Using TMS to Understand Neural Processes of Social Motivation

Auburn University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder; Social Avoidant Behavior; Social Anxiety Disorder

Treatments: Device: TMS

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06274112

1K23MH135222

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to better understand the neural circuits associated with social motivation.

Participant includes four study visits each that range from 1.5 - 3.0 hours in duration over approximately a one month period. The first study visit involves answering survey questions, a clinical interview, and computer tasks. The second study visit involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computer tasks, and a brief TMS protocol. The second and third study visits involve a full session of TMS followed by an MRI scan and computer tasks.

Adults in the Auburn/Apelika area who avoid social situations, experience symptoms of depression or social anxiety, and are between 25 years old and 50 years old are eligible to participate.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder OR a diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder (assessed/confirmed at screening visit).
• Scoring above clinical threshold on a measure of social avoidant behavior (assessed/confirmed at screening visit).

Exclusion criteria

• Unstable medication regimen (i.e., changes in medication or dosage in past 3 months).
• Current or lifetime diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
• A diagnosis of substance use disorder within past 12 months.
• A diagnosis of psychotic-spectrum disorder such as Schizophrenia.
• Pregnancy or probable pregnancy.
• Medical illness or medical treatment that would preclude or inhibit study participation.
• Neurological disorder or prior neurosurgical procedure.
• History of seizures or head trauma.
• Metal implants or objects within body (e.g., pacemaker).

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

TMS A

Experimental group

Description:

Active continuous thetaburst stimulation administered over right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 40 seconds (600 pulses total)

Treatment:

Device: TMS

TMS B

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Sham continuous thetaburst stimulation administered over right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 40 seconds (600 pulses total)

Treatment:

Device: TMS