Mechanisms Of Orbitofrontal Stimulation in Depression

Summary

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a region involved in emotional regulation, decision making, and reward processing, is a key area linked to antidepressant response. This study tests whether noninvasive stimulation of the OFC using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve depressive symptoms. TMS uses magnetic fields generated by a coil placed next to the scalp to alter brain activity.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Must be able to read, speak and understand English * DSM-5 diagnosis of major depressive disorder, experiencing a moderate to severe depressive episode (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score greater than or equal to 17 points) * Must be judged by study staff

Locations