Posted on November 2, 2019
This is a study by CAMH, the leading mental health research hospital in Canada. Learn more about what's involved in participating in a study at CAMH Research Connect.
CAMH's Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention is combining theta burst brain stimulation with brain training in hopes of improving outcomes for young people with hard-to-treat depression in what is thought to be the first study of its kind - and young people 16 to 24 may be eligible.
Research has already shown this brief form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) works in adults with treatment-resistant depression. Temerty researchers hope to adapt that success to young people through the rTMS & Cognitive Training for Treating Youth Depression study.
The study includes a cognitive training piece in the hopes of capitalizing on rTMS-induced brain plasticity to boost thinking and planning functions in depressed youth.
The study builds on the success of a CAMH co-led study published recently in The Lancet, the largest study of its kind. The study demonstrated this brief brain stimulation is just as effective as standard rTMS for hard-to-treat depression in adults. Theta burst treatments are just seven minutes long, compared to 37. 5 minutes for traditional rTMS treatments.
In this study, young people will be evaluated at the start and finish of their participation, and treatments are five days a week for four weeks. Cognitive training is delivered via iPad. Dr. Jeff Daskalakis, Co Director of the Temerty Centre, is Principal Investigator of the study.
The combination of the brain stimulation and brain training is a new approach in young people and it's hoped the study leads to a new alternative to psychotherapy and medications for young people with depression.
To learn more or ask about joining our study, call us at 416-535-8501 ext. 30214.
You can also find our study details here.