AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

TMSxDCS: Pharmacologically augmenting transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

This research is exploring a new treatment for major depression. It combines two types of brain stimulation, called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), with a medication called Cycloserine. The study wants to find out if this combination can help reduce depression symptoms more effectively than current methods. Researchers will carefully track how participants' moods change over six weeks after the treatment. This is an early-stage study (Phase II) to see if the approach is promising before moving on to larger trials. The goal is to discover new and better ways to help people living with depression.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Universiteit Maastricht

Enrolment target

Start

02 Jun 2025

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

This study is called 'TMSxDCS' and it's looking into a new way to help people who have major depression. Depression can make you feel very low, lose interest in things you once enjoyed, and affect your daily life. Doctors and scientists are always searching for better treatments.

This particular study is trying out a combination approach. It uses two methods that involve gently stimulating the brain: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). These aren't like electric shock therapy; they use magnetic fields or very mild electrical currents, respectively, to encourage brain activity in areas linked to mood. On top of that, participants might also receive a medication called Cycloserine. The main goal is to see if this combined treatment can significantly reduce depression symptoms over a six-week period after the treatment.

Researchers will be looking very closely at how much people's depression symptoms improve. They will use special questionnaires to measure changes in mood, anxiety, and general well-being. They will also check for any side effects and how participants are doing six months later. This is an early stage of research, like a test run, to see if this combination treatment is safe and shows enough promise to be studied further in bigger trials. The hope is that this research could lead to new and more effective ways to help people living with depression feel better.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new combined treatment for major depression.
It uses two types of gentle brain stimulation (TMS and tDCS) plus a medication (Cycloserine).
The main goal is to see how much depression symptoms improve over six weeks.
It's an early-stage study to find better ways to help people with depression.
Participation involves regular check-ups and questionnaires over several months.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over, of any gender, who have been diagnosed with major depression. To be considered, you would need to meet certain health requirements that the study doctors will check carefully. Only those with a formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder are able to join.

There might be other reasons why someone couldn't join, for example, if they have certain other medical conditions or are taking specific medications. The research team will discuss all these details with you to make sure the study is a safe and suitable option for your unique health situation. They will ensure it's the right fit for both your safety and the study's scientific goals.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
Are you able to commit to regular study appointments?
Are you generally in good enough health to participate in a research study?
Are you comfortable with the possibility of receiving a dummy treatment (placebo)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first have a full check-up to make sure it's right for you. The study involves receiving a combination of brain stimulation treatments (TMS and tDCS) and possibly a medication called Cycloserine. You might be given a dummy treatment (placebo) instead of the active treatment or medication, which helps researchers understand if the active treatment is truly working.

During and after the treatment period, you would attend regular appointments. At these visits, you'd complete questionnaires to assess your mood, anxiety levels, and general well-being. You might also have some tests to check your thinking skills. These assessments would happen weekly for about six weeks after your treatment finishes. There would also be a follow-up assessment six months later to see how you're doing in the longer term. The research team will explain the full schedule of visits and what each involves, including how long each session might take.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. While there's no guarantee this treatment will directly help your depression, you'll be monitored closely by medical professionals and could contribute to finding new ways to treat depression for future patients. Potential risks could include mild side effects from the brain stimulation, such as scalp discomfort or headaches, or side effects from the medication. The researchers will explain all known side effects and monitor you carefully. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

—
Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What is TMS and tDCS?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses magnetic pulses, and tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) uses a very mild electrical current, both applied to specific parts of the head to gently encourage brain cells to be more active, potentially improving mood.

What is Cycloserine?

Cycloserine is a medication that may help the brain learn new things or change its responses, and in this study, it's being explored to see if it can boost the effects of brain stimulation for depression.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or a dummy treatment?

No, you won't know, and often the study team won't know either. This is called 'blinding' and it's a standard and important part of research to make sure the results are fair and accurate.

How long will the study last for me?

Your active participation will involve treatments and weekly check-ups for about six weeks after treatment, plus a final follow-up around six months later.

What kind of questionnaires will I fill out?

You'll fill out surveys about your mood (like how you're feeling and your interest in things), anxiety levels, and how your overall quality of life is.