RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT04099056

Brain Stimulation and Decision-making

Brain Stimulation Studies of Decision-making Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Temporal Interference (TI)

Sponsor

Emory University

Enrollment

500 participants

Start Date

Nov 11, 2019

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression

Summary

Decision-making is an important process that is frequently shown to be impaired in patients with depression. While a number of preclinical and clinical studies have identified key regions involved in this process, it remains unclear exactly how these regions are influencing choice behavior especially when choices become more challenging. The goal of this project is to understand how these regions, such as the cingulate cortex, impact difficult choice behavior. Specifically, the researchers are interested in learning how disruptions in cognitive control might impact choice preferences during difficult decisions in depressed patients. To do this, this study will recruit participants with depression (as well as healthy controls) to perform game-like tasks in the laboratory while undergoing TMS or TI.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 50 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study uses brain scans (fMRI) and a type of non-invasive brain stimulation (called TMS — transcranial magnetic stimulation) to understand how the brain makes decisions. Researchers want to learn more about decision-making in healthy people and those with major depression to potentially improve treatments. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a fluent English speaker - You are right-handed - You have no history of drug use - You are willing to undergo brain scanning and brain stimulation **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You have metal implants in your body (pacemaker, brain stimulators, metal in head/neck) - You have claustrophobia or cannot fit in the MRI scanner - You have a personal or family history of epilepsy - You are currently taking medications that affect seizure risk or reduce brain stimulation effects - You have a significant medical illness or history of head injury with loss of consciousness - You use tobacco products or have a history of cocaine or stimulant use Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICENeurostimulation

Participants will be seated comfortably in a chair and asked to complete simple computer tasks. Participants will receive neurostimulation in the form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Temporal Interference (TI). TMS: Either during, or just before any of the tasks, participants will receive either repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or single pulse TMS. During this, the researchers place a small plastic coil next to the participant's head. The coil will then generate a magnetic pulse, and stimulation will occur during presentation of the visual stimuli on which subjects will conduct behavioral or cognitive tasks. TI: Either during, or just before, any of the above tasks, participants will receive stimulation with TI. To do so, commercially available gel-based electrodes will be placed on the scalp to target the relevant brain region. The position targeted by the electrodes will be guided by previously defined coordinates.