation alone).

Only the research team can confirm whether you qualify. The intake questionnaire is the best way to find out.

Completing a questionnaire on Clinably does not enroll you in a clinical trial or confirm your eligibility. Only the research team can determine whether you qualify to participate. These results are based on the information you provide and are intended to help you start a conversation with the research team.

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.