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Treatment trial for Major Depressive Disorder using non-invasive brain stimulation  

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether five days of personalized non-invasive brain stimulation can improve depression in people aged 18-70 who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Age & Gender

  • 18 years ~ 70 years
  • Male, Female, Gender Inclusive

Visit Availability

  • Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)
  • Extended hours (M-F, early morning or evening)
  • Weekend hours, if needed

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)

What will be asked of you

After a brief online pre-screening, we will confirm your eligibility in a remote screening appointment (approximately 1 hour). Here, we will ask you questions about your medical history and mental health. Participants can decide whether they would like to opt in to a 15 minute MRI (one hour total for session; optional extra to the main study), conducted at the Biomedical Research Imaging Center or BRIC. You will then attend the Carolina Center for Neurostimulation for five consecutive days of non-invasive brain stimulation and some assessments about your mental health. These sessions are scheduled around your availability on a Monday to Friday. You will also have electroencephalography (EEG) on the Monday and the Friday to measure changes in your brain activity. There will be one in-person follow-up visit two weeks following the last stimulation which will involve clinical assessments and EEG. Day 1 and Day 5 will take approximately 3-3.5 hours to complete, and Days 2-4 and the follow-up will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

Incentives

Up to $430

In-person visits:
6 (or 7 for those who choose to participate in optional MRI)
Phone or online visits:
1
Total length of participation:
7 visits over 3 weeks (including screening); or 8 visits over up to 7 weeks for participants who choose to participate in optional MRI

Looking for Specific Volunteers

Able to participate:

  • Have Major Depressive Disorder
  • Are currently experiencing depressive symptoms
  • Are aged 18-70

Not eligible if:

  • Have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, or schizophrenia
  • Have a history of autism
  • Have a history of substance abuse disorder
  • Have brain implants
  • Are currently pregnant

Contact the Team

Visit Location

Contact & Visit Location

Primary Contact

Primary Visit Location

Carolina Center for Neurostimulation
100 Market Street, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Additional Study Information

Principal Investigator

David Rubinow
Psychiatry - Research

Study Type

Clinical or Medical
Interventional

Study Topics

Behavior
Brain, Head, Nervous System
LGBTQIA+
Mental and Emotional Health
UNC or UNC Health employees
UNC Students (undergrad, grad, professional)

IRB Number

24-2166

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT06874374

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