Skip to content

Transcranial Magnetic Brain STimulation for ANxiety and Depression in youth: Brain STAND project

Anxiety | Depression | Mental Health | Brain | Children

The prevalence of mental health disorders in Canada is increasing, impacting many children and youth. There is a need to increase treatment options for youth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment and investigation of anxiety and depression in youth referred by their doctor.

TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that sends magnetic pulses to a specific brain area. If appropriate, participants will receive 20 sessions of either intermittent theta-burst TMS or repetitive TMS over 4 weeks (Monday-Friday). Participants and their parent/guardian will also be asked to complete a series of tasks and/or questionnaires asking about symptoms, quality of life, and medication use.

null

Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Male, Female, Intersex

  • Eligible Ages:

    6 to 18

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion criteria:
(1) Aged 6-18 years
(2) Referral from a medical professional for consideration of treatment for anxiety or depression as diagnosed by a medical professional (pediatricians, subspecialty pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, child psychologists)
(3) Active anxiety and/or depression symptoms
(4) If actively taking psycho-active prescription medication(s), no changes in medication for at least 3 months prior to entry into the study, with no anticipation of change in the frequency or dose over the duration of the study, unless changes to medication are required for participant safety.
Exclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
(1) Status epilepticus in past 12-months
(2) Presence of disease, medical condition, or physical condition that, in the opinion of the study investigator may compromise, interfere, or limit the participant’s ability to complete the study
(3) Hospitalization for suicide attempt within the past 3 months
(4) TMS-related contraindications, such as implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemaker),
(5) If actively taking prescription medication, no changes in medication for at least 3 months prior to entry into the study, with no anticipated change in the frequency or dose over the duration of the study, unless changes to medication are required for participant safety
(6) Unable to understand instructions in English.

Study Location

University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of Calgary
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: REB25-0288