Boston, MANCT06968390Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Perinatal Depression Clinical Trial in Boston, MA

Access cutting-edge perinatal depression treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Boston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Brigham and Women's Hospital

Quick Self-Assessment

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Expert Care in Boston

Access perinatal depression specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related perinatal depression treatment provided free

Apply for This Boston Location

Check if you qualify for this perinatal depression clinical trial in Boston, MA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Boston

    Convenient for MA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Boston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Perinatal Depression Study in Boston

We are studying a treatment for depression called accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) among pregnant and postpartum individuals. TMS is a focal, non-invasive form of brain stimulation that is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for depression. Typically, traditional TMS involves daily treatments for 6-8 weeks. In this study, we will offer an accelerated form of TMS that involves multiple daily treatments for 5 days.

Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

All individuals must be 14-34 weeks gestational age or within one year of delivery at the time of treatment. The odds of delivery nears 10% after 36 weeks, which would limit participants from being able to complete the study and interfere with the primary study aim to understand safety and tolerability. Additionally, after 36 weeks, the standard of care is weekly obstetric check-in visits, which would be challenging for patients to complete given the time demands of the study protocol.
Patients will not be scanned after 32 weeks gestational age due to the time needed to construct the individualized treatment target. Individuals seeking treatment beyond 32 weeks will be offered scalp-based target localization so as not to limit patient access to care.
English proficiency sufficient for informed consent, questionnaires/tasks, and treatment
Primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder per DSM-V criteria (MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview/ Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5): \>20 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and moderate to severe level of treatment resistance (Maudsley Staging Method)
Stable antidepressant medication regimen, or remain medication free, for 4 weeks prior to treatment and to remain on this regimen throughout the treatment course. We request that this regimen remain stable until the 1 month post-treatment if clinically appropriate.
Primary clinician (e.g. psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist, APRN, PA, etc.) responsible for psychiatric care before, during, and after the trial in addition to an obstetric provider responsible for obstetric care.
Agreement to lifestyle considerations: Continue usual intake patterns of caffeine- or xanthine-containing products (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) throughout treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Concurrent use of rapid acting antidepressant agent (ketamine/esketamine/ECT)
Receiving or planning to receive other TMS treatments during course of participation
Obstetric concerns: Preeclampsia and/or current frequent, painful contractions (more than one every 10 minutes)
History of: Neurosurgical intervention for depression, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, severe cognitive impairment, significant neurological illness (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's, Huntington's, brain tumor, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, brain lesion), untreated or insufficiently treated endocrine disorder, and/or treatment with investigational drug or intervention during the study period
≥ 30% change in MADRS score between screening and baseline
Anyone presenting with: Mania or hypomania, psychosis, active suicidal ideation with plan and some intent to act or a suicide attempt (defined by C-SSRS) within the past 3 months, neurological lesion, contraindications to either TMS or MRI (e.g., metallic implants, severe insomnia \> 4 hours per night with hypnotic, etc.), and/or current moderate or severe substance use disorder or demonstrating signs of acute substance withdrawal
Existing tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that causes functional impairment
History of retinal detachment or other retinal pathology
Severe borderline personality disorder
Any other condition deemed by the PI to interfere with the study or increase risk to the participant

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Boston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06968390) has an active research site in Boston, MA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Perinatal Depression Treatment Options in Boston, MA

If you're searching for perinatal depression treatment options in Boston, MA, this clinical trial (NCT06968390) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Boston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced perinatal depression specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all perinatal depression clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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