Optimised Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (OptiTMS) trial for the treatment of depression investigates whether personalised brain stimulation targeting can improve outcomes for people with major depressive disorder.
Traditional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) stimulates a standard location in the brain’s dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). While many patients benefit, others experience little improvement.
The OptiTMS study is based on a simple but powerful idea that no two brains are wired exactly the same. Using a method, known as neuronavigation, the research team uses a brain MRI scan to map the brain in 3D and ensure precise targeting of the DLPFC. This more advanced method allows for a more accurate and individualised approach, accounting for differences in brain structure between people and their response to TMS.
The goal is to stimulate the circuit most linked to mood regulation, thus increasing the likelihood of clinical response.
Anticipated enrolment close date: May 2029
Who can take part
This trial might be right for you if you:
- Are 18 – 65 years old
- Currently have a diagnosis of major depressive episode
- Are able to provide written informed consent (including adequate intellectual capacity and fluency in the English language)
- Do not have contraindications to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Do not have a psychotic or substance use disorder
Please note that other eligibility criteria also apply.
To check your eligibility, please contact the team by email: tms-clinical-trial@unimelb.edu.au
What's involved
Participants undergo:
- Brain imaging (MRI) to map functional connectivity
- Personalised TMS targeting based on their brain networks
- A course of therapeutic stimulation sessions (20 treatments over 4 weeks)
- Clinical and cognitive assessments
- Blood tests (optional)
Ethics
All research in Australia involving human participants is reviewed by an independent group called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The ethical aspects of this research study have been approved by the Royal Melbourne Hospital HREC.
This study is being carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement protects the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.