Depression - Major Depressive DisorderNCT07892287
Effect of Neurofeedback and TMS
A study testing Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback in people with Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, run by Massachusetts General Hospital.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to is to learn whether adding EEG neurofeedback (NFB) to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is safe and feasible for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Jan 2027to Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Be between 18 and 65 years old.
- Have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), confirmed using standard diagnostic criteria.
- Have normal hearing and normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
Who cannot join
- Have ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, psychosis, autism spectrum disorder, or another neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Current major depressive episode with suicidal thoughts.
- Have ever had a seizure or been diagnosed with epilepsy.
- Have had a significant head injury that resulted in prolonged loss of consciousness, ongoing neurological problems, or a known structural brain abnormality.
- Are currently intoxicated, experiencing substance withdrawal, or have an unstable pattern of substance use that could make participation unsafe or interfere with the study procedures.
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Pilot Study of Synergistic Effects of rTMS and Neurofeedback in Major Depressive Disorder
The goal of this clinical trial is to is to learn whether adding EEG neurofeedback (NFB) to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is safe and feasible for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study will also explore whether combining NFB with TMS may improve depression symptoms and change brain activity related to mood, focus, and rumination. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Is alpha-down neurofeedback safe, tolerable, and feasible for people with MDD?
- Does alpha-down neurofeedback improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and difficulties with attention, emotion regulation, and rumination?
- Does combining neurofeedback with TMS produce greater changes in symptoms than either treatment alone?
Read more
Researchers will compare 3 groups (TMS only, neurofeedback only, and TMS combined with neurofeedback) to see if combining neurofeedback with TMS will produce greater changes in symptoms than either treatment alone.
Participants will:
- Complete assessments of depression severity, anxiety, and cognitive function.
- Complete 5 treatment sessions Monday through Friday.
- Receive alpha-down neurofeedback, TMS, or both, depending on their group assignment.
- Complete EEG recordings of brain activity before and after treatment.
- Complete a questionnaire about their experience in the study.
- Conditions
- Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
- Being tested
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback
- Keywords
- Neurofeedback, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Depression, Treatment-Resistant Depression, Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
- Medical subject headings
- Depression, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationDevice
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) will be delivered using a MagVenture device targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). TMS is delivered through magnetic pulses which induce electrical currents in the brain. TMS will be administered once a day, for 5 consecutive days.
Alpha-down EEG NeurofeedbackDevice
Alpha-down EEG neurofeedback (NFB) will be administered using EEGer 4.4.0 software with electrodes placed at Pz, A1, and A2. Participants will receive visual feedback while training to downregulate alpha-band EEG activity (8-12 Hz). Neurofeedback training will be administered once a day, for 5 consecutive days.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| TMS Only | Active comparator | Participants will receive treatment-as-usual repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for five consecutive weekdays (Monday through Friday). No study neurofeedback intervention will be provided in this arm. Receives: Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation |
| Neurofeedback and TMS | Experimental | Participants will receive standard of care rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), administered daily (Monday through Friday) for five sessions. Neurofeedback training will also be conducted daily for five sessions during the same week. Each neurofeedback session will occur 30 minutes following the rTMS session and will last approximately 20 minutes. Neurofeedback will target downregulation of the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz) using EEG electrodes at Pz, A1, and A2. Receives: Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Device: Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback |
| Neurofeedback only | Experimental | Participants will receive five consecutive weekday sessions of alpha-down EEG neurofeedback (Monday through Friday), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. Neurofeedback will target downregulation of the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz) using EEG electrodes at Pz, A1, and A2. No rTMS will be administered as part of the study intervention in this arm. Receives: Device: Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Feasibility and Tolerability of NFB and rTMS Interventions
The primary outcome measure will be measured through session completion rates, adverse event frequency, and participant satisfaction.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Secondary outcomes (6)
Change in Depression Symptom Severity as Measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
Changes in depressive symptom severity will be assessed by comparing baseline and post-treatment scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The HAM-D measures the severity of depression based on observations made by trained personnel during a clinical interview. Scores range from 0 to 52, with higher scores representing greater depression symptom severity.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Changes in Rumination
Changes in rumination will be assessed by comparing baseline and post-treatment scores of the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS). The Ruminative Responses Scale measures an individual's tendency to repetitively think about negative emotions and engage in self-critical thinking. Scores range from 22 to 88, with higher scores indicating greater levels of rumination.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Change in Emotion Regulation
Changes in emotional regulation will be assessed through the baseline and post-treatment scores of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire measures cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Scores range from 10 to 70, with higher scores indicating frequent application of emotion regulation strategies.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Changes in Attentional Control
Changes in attentional control will be measured through comparing baseline and post-treatment Emotional Stroop task scores. Emotional Stroop measures attentional bias towards emotional stimuli.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Changes in Alpha-Band EEG Power and Connectivity
Alpha-band EEG activity will be assessed during EEG recordings. Changes in 8-12 Hz alpha-band power and connectivity from baseline to post-treatment will be measured as neurophysiological change.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Change in Depression Symptom Severity as Measured by the Beck Depression Inventory
Changes in depression symptom severity will be assessed by comparing baseline and post-treatment Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. The Beck Depression Inventory is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater depression symptom severity.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Oct 2026
- Study startJan 2027 (estimated)
- Primary completionJan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionJan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (32)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Depression - Major Depressive DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Massachusetts General HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Tracy Barbour, Massachusetts General Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07892287
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026P000527
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Nicholson AA, Ros T, Densmore M, Frewen PA, Neufeld RWJ, Theberge J, Jetly R, Lanius RA. A randomized, controlled trial of alpha-rhythm EEG neurofeedback in posttraumatic stress disorder: A preliminary investigation showing evidence of decreased PTSD symptoms and restored default mode and salience network connectivity using fMRI. Neuroimage Clin. 2020;28:102490. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102490. Epub 2020 Nov 5.
