qEEG Brain Signature of Depression & Neuromodulation-induced Recovery

What this study is about

This study aims to explore how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a treatment for depression, affects brain function. Depression disrupts the brain's complex network or regions that regulate cognition, emotion, and behavior. rTMS targets these disruptions to restore network function. To measure these effects, researchers will use dry quantitative EEG (qEEG), a new technology that records brain electrical activity quickly (15 minutes compared to 1 hour for traditional EEG) without the need for gel or lengthy electrode setups. This study will evaluate a novel qEEG activity developed by iMediSync (Republic of South Korea) in patients treated with neuromodulation for depression before, during, and up to 12 months after treatment to see if changes in brain activity to identify patterns associated with symptomatic improvement and relapse risk. Findings could help personalize depression treatments by predicting patient outcomes and optimizing care.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• A diagnosis of Depression based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) 5.0 criteria.
• Receiving a neuromodulation (rTMS) treatment for depression at the HCN
• Physically healthy
• Age 18-80, inclusive.
• Able to provide informed consent and comply with the study protocol.
• Patients will not be excluded solely based on communication (i.e., non-English speaking) unless they have exclusion criteria that is the cause of the communication difficulties.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Moderate substance use disorder or greater severity based on DSM 5.0 criteria and confirmed by a study MD on clinical assessment.
• Mild and major comorbid medical conditions (as determined by investigators - e.g., neurological diseases, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, malignancy)
• A major comorbid psychiatric disorder (as determined by investigators - e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) and/or psychosis at the time of study enrollment.
• History of seizure disorder
• Pregnant

Where this trial is running

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, North York, Ontario, Canada
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Sean M Nestor, M.D. · 416-347-0257 · sean.nestor@utoronto.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06719427.