Fast Facts
Experiencing Depression
No Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis
Compensation Provided
Conducted
in San Diego, CA
Study Background
UC San Diego researchers are exploring a new treatment that pairs mindfulness training with brain stimulation (TMS) to support individuals with depression who haven’t responded to medication in the past.
This study explores Medi-TBS, a new treatment combining digital mindfulness training with brain stimulation (TBS), an FDA-approved depression therapy. Researchers at UC San Diego are testing it on people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who haven’t improved with medications. Participants will undergo interviews, brain imaging, and cognitive tests before being assigned to one of three mindfulness training groups, all receiving TMS therapy. The study involves 20 sessions over 4-7 weeks, and participants who complete it will receive $300.
The goal is to evaluate how Medi-TBS impacts brain activity, cognitive function, and depression symptoms. Researchers hope this approach will improve treatments and provide insights into the biology of depression.
Join our compensated study today and contribute to valuable depression research!
Study Background
This study explores Medi-TBS, a new treatment combining digital mindfulness training with brain stimulation (TBS), an FDA-approved depression therapy. Researchers at UC San Diego are testing it on people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who haven’t improved with medications. Participants will undergo interviews, brain imaging, and cognitive tests before being assigned to one of three mindfulness training groups, all receiving TMS therapy. The study involves 20 sessions over 4-7 weeks, and participants who complete it will receive $300.
The goal is to evaluate how Medi-TBS impacts brain activity, cognitive function, and depression symptoms. Researchers hope this approach will improve treatments and provide insights into the biology of depression.
Join our compensated study today and contribute to valuable depression research!
Additional Information
This study is being done to test a new treatment, Medi-TBS, which combines mindfulness training with brain stimulation to help people with treatment-resistant depression who haven’t improved with medications. Researchers aim to understand how this approach affects brain activity, cognitive function, and depression symptoms, with the goal of improving future treatments.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Experiencing depression (moderate to severe)
- Tried antidepressant medications in the past without success
- Able to participate in up to 24 study visits including 20 TMS treatment sessions at UC San Diego
- If taking antidepressant medications, have been on a stable dose for the past 4 weeks
- Avle to undero an MRI (no non-removable metal or severe claustrophobia)
- Ages 18-65
- Identify as Hispanic/Latino
- Identify as a person of color (POC)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Bipolar Disorder or psychosis
- History of neurological or seizure disorders
- Currently pregnant
If you participate in this study, here’s what you can expect:
- Screening (Visit 1): This virtual visit takes about 2 hours via UCSD Health Zoom. You’ll review and sign the consent form, complete questionnaires, and have an interview with a research coordinator. The study doctor will check your medical, psychiatric, and medication history to determine if you’re eligible for the study.
Pre-Treatment Imaging (Visit 2): At UC San Diego’s MRI center, you’ll undergo a 30-minute to 1-hour brain scan. If you have a recent MRI from another UCSD study, you can skip this step. You’ll also have a COVID-19 safety screen and, if applicable, a pregnancy test.
Pre-Treatment Assessments (Visit 3): This 2-hour in-person visit at UCSD’s School of Medicine includes completing symptom questionnaires, cognitive assessments, and EEG to measure brain activity. A TMS session will determine your Resting Motor Threshold (RMT). Visits 2 and 3 can also be combined.
Treatment (4-7 weeks, Visits 4-23): Over 4-7 weeks, you’ll receive 20 sessions of standard TMS treatment (3-4 minutes per session), followed by 20 minutes of digital mindfulness training. You’ll visit 3-5 times per week and complete weekly depression and anxiety symptom assessments, as well as report any medication changes.
Post-Treatment Assessments (Visit 24): This visit, similar to the pre-treatment assessments, is in-person at UCSD School of Medicine. You’ll undergo clinical symptom assessments, cognitive tests, and EEG.
Four-Week Follow-Up (Visit 25): About 4 weeks after treatment, you’ll have a final virtual assessment via UCSD Health Zoom. This will include clinical symptom assessments and updates on your medications.
You can earn a total of $300 in compensation as an Amazon gift card for study completion.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.