Neuromodulation in the Elderly Depressed: a Brain Imaging Pilot Study

Launched by UNIVERSITAIR ZIEKENHUIS BRUSSEL · Mar 3, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating new treatment options for elderly individuals who are struggling with severe depression that has not improved with standard antidepressant medications. The study is looking at two specific methods: accelerated deep brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (adTMS) and transcutaneous direct current stimulation (tDCS). Both techniques aim to stimulate the brain in a safe way to help relieve depression symptoms.

To participate in this study, you must be 65 years or older, have been diagnosed with unipolar depression, and have tried at least one antidepressant without success. You should also be stable on your current medication for at least six weeks. Participants will receive stimulation therapy while continuing their antidepressant treatment. It's important to know that individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of seizures or serious cognitive issues, may not be eligible for the study. If you or a loved one are interested, you can reach out for more information about participation and what to expect during this trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • • In- and outpatients (age 65 year or older).
• • Meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) criteria for unipolar depression according 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS-17) score of 17 or more.
• • Failed to respond to at least one adequate course with an antidepressant medication trial, including the current one.
• • Intention to continue the current (\>6 weeks) antidepressant treatment at a stable dose dur-ing the stimulation.
• • Benzodiazepines are permitted up to a maximum dose of 40 mg diazepam or equivalent. If the dosage has been recently changed, it should be stable for at least 2 weeks.
• • Able to read, understand and sign the Informed Consent Form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Psychosis (except depression with psychotic features).
• • A personal history of seizures or epilepsy, a history of seizures or epilepsy in first degree relatives and the presence of any known factor that can lower the seizure threshold (sleep deprivation, substance abuse, etc.), previous head injury and the presence of metallic implants in the cephalic region (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, electrodes) with the exception of dental fillings. The presence of cardiac pacemakers, neurostimulators, surgical clips or other electronic equipment, comorbidity with the following neurological disorders: increased intracranial pressure, space-occupying lesion, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, brain aneurysm and any structural brain damage with increased risk for epilepsy detected with (study related) MRI.
• • Patients with cognitive disturbances or dementia (Mini Mental State) \< 24.
• • Suicide attempt within 6 months before the start of the study or present high risk of suicide per the investigator's clinical judgment and indicative response\* on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and 21-items Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI). \*'yes' on Item 5 (active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent).
• • Any change in the habitual psychopharmacological agents will be considered as dropout.