Testing magnetic brain stimulation for young people with hard-to-treat depression

Plain-English translation of NCT07140575 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for young people whose depression hasn't responded to standard treatments like therapy or antidepressant medications. Instead of coming to a clinic five days a week for weeks, you'd receive the treatment twice daily while staying in the hospital, where you'd also continue your schooling and other support. The magnetic stimulation is designed to help improve mood by gently activating a specific area of your brain.

One in three young people with depression don't get better with medication or therapy alone, and existing rTMS treatment requires frequent clinic visits that are hard to fit into school and family life. This study is exploring whether providing this treatment in a hospital setting with twice-daily sessions could make it faster, easier to access, and better suited to young people's needs.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 14 and 19 years old
you have been diagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder and are currently in a depressed episode
your depression has lasted at least 4 weeks
you have tried at least one antidepressant medication or therapy without getting better
your depression is moderate to severe (based on a clinical rating scale)
you are already staying in a hospital or are willing to stay in one for treatment

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, severe eating disorder, or have used drugs or alcohol (other than nicotine or caffeine) in the past year
you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, or are taking medications that increase seizure risk
you are pregnant or nursing
you have experienced severe headaches in the past year
you are currently experiencing psychosis or mania

What participation looks like

You would be admitted to the hospital for a stay lasting several weeks. During your stay, you would receive the magnetic brain stimulation treatment twice each day (rather than once daily at a clinic). Between treatments, you would participate in regular schooling on the hospital unit and receive other therapeutic support from the care team. The study is designed to understand whether this faster, hospital-based approach is practical and works well for young people like you.

Testing magnetic brain stimulation for young people with hard-to-treat depression

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)