PubMed 33395981Nicholson AA, Densmore M, Frewen PA, Neufeld RWJ, Theberge J, Jetly R, Lanius RA, Ros T. Homeostatic normalization of alpha brain rhythms within the default-mode network and reduced symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder following a randomized controlled trial of electroencephalogram neurofeedback. Brain Commun. 2023 Mar 16;5(2):fcad068. doi: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad068. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 37065092Noda Y, Nakamura M, Saeki T, Inoue M, Iwanari H, Kasai K. Potentiation of quantitative electroencephalograms following prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with major depression. Neurosci Res. 2013 Sep-Oct;77(1-2):70-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2013.06.002. Epub 2013 Jul 1.
PubMed 23827366Mantini D, Perrucci MG, Del Gratta C, Romani GL, Corbetta M. Electrophysiological signatures of resting state networks in the human brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Aug 7;104(32):13170-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0700668104. Epub 2007 Aug 1.
PubMed 17670949Murphy OW, Hoy KE, Wong D, Bailey NW, Fitzgerald PB, Segrave RA. Individuals with depression display abnormal modulation of neural oscillatory activity during working memory encoding and maintenance. Biol Psychol. 2019 Nov;148:107766. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107766. Epub 2019 Sep 8.
PubMed 31509766Leuchter AF, Cook IA, Jin Y, Phillips B. The relationship between brain oscillatory activity and therapeutic effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Front Hum Neurosci. 2013 Feb 26;7:37. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00037. eCollection 2013.
PubMed 23550274Kazemi R, Rostami R, Nasiri Z, Hadipour AL, Kiaee N, Coetzee JP, Philips A, Brown R, Seenivasan S, Adamson MM. Electrophysiological and behavioral effects of unilateral and bilateral rTMS; A randomized clinical trial on rumination and depression. J Affect Disord. 2022 Nov 15;317:360-372. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.098. Epub 2022 Aug 30.
PubMed 36055535Godfrey KEM, Muthukumaraswamy SD, Stinear CM, Hoeh N. Decreased salience network fMRI functional connectivity following a course of rTMS for treatment-resistant depression. J Affect Disord. 2022 Mar 1;300:235-242. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.129. Epub 2022 Jan 2.
PubMed 34986371Fernandez-Alvarez J, Grassi M, Colombo D, Botella C, Cipresso P, Perna G, Riva G. Efficacy of bio- and neurofeedback for depression: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2022 Jan;52(2):201-216. doi: 10.1017/S0033291721004396. Epub 2021 Nov 15.
PubMed 34776024Clancy KJ, Andrzejewski JA, Simon J, Ding M, Schmidt NB, Li W. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated with alpha Dysrhythmia across the Visual Cortex and the Default Mode Network. eNeuro. 2020 Jul 31;7(4):ENEURO.0053-20.2020. doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0053-20.2020. Print 2020 Jul/Aug.
PubMed 32690671Carpenter LL, Janicak PG, Aaronson ST, Boyadjis T, Brock DG, Cook IA, Dunner DL, Lanocha K, Solvason HB, Demitrack MA. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice. Depress Anxiety. 2012 Jul;29(7):587-96. doi: 10.1002/da.21969. Epub 2012 Jun 11.
