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NCT06096207 · Northwell Health

DBS for Depression

What this study is about

The goal of this clinical trial is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of deep brain stimulation in treatment resistant depression.

View original scientific description

The goal of this clinical trial is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of deep brain stimulation in treatment resistant depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is deep brain stimulation effective in treating treatment resistant depression? * Does deep brain stimulation improve overall clinical well-being and functioning? Participants will be implanted with a deep brain stimulation device. They will then be monitored over a 5-year period by using multiple questionnaires to track their depression symptoms. The device will be turned off at certain time points, unbeknown to the participant, to show the efficacy of the device when it is turned on. The device will be ON for 8.5 months and OFF for 3.5 months during the first year. Researchers will compare questionnaire scores when the device is off versus on to see if the device is working in reducing depression.

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

  • Major Depression Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar Disorder (I /II) diagnosed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V (SCID I/DSM-V)
  • Age 18 - 65 years.
  • 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score of at least 21 on the first 17 items and/or Montgomery-Asburg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of at least 21.
  • World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale 2.0(WHODAS2.0) score of 19 or more
  • A recurrent (equal or \>4 episodes) or chronic (episode duration equal or higher \>2 years) course AND a minimum of 5 years since the onset of the first depressive episode. Major impairment in functioning or potentially severe medical outcomes (repeated hospitalizations, serious suicidal or other self-injurious behavior) over lifetime history as determined by an investigator
  • As determined by the study psychiatrist/investigator, has treatment resistant depression defined as failure to respond to: 6.1. Adequate trials (equal or \>6 weeks at an adequate dose) of primary antidepressants from at least 3 different classes AND; 6.2. adequate trials (equal\>4 weeks at an adequate dose) of augmentation/combination of a primary antidepressant using at least 2 different augmenting/combination agents (lithium, T3, stimulants,neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, buspirone, or a second primary antidepressant) AND; 6.3 An adequate trial of ECT (\>6 bilateral treatments), or inability to tolerate an adequate ECT trial, AND; 6.4 An adequate trial of individual psychotherapy (\>20 sessions with an experienced psychotherapist).
  • Able to comply with the operational and administrative requirements of participation in the study.
  • Able to give written informed consent
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar Disorder (I/II) is the primary psychiatric diagnosis in the medical opinion of an investigator.
  • On a stable psychiatric medication regimen beginning at least 6 weeks prior to enrollment and continuing through the first 6 months of the study, as determined by the investigator. Psychiatric medication changes can be made during the entirety of the subject's study participation but would be limited to the clinical judgment of the PI/study psychiatrist.
  • At enrollment, provides the following information from at least two (2) verifiable contacts who reside within a 10-mile radius of the patient: name, relationship to patient, address (email mail); and telephone (mobile, home, work as applicable).
  • Agrees to allow medical records requests and communications of any type to any and all health care providers who have seen the patient within five years of screening or enrollment.
  • For the duration of study participation, agrees to be followed by a licensed psychiatrist and/or other licensed mental health practitioner on a regularly scheduled basis.
  • FOR AGES 18-21: An average of at least 3 in the following subdomains on the Psychological Maturity Scale (PMS): questions 1-6, "Ego Resilience"; questions 7-13, "Self-Awareness"; questions 14-17, "Autonomy"; questions 18-21, Flexibility".
  • FOR AGES 18-21: Residing with a caretaker or having oversight of a caretaker.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with any lifetime history of psychosis or psychotic disorder, according to DSM-V diagnostic criteria, or in the medical opinion of the PI/study psychiatrist.
  • Any finding on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that, in the opinion of the principal investigator and after consultation with the neuroradiologist, is, or might be, considered clinically significant such that participation in the study: (a) seems likely to increase the medical risk to the subject sufficient to outweigh the potential benefit to study participation; (b) seems likely to jeopardize the subject's ability to complete the study or fulfill all study requirements per protocol; or (c) may impact he integrity of the data or the validity of the results.
  • Any previous surgery to destroy the treatment target (superolateral MFB) rendering it either unilaterally or bilaterally damaged such that it cannot be effectively stimulated, as visualized by pre-operative MRI scans, in the medical opinion of the PI
  • Any surgical contraindications to undergoing DBS, including labeled contraindications for DBS and/orinability to undergo presurgical MRI (cardiac pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or other implantablestimulator, pregnancy, metal in body, severe claustrophobia), infection, coagulopathy, inability to undergo an awake operation, significant cardiac or other medical risk factors for surgery. DBS contraindications include patients who are unable to properly operate the neurostimulator, and patientswho will be exposed to MRI or diathermy. MRI and diathermy (e.g., shortwave diathermy, microwave diathermy or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy) are contraindicated because the energy can be transferred through the implanted System (or any of the separate implanted components), which can cause tissue damage and can result in severe injury or death. Diathermy can damage parts of the neurostimulation system.
  • Refusal of an adequate trial of ECT in the medical opinion of the study psychiatrist or PI following consultation with a study psychiatrist.
  • History of stimulation intolerance in any area of the body.
  • Within six (6) months of the enrollment date, has been diagnosed with, or has met the diagnostic criteria for, a substance abuse disorder (SUD) according to DSM-V criteria.
  • Women of childbearing potential who, at enrollment or during the study: (a)have a positive urine pregnancy test; (b) are heterosexually active without the usage of a medically acceptable, highly effect contraceptive method\
  • (≤1% pregnancy rate); or (c) are planning to become pregnant during the 60-month course of this study, as determined by the PI. \*Examples include tubal ligation, vasectomized partner, IUD or IUS (intrauterine device or system), and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).
  • Active suicidal ideation with intent, suicide attempt within the last six months, more than three suicide attempts within the last two years, or serious suicide risk as determined by the study psychiatrists.
  • Participation in another drug, device, or biologics trial within the preceding 30 days
  • Presence of a condition requiring routine MRIs.
  • Presence of a condition requiring diathermy.
  • Subject is on anticoagulant medication.
  • Prior to enrollment or during the course of the study and in the opinion of the PI, has a history of an medical, psychiatric, physical or non-physical disease, disorder, condition, injury, or disability; or has a non-medical reason (e.g., financial, logistical, personal, other) that: (a) may pose a significant risk to the patient; (b) may increase the possibility that the subject is unlikely to successfully complete all of the requirements of the study according to the study protocol; or (c) may adversely impact the integrity of the data or the validity of the study results.
  • Subjects without a fixed home address or stable living situation, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator.
  • Subjects involved in activities involving significant radiation exposure in the past year.
  • Receiving TMS after DBS implantation
  • Any mania or manic episodes within 5 years of enrollment according to DSM-V diagnostic criteria, or in the medical opinion of the PI/study psychiatrist

Where

  • Queens, New York

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 Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 20 participants interested
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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Treatment Resistant Depression Treatment in Queens?

Join others in New York exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Treatment Resistant Depression Treatment Options in Queens, New York

If you're searching for Treatment Resistant Depression treatment in Queens, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Queens and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Treatment Resistant Depression. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in New York
Now Enrolling
Up to 20 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Treatment Resistant Depression?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Treatment Resistant Depression

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Treatment Resistant Depression Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06096207. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.