Depression & Fibromyalgia Research Study
Researchers at UCLA are conducting a study in adults with depression and fibromyalgia to better understand chronic pain and how it can be treated.
Fast Facts
Adults diagnosed with depression and fibromyalgia, experiencing pain for 3+ months, with no diagnosed neurological conditions
15-75
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Westowood, UCLA Campus
Study Background
Researchers at UCLA are conducting studies in adults with depression and fibromyalgia to understand chronic pain, how it develops, and how it can be treated.
Depression and chronic pain from fibromyalgia can have a profound impact on daily life, including mood, motivation, energy, and the ability to enjoy activities. This study aims to better understand how treatments like repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) may help improve symptoms for individuals whose depression or pain has not responded to traditional therapies.
We will explore the brain mechanisms that contribute to depression and fibromyalgia, including how pain and mood are connected, and how the brain’s activity may change with treatment. Participants will receive carefully monitored treatments, assessments, and evaluations designed to improve our understanding of these conditions.
The ultimate goal is to identify more effective ways to reduce pain, enhance mood, and improve overall quality of life. Insights from this research could lead to better treatments for people living with both depression and fibromyalgia.
Study Background
Researchers at UCLA are conducting studies in adults with depression and fibromyalgia to understand chronic pain, how it develops, and how it can be treated.
Depression and chronic pain from fibromyalgia can have a profound impact on daily life, including mood, motivation, energy, and the ability to enjoy activities. This study aims to better understand how treatments like repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) may help improve symptoms for individuals whose depression or pain has not responded to traditional therapies.
We will explore the brain mechanisms that contribute to depression and fibromyalgia, including how pain and mood are connected, and how the brain’s activity may change with treatment. Participants will receive carefully monitored treatments, assessments, and evaluations designed to improve our understanding of these conditions.
The ultimate goal is to identify more effective ways to reduce pain, enhance mood, and improve overall quality of life. Insights from this research could lead to better treatments for people living with both depression and fibromyalgia.
Additional Information
In this study, we are exploring how depression and fibromyalgia affect the brain, mood, and daily functioning in adults. We aim to better understand the brain mechanisms behind symptoms like chronic pain, low motivation, and low mood. Using treatments like rTMS, we hope to see whether these symptoms can be improved. Our ultimate goal is to develop more effective ways to reduce pain, enhance mood, and improve overall quality of life for people living with these conditions.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults diagnosed with depression and fibromyalgia
- Have been experiencing pain due to fibromyalgia for 3+ months
- No neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury)
- Fluent in English
- Not currently pregnant
- No metal objects in your body that would prevent you from receiving an MRI (e.g., implants, pacemakers)
- Have not received transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before
- Willing to travel to the UCLA Westwood campus for daily study visits for 6 weeks
- Live within 30 mi of the UCLA Westwood campus
The entire study lasts about 6–7 weeks, including follow-up assessments. Once enrolled, the study involves:
In the lab:
Daily visits Monday–Friday for 6 weeks (30 sessions total) to receive repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).
Two MRI scans to measure brain activity.
Two blood draws to measure biological markers related to depression and pain.
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) recordings to assess brain electrical activity.
Motor threshold measurement to personalize the rTMS treatment.
Weekly questionnaires about your mood, depression, and pain symptoms.
Visit details:
First visit (4–5 hours): MRI, blood draw, urine test, pregnancy test (if applicable), qEEG, motor threshold measurement, first rTMS session, and symptom assessments.
Subsequent visits (about 30 minutes each): Daily rTMS treatments with weekly symptom surveys.
Final visit (up to 4 hours): MRI, blood draw, qEEG, final rTMS session, pregnancy test (if applicable), and final assessments.
Follow-up assessments: 1, 3, and 6 months after your last visit to track symptoms.
All treatments are delivered using an FDA-cleared device, and participation may help researchers learn more about how rTMS can improve pain and depression.
As a participant, you may receive up to $150.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.