Treatment of Depression Post-SCI
Treatment of Depression Post-SCI: Retrospective Analysis and Feasibility Trial
Who can join
As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.
- Age
- 18 Years to 70 Years
- Sex
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Compensation
- Not stated
Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.
What to expect
No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.
What participation involves
- Time periods mentioned: 4 weeks
Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.
Show the study's own words
- "Participants will be treated using rTMS five days a week for four weeks."
- Compensation
- Not stated
- Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
- Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
- Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
- Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.
About this study
Depression is more common after a spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Unfortunately, it is unknown how depression is typically treated in individuals with SCI or if commonly used treatment methods are effective. This study will investigate the safety and impact of a novel method for treating depression called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. Fourteen individuals with a cervical or thoracic level SCI and depression will complete an approved treatment plan using rTMS. Participants will be treated using rTMS five days a week for four weeks. After four weeks of treatment, the study team will review the safety of rTMS and assess changes in depressive symptoms. If the results are positive, larger studies can be designed to develop better treatment options for individuals with SCI and depression.
Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.
Eligibility
Official eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Age 18 - 70; 2. At least 6 months post incomplete cervical or incomplete or complete thoracic level SCI; 3. Have at least partial active movement of the right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis) to allow for FDA approved rTMS dosing; 4. Major depressive disorder, as identified through screening tools; 5. No antidepressant medications or no change in doses of psychotropic medication(s) for at least 4 weeks prior to the study (6 weeks if newly initiated medication). Exclusion criteria: 1. Concomitant neurologic diseases/disorders or dementia; 2. Cognitive impairment, as identified through a screening tool (Montreal Cognitive Assessment); 3. History of major head trauma as identified through a screening tool (Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method); 4. History of psychosis or other Axis I disorder that is primary; 5. Positive screen for bipolar disorder, as identified through a screening tool (The Mood Disorder Questionnaire); 6. Life expectancy \<1 year; 7. Attempt of suicide in the last 2 years; 8. Electronic or metallic implants (i.e. metal in the head, cochlear implant, or pacemaker); 9. History of seizures or currently prescribed anti-seizure medications; 10. Taking medication that increases the risk of seizures; 11. Pregnancy as identified through a positive pregnancy test; 12. Inability or unwillingness of subject or legal guardian/representative to give informed consent.
Study sites (1)
SC
- Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, SC 29425Catherine VanDerwerker, DPT, PhD · Study contactMore trials in Charleston