NCT07397858 · University of California, Davis
Cognition and Behavior With Sham Accelerated TMS
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical study is to understand how a person's expectations about treatment can influence their mood, motivation, and reactions to everyday rewards. The study includes young people ages 15-25 who will complete a sham (placebo) version of an accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment. No active brain stimulation is given.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical study is to understand how a person's expectations about treatment can influence their mood, motivation, and reactions to everyday rewards. The study includes young people ages 15-25 who will complete a sham (placebo) version of an accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment. No active brain stimulation is given. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Do expectancy and treatment beliefs change during and after an accelerated sham TMS schedule? 2. Do these expectations influence mood, reward processing, or craving? 3.
Interventions
DEVICE
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham
All study participants will receive sham TMS (no active stimulation will be provided).
Primary outcome measures
Accelerated sham TMS feasibility
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 5 weeks
Proportion of participants who complete the accelerated sham TMS protocol, defined as completion of all scheduled stimulation sessions. Feasibility will be assessed using session attendance logs and protocol completion records.
Change in treatment expectancy and beliefs
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 5 weeks
Change in treatment expectancy and beliefs score from baseline to end of study at 5 weeks, as measured by the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ). Outcomes will be quantified as the difference in total CEQ score between time points. CEQ scores range from 1 to 9 for treatment credibility and expectancy, with higher scores indicating greater perceived credibility/ expectancy.
Change in reward sensitivity
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 5 weeks
Change in reward sensitivity will be assessed as the difference in scores from baseline to 5-week follow-up on validated self-report measures, including the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ), the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), and the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS). SPSRQ scores range from 0-24 for each subscale, TEPS scores range from 18-108, and SHAPS scores range from 14-56, with higher scores indicating greater sensitivity to reward/punishment, pleasure capacity, and anhedonia, respectively.
Change in craving and engagement
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 5 weeks
Changes in cravings and engagement with reinforcing stimuli will be assessed as the difference in scores from baseline to 5-week follow-up on various self-report measures and tasks. Craving will be assessed using a behavioral craving task, with outcomes quantified as change in task-derived craving ratings or performance metrics from baseline to follow-up. Substance use will additionally be assessed as change in drug use frequency and quantity over the study period.
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 speaking
- Able to provide informed consent (and assent if \< 18 years)
- 15-25 years old
- Slight-to-severe symptoms of depression
Exclusion criteria
- Past exposure to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Unable to consent (due to medical condition, psychosis, substance use, etc)
- Acute suicidal crisis or with active medical illness that would interfere with participation
- Contraindications to receiving MRI as determined by screening questionnaires (Contraindications for MRI include metal in the body related to an injury or surgery, for example, surgical clips, metal fragments in the eyes, or piercings that cannot be removed. Subjects with braces or permanent retainers will not be scanned, because the effects on image signal are not well understood and may affect comparability between subjects and scan sites. Participants will be excluded for major neurological problems, such as seizure disorder, traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, or sensory problems that may impair task performance, such as blindness.)
- Participation in any clinical study with exposure to any investigational treatment or product within the previous 30 days, or plan on concurrent participation in other studies
Where
- Sacramento, California
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