Charleston,
South Carolina
29425
Purpose:
High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to be safe,
feasible, and acceptable. Conventionally, rTMS investigations have relied on rational
decision trees for dosage determination. The purpose of this study is to systematically
examine an accelerated protocol of intermittent theta burst (iTBS). Study 1 aims to provide a
quantifiable dose-response curve for iTBS and depressive symptom reduction in major
depression. Study 2 aims to determine the role of individual variations of their functional
networks compared to the site of stimulation and clinical outcomes.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- A negative urine pregnancy test, if female subject of childbearing potential.
- Able to speak English and complete study forms, adhere to treatment regimens, and be
willing to return for regular visits.
- After full explanation of the study, willingness of participant is demonstrated by
signing the informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Clinically unstable medical disease:
- cardiovascular
- renal
- gastrointestinal
- pulmonary
- metabolic
- endocrine
- other
- CNS disease deemed progressive
- Moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Pregnant females or those currently breast-feeding.
- Current or history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, except psychosis not
otherwise specified (NOS) when the presence of sensory hallucinations is clearly
related to the subject's trauma, Bipolar Type I disorder, or dementia:
- vascular
- Alzheimer's disease
- other types
- Repeated abuse or dependence upon drugs (excluding nicotine and caffeine) within 6
days of study entry, with the exception of alcohol use disorder, which, at the
discretion of the study team, may be permitted.
See further explanation under protection from risk.
- Active participation or plan for enrollment in another evidence-based
psychotherapeutic clinical trial
- Participation in other psychotherapeutic modalities must have been stable for 3 months
prior to enrollment and must remain stable throughout participation.
- Currently taking medications that have short half-lives, lower the seizure threshold,
and do not have evidence of antidepressant efficacy. These include:
- high dose theophylline or stimulants such as methylphenidate patients taking
bupropion must be on a stable dose and take less than or equal to 300 mg/day.
Stable means the same dose for 5 half-lives.
- An implanted device in subject's head (shunt, cochlear implant) and/or metal in
subject's head (other than dental implant).
- History of seizures or a seizure disorder.