PubMed 22689344Bonnard M, Chen S, Gaychet J, Carrere M, Woodman M, Giusiano B, Jirsa V. Resting state brain dynamics and its transients: a combined TMS-EEG study. Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 4;6:31220. doi: 10.1038/srep31220.
PubMed 27488504Batail JM, Xiao X, Azeez A, Tischler C, Kratter IH, Bishop JH, Saggar M, Williams NR. Network effects of Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: a randomized, controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry. 2023 Jul 3;13(1):240. doi: 10.1038/s41398-023-02537-9.
PubMed 37400432Arns M, de Ridder S, Strehl U, Breteler M, Coenen A. Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2009 Jul;40(3):180-9. doi: 10.1177/155005940904000311.
PubMed 19715181Alexander ML, Alagapan S, Lugo CE, Mellin JM, Lustenberger C, Rubinow DR, Frohlich F. Double-blind, randomized pilot clinical trial targeting alpha oscillations with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Transl Psychiatry. 2019 Mar 5;9(1):106. doi: 10.1038/s41398-019-0439-0.
PubMed 30837453
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Pilot Study of Synergistic Effects of rTMS and Neurofeedback in Major Depressive Disorder
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07892287
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2026P000527
- Conditions
- Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
- Keywords
- Neurofeedback, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Depression, Treatment-Resistant Depression, Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Massachusetts General HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to is to learn whether adding EEG neurofeedback (NFB) to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is safe and feasible for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study will also explore whether combining NFB with TMS may improve depression symptoms and change brain activity related to mood, focus, and rumination. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Is alpha-down neurofeedback safe, tolerable, and feasible for people with MDD?
- Does alpha-down neurofeedback improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and difficulties with attention, emotion regulation, and rumination?
- Does combining neurofeedback with TMS produce greater changes in symptoms than either treatment alone?
Researchers will compare 3 groups (TMS only, neurofeedback only, and TMS combined with neurofeedback) to see if combining neurofeedback with TMS will produce greater changes in symptoms than either treatment alone.
Participants will:
- Complete assessments of depression severity, anxiety, and cognitive function.
- Complete 5 treatment sessions Monday through Friday.
- Receive alpha-down neurofeedback, TMS, or both, depending on their group assignment.
- Complete EEG recordings of brain activity before and after treatment.
- Complete a questionnaire about their experience in the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| TMS Only | Active comparator | Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationParticipants will receive treatment-as-usual repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for five consecutive weekdays (Monday through Friday). No study neurofeedback intervention will be provided in this arm. |
| Neurofeedback and TMS | Experimental | Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Device: Alpha-down EEG NeurofeedbackParticipants will receive standard of care rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), administered daily (Monday through Friday) for five sessions. Neurofeedback training will also be conducted daily for five sessions during the same week. Each neurofeedback session will occur 30 minutes following the rTMS session and will last approximately 20 minutes. Neurofeedback will target downregulation of the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz) using EEG electrodes at Pz, A1, and A2. |
| Neurofeedback only | Experimental | Device: Alpha-down EEG NeurofeedbackParticipants will receive five consecutive weekday sessions of alpha-down EEG neurofeedback (Monday through Friday), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. Neurofeedback will target downregulation of the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz) using EEG electrodes at Pz, A1, and A2. No rTMS will be administered as part of the study intervention in this arm. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Be between 18 and 65 years old.
- Have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), confirmed using standard diagnostic criteria.
- Have normal hearing and normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Have ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, psychosis, autism spectrum disorder, or another neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Current major depressive episode with suicidal thoughts.
- Have ever had a seizure or been diagnosed with epilepsy.
- Have had a significant head injury that resulted in prolonged loss of consciousness, ongoing neurological problems, or a known structural brain abnormality.
- Are currently intoxicated, experiencing substance withdrawal, or have an unstable pattern of substance use that could make participation unsafe or interfere with the study procedures.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationRepetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) will be delivered using a MagVenture device targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). TMS is delivered through magnetic pulses which induce electrical currents in the brain. TMS will be administered once a day, for 5 consecutive days. | Device | Neurofeedback and TMS, TMS Only |
| Alpha-down EEG NeurofeedbackAlpha-down EEG neurofeedback (NFB) will be administered using EEGer 4.4.0 software with electrodes placed at Pz, A1, and A2. Participants will receive visual feedback while training to downregulate alpha-band EEG activity (8-12 Hz). Neurofeedback training will be administered once a day, for 5 consecutive days. | Device | Neurofeedback and TMS, Neurofeedback only |
Primary outcome
Feasibility and Tolerability of NFB and rTMS Interventions
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
The primary outcome measure will be measured through session completion rates, adverse event frequency, and participant satisfaction.
