Effective of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) vs Treatment as Usual for First-Episode Depression in Adults

Launched by SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY · Oct 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on adults who are experiencing their first or second episode of major depressive disorder (MDD). The goal is to see if TMS is more effective than standard treatments, which usually include medications and therapy. Researchers will look at how many participants feel better, how severe their depression is, and how TMS might improve their quality of life over a three-year period.

To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a diagnosis of MDD, experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. They should not be currently hospitalized or have a history of certain mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or severe depression that requires more intensive treatments. Those who join the trial will be randomly assigned to receive either TMS or the usual treatment and will have their progress checked at different times throughout the study. This trial is taking place at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat, Oman, and aims to provide valuable information about new ways to help people with early-stage depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults (≥18 years old till 64 years) diagnosed with a first or second episode of unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD).
• • Moderate to severe depressive symptoms based on clinical assessment and validated scales (e.g., Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)).
• • Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.
• • Outpatient setting (not currently hospitalized for psychiatric reasons).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current episode is not the first or second episode of MDD.
• • Substance dependence or abuse within the last 6 months.
• • Diagnosed with psychotic depression, bipolar disorder, or catatonic features.
• • Severe depression requiring electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• • High suicidal risk as determined by clinical assessment.
• • History of unsatisfactory responses to prior TMS treatments.
• • Diagnosis of Epilepsy and Epilepsy high risk group
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless cleared by a neurologist for TMS treatment.