Overview

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is recruiting for a clinical trial that studies how stimulation to a certain part of the brain may benefit people with depression. The study uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and targets those who have previously been resistant to treatment (medical-refractory).

Study Information

 To ensure good health, only patients from two sites are invited to participate:

• The Clinical Program of FDA approved TMS at the Berenson-Allen Center
• The Butler TMS Clinic

The study includes:

•  Hour-long MRI scanning session
• Optional DNA-sample
• Up to three 20-minute to mark the site of TMS stimulation
• Questionnaires
• A behavioral testing battery before and after TMS treatment

Inclusion Criteria

• Male or female
• Ages 18 to 70 years old
• Have previously received or will receive TMS to the left dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex

Exclusion Criteria

• Any current or past history of a major psychiatric illness other than depression
• Any significant current neurological illness (e.g. a history of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness, a family history of epilepsy, signs of increased intracranial pressure, previously abnormal MRI scans, parkinsonism or dementia)
• Patients who are pregnant or lactating (by menstrual history)
• Use illegal substances
• Positive MRI screen that would prevent patient from undergoing magnetic resonance imaging
• Subjects that cannot adhere to the study requirements

Locations

You may participate in this study at Butler Hospital in Rhode Island, United States, 02906. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Linda Carpenter, MD at 401-455-6632 or at linda_carpenter_md@brown.edu. 

Sponsors/Collaborators

This clinical trial is sponsored by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The Principal Investigator is Linda Carpenter, MD and the Sub-Investigators are Eric Tirrell, BS and Gina Sensale, BS.