Decoding and Modulating Affective Brain States

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania

About this trial

The research study is being conducted to study brain patterns of negative emotion and develop personalized brain stimulation protocols to disrupt these patterns with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). First, the investigators will use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data to generate a negative affect map for each participant. Then, the investigators will apply a variety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sequences while the participant is inside the MRI scanner to determine the optimal and least optimal rTMS frequencies at changing negative affect brain states. Finally, these two frequencies will be tested over two 3-day rTMS neuromodulation sessions to assess whether they can reduce negative emotions.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

18-65 years old

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 score) = or > than 10

Comprehension of instructions in the English language.

Capacity to provide informed consent and follow study procedures.

Disqualifiers

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder (as PI discretion), schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder

Recent use of psychoactive medications or substances as determined by investigators

History of neurological disorder or traumatic brain injury (other than mild)

Unable to have an MRI scan, or current or prior medical condition that could interfere with the collection or interpretation of MRI data

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Treatment groups

40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators