NCT06376734 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Search for Novel Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Targets for Mental Illness
(Expedition)
What this study is about
Participants will receive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at a random location in the left prefrontal cortex, excluding sites that are potentially unsafe. Extensive behavioral testing will be conducted to determine which behaviors are modulated by stimulating which circuits.
View original scientific description
Participants will receive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at a random location in the left prefrontal cortex, excluding sites that are potentially unsafe. Extensive behavioral testing will be conducted to determine which behaviors are modulated by stimulating which circuits.
Interventions
DEVICE
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Accelerated TMS will be provided for 2 days using the same dosing regimen as the FDA-cleared SAINT protocol, ten 9-minute treatments per day.
Primary outcome measures
Clustering of multiple behavioral measures
Time frame: through study completion, average of 3 months
The primary outcome is that stimulation of different circuits will selectively modify different behavioral clusters. Participants will complete the following phenotyping battery tasks and questionnaires: Q-SCID PANSS SAPS SANS PYRATS CDSS YBOCS CGI ATQ ASI BAI BDI BIS/BAS Claremont Purpose Scale De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale Daily Spiritual Experience Scale Emotional Reactivity Scale Flourishing Measures Headache Impact Test HiTOP-Self Report Moral Judgment Scale Pain Screener Personal Relationship with God Scale PSQI Positive and Negative Affect Scale Ruminative Response Scale Self Compassion-Short Form Spiritual Transcendence Scale- Short Form Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale Values and Beliefs of the American Public Altruistic Decision Task Balloon Analogue Risk Task DSIAT EEfRT MSIT ECR Time perception task TMB toolkit 5min AV recording
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- English proficiency sufficient for informed consent, questionnaires/tasks, and treatment
- Primary diagnosis of one of the following: major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or schizophrenia (determined by focal assessment using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5)
- ≥20 on the Beck Depression Inventory for patients with MDD
- ≥16 on the Beck Anxiety Inventory for patients with GAD
- ≥16 on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for patients with OCD
- ≥58 on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale for patients with schizophrenia
- Stable psychotropic medication regimen, or remain medication free, for 4 weeks prior to treatment (Medication changes during study enrollment period will be tracked for post hoc analysis).
- Primary clinician (e.g. psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist, APRN, PA, etc.) responsible for psychiatric care before, during, and after the trial E
Where
- Sunnyvale, California
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations