Resonant Frequency rTMS: A Novel Approach to Target Circuit Modulation in Major Depressive Disorder

Summary

The purpose of the study is to develop a more personalized brain stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS approach to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). The investigators had previously developed a personalized rTMS treatment by examining the effectiveness of different rTMS frequency from 5 to 18 Hertz (Hz). The optimal treatment frequency is termed resonance frequency and varies across individuals. There has not been a systematic method to identify the best stimulation frequency in an individual-specific way. In this project, the investigators will identify and compare 3 rTMS frequencies, all targeting the brain region called left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC): 1 that engages brain circuit connectivity the most- the investigators call this resonant frequency (RF)-max (RF-max), 1 that is the lowest ranked resonance frequency called RF-min and 1 that is standard of care treatment - rTMS of 10 Hz as a point of comparison.

This study is a multi-sites project that will be conducted at UCLA and Butler hospital. This study will enroll 84 participants with MDD over the course of 4.5 years.

Participants will undergo a brain imaging scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3 electroencephalograms (or EEG, a measurement of electrical activity of the brain), to identify rTMS resonance frequencies (RFs), 3 sessions of different resonant frequencies of rTMS in combination with EEG, totaling up to 7 in person visits. Participation will take up to 4 weeks.

Conditions

• MDD
• Depression

Interventions

DEVICE

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. Using pulsed magnetic fields, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy stimulates the part of the brain thought to be involved with mood regulation. These magnetic fields do not directly affect the whole brain; they only reach about 2-3 centimeters into the brain directly beneath the treatment coil.As these magnetic fields move into the brain, they produce very small electrical currents. These electrical currents activate cells within the brain, causing them to rewire, a process called neuroplasticity.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• University of California, Los Angeles

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Joe Gibbs · University of California, Los Angeles

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

21 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-02-12

Primary Completion

2028-10-31

Completion

2028-10-31

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations