Accelerated Neuromodulation of Anterior Cingulate Cortex for Depression

Participation Requirements

• Sex:

  ALL

• Eligible Ages:

  60 to 85

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* are between 60- 85 years old (on the day of randomization)
* have been diagnosed with DSM5 Major Depressive Disorder, with the current episode longer than 4 weeks but less than 5 years
* did not respond to/did not tolerate, or failed to achieve remission with at least one antidepressant trial of 8 week minimum duration
* are willing to provide informed consent
* are able to follow the treatment schedule
* are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications)
* have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS

Exclusion Criteria:

* have a metal plate in your head (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips). Dental devices and implants that are non-magnetic are safe
* have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures
* have a cardiac pacemaker
* have an implanted medication pump
* have a central venous line
* have a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia
* have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months
* have a history of stroke or other brain lesions
* have a personal history of epilepsy
* have a family history of epilepsy
* are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman
* have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain
* have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism
* have unstable medical condition(s)
* have any other known contraindications to TMS
* are on unstable doses of any psychotropic medication such as - antidepressants, antipsychotic, mood stabilizers or memory enhancing medications
* require daily doses of benzodiazepines or hypnotics within two weeks of randomization