NCT04556890 · University of California, Los Angeles
Pain and Major Depressive Disorder
What this study is about
This study will examine the effects of brain stimulation on pain symptoms associated with Major depressive disorder. This study will enroll 54 Subjects. Study subjects will be asked to complete surveys about their mood and well-being, 2 blood draws, 2 MRIs, 3 electroencephalograms, and receive 30 treatments of blinded transcranial magnetic stimulation.
View original scientific description
This study will examine the effects of brain stimulation on pain symptoms associated with Major depressive disorder. This study will enroll 54 Subjects. Study subjects will be asked to complete surveys about their mood and well-being, 2 blood draws, 2 MRIs, 3 electroencephalograms, and receive 30 treatments of blinded transcranial magnetic stimulation. There is no control group as all subjects will receive some form of active treatment. Subjects are required to participate in 30-33 study visits and volunteer 40 hours of their time. Compensation for this study is $150 for completing all study activities.
Interventions
DEVICE
Active rTMS/Active iTBS DFPLC/Sham Pain M1
Active rTMS treatment for depression (600 pulses of active intermittent theta burst (iTBS) administrated at 120% MT to the left DLPFC) and sham treatment for pain at M1
DEVICE
Active rTMS/Active iTBS
Active rTMS treatment for both, depression and pain (600 pulses of iTBS to left DLPFC followed by 600 iTBS + 1500 pulses of 10 Hz to M1
Primary outcome measures
Percent change in depression scores
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
Inventory of Depressive symptoms- Self (IDS-SR) scores will be analyzed as the primary outcome measure. The IDS-SR is a 30-item scale that measures various symptoms of depression. Each item is scored between 0-4. Severity of depression is associated with a higher score with scores ranging from 0 to 84.
Percent change in pain score
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
McGill Pain questionnaire (MPQ) will be analyzed as the secondary outcome. MPQ is a self-reporting measure of pain used for patients with a number of diagnoses. It assesses both quality and intensity of subjective pain and effectiveness of an intervention. Scoring ranges from 0 to 78. A higher score is associated with greater pain.
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
- All Subjects must be between 18-75 years of age
- Language: Participants must speak English fluently, as demonstrated by verbal skills sufficient to answer questions at a level that assures adequate understanding of the study
- All subjects must be right-handed
- Must have confirmed diagnosis of moderate Major Depressive Disorder (single or recurrent episode), minimum score of 17 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17). No minimal MDD duration necessary for study participation
- Failure to respond to a minimum of 2 trials of antidepressant medication
- Failure to respond from at least two different agent classes
- Accompanied by at least two evidence-based augmentation therapies (Benzodiazepines do not count)
- Must have a trial of psychotherapy known to be effective in the treatment of MDD of an adequate frequency and duration\
- Must have a confirmed FM or ME/CFS diagnoses and moderate pain complaints, minimum score of 15 on the McGill Pain Questionnaire.
- Pain chronicity for at least 3 months prior to study enrollment.
- Subjects are willing and able to adhere to the treatment schedule and required study visits.
Exclusion criteria
- Are mentally or legally incapacitated, unable to give informed consent.
- Are pregnant.
- Have an active suicidal intent or plan.
- Have had prior Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment.
- Have an infection or poor skin condition over the scalp where the device will be positioned.
- Have increased risk of seizure because of family history, stroke, or currently use medications that lead to increased risk for seizure.
- Psychotic depression or other acute or chronic psychotic symptoms or disorders (such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder) in the current depressive episode.
- Neurological conditions that include epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, having a history of repetitive or severe head trauma, or with primary or secondary tumors in the central nervous system.
- Presence of an implanted metallic and magnetic-sensitive medical device present in the body scan, including but not limited to a cochlear implant, infusion pump, implanted cardioverter defibrillator, pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, aneurysm clip, metal prosthesis, or metal aneurysm clips or coils, staples, or stents. (Note: Dental amalgam fillings are not affected by the magnetic field and are acceptable for use with transcranial magnetic stimulation and MRI)
Where
- Los Angeles, California
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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 Sep 19, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations