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In Vivo Cortical Excitability Modulation in Major Depressive Disorder

NCT05441969 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 90

Last updated 2025-02-26

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The pathophysiology of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is unclear, with several theories for its neurobiological mechanisms. One possible explanation is the presence of altered neuroplasticity, which can be studied by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Using TMS to study these mechanisms is performed by applying electromagnetic stimuli to the motor cortex, to obtain measures of temporary cortical excitability modulation. It is known that depressed patients with higher cortical modulation are more responsive to a TMS treatment course. However, it is unknown if there are differences in cortical modulation between depressed patients and healthy subjects. Our goal is to answer this question and contribute towards clarification of the neuroplasticity mechanisms underlying MDD. Accordingly, the investigators will access cortical excitability modulation measures in both depressed patients and healthy volunteers and compare their results. The investigators will also re-assess these measures after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Finally, the investigators will study the association between cortical excitability measures and cognitive processes using an innovative cognitive task.

Conditions

Interventions

OTHER

No intervention/expousure

No interventions/expousure since this is an observational study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Fundacao Champalimaud

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Albino J Oliveira-Maia, MD, MPH, PhD · Champalimaud Foundation

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2020-05-19
Primary Completion
2025-12-31
Completion
2025-12-31

Countries

  • Portugal

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT05441969 on ClinicalTrials.gov