Image

Efficacy and Mechanism of rTMS on the Symptoms of Pleasure Deficit in Adolescent Depression

Efficacy and Mechanism of rTMS on the Symptoms of Pleasure Deficit in Adolescent Depression

Recruiting
10-19 years
All
Phase N/A

Powered by AI

Overview

(1) Primary objective: to collect data on the score of pleasure deficit scale before and after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in adolescent depressed patients, and to verify its efficacy and safety in adolescent depressed patients in combination with the changes of clinical symptoms; (2) Secondary objective: to explore the relevant hemodynamic mechanisms in adolescent depressed patients before and after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.

Description

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders among adolescents and is characterized by persistent low mood. According to a global statistical report released by the World Health Organization, about 350 million people worldwide are affected by depression, with the adolescent population being particularly prominent. Epidemiologic surveys in the Chinese region show that the prevalence of depression in adolescents is about 3.0%. The study points out that age is one of the key factors affecting major depression. Pleasure deficit, a reduced capacity for the experience of pleasure or a lack of appropriate emotional responses to rewards and positive stimuli, is a core symptom of depression and is considered a key internal phenotype of the illness. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a treatment for major depressive disorder that delivers a series of equally spaced pulses through repetitive TMS. Studies have shown that rTMS stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can significantly improve symptoms of pleasure deficit. Thus, rTMS may be an effective treatment option for depressed patients with pleasure deficit.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age 10-19 years old (both 10 and 19), gender is not limited;
  2. Meet the criteria for diagnosing MDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5);
  3. First episode or relapse, monophasic or bipolar depressive disorder;
  4. No history of any form of antidepressant treatment (including medication, physical and psychotherapy) within 2 weeks prior to enrollment;
  5. Habitual right-handedness;
  6. Deficit of pleasure scale (DARS) <22 points;
  7. Score >17 on the 17-item version of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17);
  8. After fully understanding the safety of rTMS, they were willing to actively cooperate with the treatment and signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Complicated with psychotic symptoms;
  2. Comorbidity with major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, delirium, neurocognitive disorder, intellectual disability, and other mental disorders caused by other diseases;
  3. History of primary neurologic disease or brain injury;
  4. History of electroconvulsive therapy;
  5. Contraindications to rTMS treatment, including cardiac pacemakers, neurostimulators, artificial metal heart valves, intracranial aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, and other types of metal implants (with the exception of oral supports);(6)History of epilepsy.

Study details
    Depression

NCT06580249

Xijing Hospital

15 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.