Overview
The purpose of this study is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to better understand the neural circuits associated with social motivation.
Participant includes four study visits each that range from 1.5 - 3.0 hours in duration over approximately a one month period. The first study visit involves answering survey questions, a clinical interview, and computer tasks. The second study visit involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computer tasks, and a brief TMS protocol. The second and third study visits involve a full session of TMS followed by an MRI scan and computer tasks.
Adults in the Auburn/Opelika area and surrounding areas who avoid social situations, experience symptoms of depression or social anxiety, and are between 25 years old and 50 years old are eligible to participate.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder OR a diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder (assessed/confirmed at screening visit).
- Scoring above clinical threshold on a measure of social avoidant behavior (assessed/confirmed at phone screen).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unstable medication regimen (i.e., changes in medication or dosage in past 3 months).
- Current or lifetime diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
- A diagnosis of substance use disorder within past 12 months.
- A diagnosis of psychotic-spectrum disorder such as Schizophrenia.
- Pregnancy or probable pregnancy.
- Medical illness or medical treatment that would preclude or inhibit study participation.
- Neurological disorder or prior neurosurgical procedure.
- History of seizures or head trauma.
- Family history of epilepsy or personal epilepsy/seizures
- Ferromagnetic implants or ferrmagnetic objects within body (e.g., pacemaker).