Help us treat depression. We are looking for volunteers for a study on the effectiveness of a new way of applying transcranial magnetic stimulation

Are you struggling with depression? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) may be just the thing to help you. It is a non-invasive technique that appears to be a potentially suitable tool for treating depressive disorder in its various forms. We are currently seeking volunteers for a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of this new treatment modality.

Repetitive transcranial stimulation of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC-rTMS) is a neurostimulation method consisting of the application of a magnetic field to a specific area of the cerebral cortex, which, according to current scientific knowledge, can lead to an impact on brain function and alleviate depressive disorders. Currently, new forms of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the frontal, or frontal, lobes of the brain are beginning to be used in psychiatry. When this method is applied, deeper brain structures are affected, as opposed to conventional TMS, and, in connection with this, mood disorders are more significantly affected.  

In this study, we compare the efficacy and tolerability of three methods of treating depressive disorder:

1. antidepressants in combination with the usual type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS),
2. antidepressants with a new type of rTMS (dmPFC-rTMS),
3. antidepressants combined with inactive (placebo stimulation) in patients who have not responded satisfactorily to previous antidepressant treatment. 

Magnetic stimulation is performed via an electromagnetic coil attached to a predetermined part of the head. The actual stimulation is accompanied by sound effects in the form of clicking and tapping and sensations of muscle contractions at the site of application. A single application takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

 

  • Participant profile: women and men aged 18 - 70, right-handed, for whom current treatment is not working
  • Research location: NUDZ, Topolová 748, Klecany
  • Duration of the study: 6 weeks in total. Stimulation of 20 - 30 minutes takes place every weekday during the first four weeks (20 applications in total).
     

Warning:

The study is designed for both outpatients and inpatients. Participation in the study is not suitable for patients who have suffered from other psychiatric illnesses in the last 6 months, including alcohol or other substance dependence, severe head trauma, metallic material in the head, or electroconvulsive therapy (electroshock) in the 3 months prior to the study. 

 

If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact us:

  • Assoc. MUDr. Martin Bareš, Ph.D. - martin.bares@nudz.cz, tel. 283 088 312
  • MUDr. Martin Hejzlar - martin.hejzlar@nudz.cz, tel. 283 088 314
  • doc. MUDr. Monika Klírová, Ph.D. - monika.klirova@nudz.cz, tel. 283 088 146
  • MUDr. Jiří Renka - jiri.renka@nudz.cz, tel. 283 088 142