Image

Effect of Individualized Precise TMS on Emotional Blunting in Depression and Its Brain Imaging Mechanism

Effect of Individualized Precise TMS on Emotional Blunting in Depression and Its Brain Imaging Mechanism

Recruiting
18-65 years
All
Phase N/A

Powered by AI

Overview

This study aims to explore and investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of individualized localization of transcranial magnetic stimulation on emotional blunting of depression, improve the understanding of the mechanism of emotional blunting of depression, order to provide new treatment methods and better curative effects for this disease.

Description

Depression is a common mental illness. The traditional treatment is medication, but many patients do not respond well to medication and have side effects such as emotional blunting. emotional blunting is a numbness to both positive and negative emotions. It is estimated that about 40% to 60% of depressed patients who use serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or 5-HT and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have varying degrees of affective retardation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe and non-invasive method for the treatment of depression. Its clinical efficacy is related to the accuracy of the stimulation target. How to carry out individualized accurate positioning is of great significance for improving the therapeutic effect.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

  • (1) Outpatients of all genders, aged ≥18 years and ≤65 years, right-handed, admitted to the psychosomatic Department of Xijing Hospital;

    (2) In accordance with the diagnostic criteria for the depressive disorder of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), The current major depressive episode (MDE) must be confirmed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

    (3) The patient's current MDE time was less than 12 months;

    (4) Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS): total MADRS score ≥22 and ≤28;

    (5) The total score of the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ) at baseline was ≥50, and the answer to the standardized screening question of emotional blunting was "yes";

    (6) Received at least 6 weeks of monotherapy with an SSRI or SNRI prior to enrollment;

    (7) Subjects who can understand and are willing to strictly follow the clinical trial protocol to complete this study and sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • (1) Have a history of substance abuse within 6 months before the start of the study;

    (2) Patients with bipolar disorder and depression caused by other mental diseases (such as psychoactive substances and non-dependent substances);

    (3) Have a history of somatic severe diseases or diseases that may affect the central nervous system (such as tumors, syphilis, etc.);

    (4) Have neurological diseases or risk of seizures, such as previous brain diseases, head trauma, alcoholism, EEG abnormalities, MRI evidence of abnormal brain structure, or family history of epilepsy;

    (5) There are contraindications to MRI scanning or transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, such as metal or electronic instruments (intracranial metal foreign bodies, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, stents, and other metal foreign bodies);

    (6) Have obvious suicide risk, or have actual suicide behavior within 6 months before the start of the study;

    (7) Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the trial;

    (8) Other conditions that are not suitable for the study object in the researcher's judgment.

Study details
    Depression

NCT05555940

Xijing Hospital

14 October 2025

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
We have submitted the contact information you provided to the research team at {{SITE_NAME}}. A copy of the message has been sent to your email for your records.
Would you like to be notified about other trials? Sign up for Patient Notification Services.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team

Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

  Other languages supported:

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.