Accelerated Neuromodulation of Anterior Cingulate Cortex for Depression

What this study is about

The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether an accelerated deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) protocol can reduce depressive symptoms in older adults (ages 60-85) with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not tolerated or responded to antidepressant medications. The study will evaluate whether accelerated dTMS administered over 5 consecutive days is safe and well-tolerated in this population, and whether it produces greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to placebo stimulation.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• are between 60- 85 years old (on the day of randomization)
• have been diagnosed with DSM5 Major Depressive Disorder, with the current episode longer than 4 weeks but less than 5 years
• did not respond to/did not tolerate, or failed to achieve remission with at least one antidepressant trial of 8 week minimum duration
• are willing to provide informed consent
• are able to follow the treatment schedule
• are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications)
• have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• have a metal plate in your head (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips). Dental devices and implants that are non-magnetic are safe
• have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures
• have a cardiac pacemaker
• have an implanted medication pump
• have a central venous line
• have a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia
• have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months
• have a history of stroke or other brain lesions
• have a personal history of epilepsy
• have a family history of epilepsy
• are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman
• have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain
• have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism
• have unstable medical condition(s)
• have any other known contraindications to TMS
• are on unstable doses of any psychotropic medication such as - antidepressants, antipsychotic, mood stabilizers or memory enhancing medications
• require daily doses of benzodiazepines or hypnotics within two weeks of randomization

Where this trial is running

• Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Amanda Chao, MPH · 416-785-2500 · preventad@research.baycrest.org

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07212465.