6 secondary outcomes
Change in Depression Symptom Severity as Measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Changes in Rumination
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Change in Emotion Regulation
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Changes in Attentional Control
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Changes in Alpha-Band EEG Power and Connectivity
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Change in Depression Symptom Severity as Measured by the Beck Depression Inventory
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33395981Nicholson AA, Ros T, Densmore M, Frewen PA, Neufeld RWJ, Theberge J, Jetly R, Lanius RA. A randomized, controlled trial of alpha-rhythm EEG neurofeedback in posttraumatic stress disorder: A preliminary investigation showing evidence of decreased PTSD symptoms and restored default mode and salience network connectivity using fMRI. Neuroimage Clin. 2020;28:102490. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102490. Epub 2020 Nov 5.
- Background: PubMed 37065092Nicholson AA, Densmore M, Frewen PA, Neufeld RWJ, Theberge J, Jetly R, Lanius RA, Ros T. Homeostatic normalization of alpha brain rhythms within the default-mode network and reduced symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder following a randomized controlled trial of electroencephalogram neurofeedback. Brain Commun. 2023 Mar 16;5(2):fcad068. doi: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad068. eCollection 2023.
- Background: PubMed 23827366Noda Y, Nakamura M, Saeki T, Inoue M, Iwanari H, Kasai K. Potentiation of quantitative electroencephalograms following prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with major depression. Neurosci Res. 2013 Sep-Oct;77(1-2):70-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2013.06.002. Epub 2013 Jul 1.
- Background: PubMed 17670949Mantini D, Perrucci MG, Del Gratta C, Romani GL, Corbetta M. Electrophysiological signatures of resting state networks in the human brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Aug 7;104(32):13170-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0700668104. Epub 2007 Aug 1.
- Background: PubMed 31509766Murphy OW, Hoy KE, Wong D, Bailey NW, Fitzgerald PB, Segrave RA. Individuals with depression display abnormal modulation of neural oscillatory activity during working memory encoding and maintenance. Biol Psychol. 2019 Nov;148:107766. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107766. Epub 2019 Sep 8.
- Background: PubMed 23550274Leuchter AF, Cook IA, Jin Y, Phillips B. The relationship between brain oscillatory activity and therapeutic effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Front Hum Neurosci. 2013 Feb 26;7:37. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00037. eCollection 2013.
- Background: PubMed 36055535Kazemi R, Rostami R, Nasiri Z, Hadipour AL, Kiaee N, Coetzee JP, Philips A, Brown R, Seenivasan S, Adamson MM. Electrophysiological and behavioral effects of unilateral and bilateral rTMS; A randomized clinical trial on rumination and depression. J Affect Disord. 2022 Nov 15;317:360-372. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.098. Epub 2022 Aug 30.
- Background: PubMed 34986371Godfrey KEM, Muthukumaraswamy SD, Stinear CM, Hoeh N. Decreased salience network fMRI functional connectivity following a course of rTMS for treatment-resistant depression. J Affect Disord. 2022 Mar 1;300:235-242. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.129. Epub 2022 Jan 2.
- Background: PubMed 34776024Fernandez-Alvarez J, Grassi M, Colombo D, Botella C, Cipresso P, Perna G, Riva G. Efficacy of bio- and neurofeedback for depression: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2022 Jan;52(2):201-216. doi: 10.1017/S0033291721004396. Epub 2021 Nov 15.
- Background: PubMed 32690671Clancy KJ, Andrzejewski JA, Simon J, Ding M, Schmidt NB, Li W. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated with alpha Dysrhythmia across the Visual Cortex and the Default Mode Network. eNeuro. 2020 Jul 31;7(4):ENEURO.0053-20.2020. doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0053-20.2020. Print 2020 Jul/Aug.
- Background: PubMed 22689344Carpenter LL, Janicak PG, Aaronson ST, Boyadjis T, Brock DG, Cook IA, Dunner DL, Lanocha K, Solvason HB, Demitrack MA. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice. Depress Anxiety. 2012 Jul;29(7):587-96. doi: 10.1002/da.21969. Epub 2012 Jun 11.
- Background: PubMed 27488504Bonnard M, Chen S, Gaychet J, Carrere M, Woodman M, Giusiano B, Jirsa V. Resting state brain dynamics and its transients: a combined TMS-EEG study. Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 4;6:31220. doi: 10.1038/srep31220.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback in people with Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, run by Massachusetts General Hospital.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Tracy Barbour, MD ((617) 726-5340 ext. +1, tbarbour@mgh.harvard.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Feasibility and Tolerability of NFB and rTMS Interventions (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment after 6 days.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07892287, which also lists 32 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Oct 2026.