Effects of Low-intensity Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Major Depressive Disorder, and on 5-hydroxyindoleacetic Acid and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Low-intensity TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Placebo. Basic parameters: 18 years — 60 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Mexico
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
The goal of this randomised clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on major depressive disorder (MDD) and on the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). TMS works to treat MDD by using low-intensity magnetic fields to modulate certain areas of the brain, activating them which can help improve the mood of those suffering from the disorder. Final metabolites of serotonin such as 5-HIAA and growth factors such as BDNF will also be studied before starting the intervention and at the end to check if there is a significant change in their concentration. Likewise, its safety will be evaluated by monitoring the symptoms that they present at the end of the intervention and one month later. The main questions that are intended to be answered are: * Does low-intensity TMS reduce depressive symptoms in patients with MDD? * Does low-intensity TMS significantly change the initial and final concentrations of 5-HIAA and BDNF? * What adverse effects might patients who are exposed to low-intensity TMS experience? The researchers will compare low-intensity and accelerated TMS with sham TMS to see if low-intensity TMS works to treat MDD. Participants: * Will undergo an initial clinical assessment to confirm the disorder, comorbidities, and general health status. * A 5 mL blood sample will be taken before starting the intervention. * Low-intensity TMS will be applied for 4 days, 5 daily sessions of 200 s with 10-minute intersession intervals at a field intensity of 2-4 milliTesla (mT) and frequency of 50 Hz in theta bursts. Symptoms will be monitored daily. * A 5 mL blood sample will be taken at the end of the intervention and general health status clinimetrics will be reapplied.
Interventions
- Device Low-intensity TMS
Low-intensity TMS will be applied for 4 days, 5 daily sessions of 200 s with 10-minute intersession intervals at a field intensity of 2-4 mT and frequency of 50 Hz in theta bursts. - Device Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham
The control group will receive the simulation of low-intensity TMS without magnetic field induction.
Primary outcome measures
- Improvement in symptoms of depression [Time frame: From admission until the end of the 4 days of intervention and one month after the end of the intervention]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Changes in serum concentrations of 5-HIAA and BDNF [Time frame: From admission until the end of the 4 days of intervention.]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 18 and 60 years.
- Both sexes.
- Those who have a diagnosis of MDD previously made by the treating psychiatrist (considering time since diagnosis and recurrence of episodes).
- Those who continue with their respective treatment and attend follow-up consultations at the health facility.
- Those who do not have a history of epilepsy, schizophrenia, neurosurgeries.
- Those who do not have metal plates anywhere in the skull, neck, chest and shoulder.
- Those who do not use pacemakers.
- Those who do not take hormone substitutes.
- Those who agree to participate in the research.
Exclusion criteria
- Those who are pregnant.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Mexico · 1 center
- High Specialty Medical Unit No. 1, Bajío. Mexican Social Security Institute — León
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06667180 · CEPIUG-P35-2023 · R-2024-785-001